Policy
Westminster wages war on mega-basements
Westminster is the latest London council to wage war on mega-basements, which can reach "the depths of a nuclear submarine", according to Deputy Leader Robert Davis.
ATED avoiders must disclose schemes – or be fined up to £1m
In an effort to thwart tax avoidance, HMRC is demanding that all schemes designed to get around the Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED) be disclosed to them - or face a fine of up to £1 million.
Help to Buy: A property manager’s view
No matter which way you look at it, Help to Buy can only be positive, says Rupert Collingwood...
A new young lion for Housing Ministry?
Kris Hopkins' first job should be to rid the planning system of political influences, says Trevor Abrahmsohn...
Help to Buy: A buying agent’s view
The government should be addressing why housing is so expensive in the first place, rather than finding a way to fund it, says Camilla Dell...
What is an estate agent? OFT revises the definition
The Office of Fair Trading has revised its definition of what it is to be an estate agent.
Tenants’ Charter offers longer lets, but is it needed?
Eric Pickles, the Communities Secretary, has set about revolutionising the lettings industry by making longer tenancies the norm, although Savills has come out to argue that there's just no need for more…
London homes should be exempt from stamp duty – BoJo
Boris Johnson used his speech at the Tory Party Conference to ask the Chancellor to exempt London homes from the "baleful effects" of stamp duty.
Green light for Village Green development
It's now a bit easier to build on village greens, thanks to new landowner rights that came in yesterday (1st October 2013).
Mansion Tax: An assault on heritage
It’s that time of year again and once again the rumble of a mansion tax echoes around the conference halls, says leading historic building consultant Ben Furnival, as he calls for exemptions at least…
Stamp Duty Lose-Lose: Why more means less for the Exchequer’s coffers
Following the recent SDLT changes, the number of property transactions above £2m has fallen and the Revenue receives less tax from industries associated with the property sector.
Help to Buy: The skinny
It's not really in our remit, but it's causing such a kerfuffle in the mainstream industry... So here's the need-to-know on Help to Buy.