The Market
2017 has been about off-market deals – TBS
70% of buying agency's country purchases were not available on the open market, up from 50% in 2016...
New money laundering watchdog, with teeth, to launch in January
The Treasury has created a new watchdog to "tighten the UK’s defences against dirty money whilst minimising unnecessary burdens on legitimate business".
Bumper year for Scottish country estates market
20 notable sales recorded in 2017, including the £25m Tulchan...
More PCL markets ‘returning to growth’
Average annual decline continues to slow as increasing numbers of local areas record rising prices
Government bans leasehold sales on ‘nearly all’ new-builds
Reforms to the leasehold system will include setting ground rents on new long leases to zero, and making it easier for leaseholders to buy-out freeholds.
Estate agents should regulated & referral fees should be disclosed – Law Society
"Up-front access to clear information will improve home-buying process", says The Law Society in its response to a consultation by the DCLG.
Rightmove names 2017’s ‘best-performing’ local markets
Where in the UK have homes sold fastest and asking prices risen highest?
Exchange in one day? Yes, it’s possible
Teams from Moore Blatch and Prime Purchase managed to get an £8m deal over the line in a single day last month. Ed Whittington tells us how...
City Hall names & shames rental rogues on new register
An online "Rogue Landlord and Agent Checker" is now live in 10 London boroughs.
School Britannia: Exploring the global appeal of the UK’s ‘gold standard’ schools
80% of Knight Frank's Russia Desk buyers "come to the UK to educate their children".
Devon town dissolves ‘ignored’ planning committee
One council has had enough of not being listened to...
Which UK cities have outperformed in 2017?
Hometrack's latest survey of 20 cities across the UK - representing 35% of the national housing stock by volume and 43% of capital value - has recorded average annual house price inflation of 6.