Policy
Scotland’s stamp duty revolution could catch on…
It's possible - likely, even - that the whole UK stamp duty system will be overhauled in the wake of Scottish changes to the system, claims The Telegraph.
RICS launches inquiry into surveyor drought
Despite last month's insistence that there definitely are enough valuers out there to meet market demand, RICS has announced an independent inquiry into "the issue of valuer shortages".
HS2 blight buys open up as rail route “safeguarded”
Owners of property along the the planned HS2 route between London and the West Midlands can, as of yesterday (9th July), ask the government to buy their property under statutory Blight procedures.
Tracks Rate: HS2 loses popular support
Public support for the HS2 rail link has slipped into negative territory, according to a new survey from YouGov.
Tax Returns: Mansion Tax battle royale brewing (again)
It may feel like we've already heard every argument possible for/against a mansion tax. But apparently not.
ATED draft return published
Anyone want a peek at the draft of the Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings return form? Thought so.
Boles: “I am well aware that I am probably the CPRE’s least favourite government minister”
Nick Boles, the Planning Minister, has made a pretty impassioned plea to a tough crowd, begging the Campaign to Protect Rural England to give him - and some of his policies on housing - a break.
Home and Dry: Flood insurance premiums capped
Well this went to the brink.
Households go gung-ho for Green Deal
A couple of days ahead of the first official quarterly stats on the Government’s Green Deal scheme, and it's already being touted as a triumph... At least amongst those who've had an assessment done.
EPCs are “redundant” – County Homesearch
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are having no bearing on the sale of properties, according to County Homesearch, although the laudable plan was to help improve the energy efficiency of housing stock.
Energy efficiency now a key factor influencing sale prices – DECC
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has been drumming up support for its Green Deal scheme today, by claiming that making energy saving improvements to a property could increase its value…
Abrahmsohn: Xenophobic proposals to increase housing supply are daft with a capital D
The latest idea from a Lib Dem MP - to stop developers selling homes to overseas buyers - has not gone down well with Trevor Abrahmsohn. At all.