Policy
Government proposes the ‘biggest shakeup to the homebuying system in this country’s history’
Consultations have opened into significant & wide-ranging reforms that promise to 'rewire a chaotic system which has become a barrier to homeownership.'
OnTheMarket: Consumer confidence in UK housing market ‘remains robust’
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.
Influential committee calls for ‘major reform of the whole property tax system’
'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.
Council Tax revaluation ‘not on our agenda’, says Housing Secretary
Reports suggest one of the many rumoured November tax hikes is not under real consideration by the Treasury.
Paperwork, penalties & PRS pain: What can we expect from Westminster’s new selective licensing regime?
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.
12 ‘new town’ sites identified; works to start on three before the next election
Of the dozen identified sites, Whitehall believes Tempsford, Crews Hill & Leeds South Bank 'look most promising.'
London’s affordable housing target could be cut to boost housebuilding – report
City Hall said to be considering lowering the 35% goal for fast-track planning to kick-start more development in the capital.
UK’s ‘flawed’ housing system costing economy over £1.5bn a year – Santander
Bank calls for major reform of 'antiquated' homebuying process as new research reveals over half a million transactions fail annually.
Tom Bill: OBR downgrade talk underlines property tax risks
Inflation met expectations and rates held steady last week, but a potential productivity downgrade could put real estate in the crosshairs come November.
Rejig affordable housing rules to avoid London home-building halt – HBF
Home Builders Federation makes a series of recommendations to reverse 'alarming decline' in housing delivery across the capital.
Government promises ‘blitz of new measures’ to boost housebuilding as planning applications drop
5% fewer planning applications were submitted in Q2, but 1% more were approved.
Industry Reactions: Central bank holds interest rates at 4.0%
The Bank of England 'remains focused on squeezing out any existing or emerging persistent inflationary pressures'.