The Market
Scotland hikes LBTT for second homes in line with SDLT
John Swinney has followed George Osborne's lead, announcing a 3% increase in the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax rate for additional properties in Scotland, such as buy-to-let and second homes.
Wealthy Iranian buyers prepare for a return to prime central London
Estate agents in prime London are expecting an influx of wealthy Iranian buyers next year as sanctions in place since the 70s look set to be lifted.
Agency reports surge in landlords looking to incorporate
Benham & Reeves has reported a wave of landlords approaching the firm about putting their property portfolio into a limited company in the wake of double whammy changes to mortgage relief and stamp duty.
Infography: How house prices have changed since 1995
As you may have noticed, house prices have gone up a bit in the last 20 or so years.
‘Signs of recovery are looking good’ as applicant numbers surge – D&G
London's sales and lettings markets are beginning to look healthier, says Douglas & Gordon, as the firm reports that its sales applicant numbers are 50% up on last year's levels, and that it has seen…
New-build French château becomes ‘the world’s most expensive home’
It's been reported that a monumental château outside Paris has just sold for $301m (about £200m), which would effectively smash the current world record.
Developer hit with record £700k planning fine
The biggest planning fine in history has reportedly been handed down to a private developer after a six-storey block of flats went up in Hoxton without permission.
Has this man just come up with a way to ease the housing crisis?
Despite sitting on a giant war chest of institutional investment, the Build to Rent sector is finding it practically impossible to acquire suitable sites at the moment.
Buy-to-let SDLT surcharge ‘equivalent to 11 months income’ for landlords
The new 3% stamp duty surcharge on second homes and buy-to-lets "would be the equivalent to 11 months income for the average mortgaged landlord" says Countrywide Plc.
Councils rally against Bishopsgate Goodsyard proposals
Tower Hamlets and Hackney have dealt Hammerson and Ballymore's controversial Bishopsgate Goodsyard scheme a hefty one-two by simultaneously rejecting the latest proposals.
(Empty) Miami Beach plot goes for £25m
One of the last undeveloped plots on Miami Beach has just been sold for an incredible $38.5m (£25.3m).
At A Glance: How the micro-markets of London have performed this year
This handy top-line comparison of the capital's key neighbourhoods deserves to be made into some kind of poster.