Policy

Beyond the algorithm-driven echo chambers, prime buyers remain focused on quality and long-term value, report Richard & Sophie Rogerson.

Government says it is 'serious about cutting red tape to get Britain building again,' unveiling new call-in powers & a 'helping hand' for developments mired in legal reviews.

'SDLT certainly should not be increased,' declares an in-depth new report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies, and 'a well-designed tax system would have no place for SDLT at all.'

Late November & December are notoriously tricky trading months - but this year could be different if Rachel Reeves decides to ditch the dreaded SDLT, writes the Glentree boss.

Stamp Duty is 'a bad tax, an un-Conservative tax', says Kemi Badenoch.

Consultations have opened into significant & wide-ranging reforms that promise to 'rewire a chaotic system which has become a barrier to homeownership.'

Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, the property portal's latest sentiment index finds buyers, sellers and renters in upbeat mood - though many doubt the government will meet its housing goals.

'The case for major reform of the whole property tax system – from Stamp Duty Land Tax to Inheritance Tax to Council Tax and VAT – is almost unarguable,' says Sir Vince Cable.

Reports suggest one of the many rumoured November tax hikes is not under real consideration by the Treasury.

As applications open, lawyers Emma Chadwick & Stephen Burke run through the background, practicalities & implications of the borough's latest policy - and what landlords & agents need to be actioning now.

Of the dozen identified sites, Whitehall believes Tempsford, Crews Hill & Leeds South Bank 'look most promising.'

City Hall said to be considering lowering the 35% goal for fast-track planning to kick-start more development in the capital.