Policy
Lucian Cook: Tax speculation returns but all of the complexities remain
Despite much chatter, 'the matter of whether [Andy Burnham] would pursue a substantial overhaul of property taxation remains one of conjecture,' counsels the Savills research chief.
New-build supply sinks to nine-year low
Rightmove shares a three-point plan to rally housebuilding as it reports the lowest number of new-build developments coming to market since 2017.
‘A hidden crisis’: How uninsurable properties are quietly stalling high-end transactions
While climate-related risk is widely discussed, the immediate impact on the luxury homes market is not, writes George Seatter - and insurance placement is emerging as one of the biggest deal blockers around.
Influential economists urge incoming PM to scrap stamp duty & council tax for 1% property value tax
UCL report backed by heavyweight thinkers proposes annual levy on property values as part of sweeping tax overhaul.
Jackson-Stops: Home-buying reforms could unlock 260,000 homes within a year
Agency reckons speeding up transactions could tempt a sizeable cohort of would-be movers off the sidelines, and says scrapping stamp duty would have an even bigger impact.
Charles Curran on the unintended consequences of a proportional property tax
The Maskells boss explores some significant potential ramifications of proposed reforms backed by PM-apparent Andy Burnham.
Tom Bill: Prime market braces for another summer of speculation
Knight Frank's UK resi research boss unpacks the latest data, political noise and what it all means for London's high-end housing market.
‘Lack of data’ casts doubt on High Value Council Tax Surcharge
Zoopla suggests around two in five homes worth more than £1.5mn 'have never had a sale recorded by the Land Registry.'
Listen: Coutts’ Head of Lending in conversation with Knight Frank’s Tom Bill
Property consultancy's latest podcast episode delves into how the ultra-wealthy are navigating a summer of tax speculation.
Key changes to Money Laundering Regulations now in force
New requirements around enhanced due diligence, lettings and risk assessments took effect today. Here's a breakdown of the key changes.
The High Life: How London’s resi towers are evolving into vertical communities
With land scarce & buyer expectations shifting, tall buildings are increasingly being designed around wellness, amenity & community rather than views alone, explains Berkeley's James Boyce
Trevor Abrahmsohn: My radical solution to ending bad buyer behaviour
Any ‘instant contract’ system will still be riddled with legal exits large enough to drive a removal lorry through - there is a much better solution available, says veteran agent.