Policy
The Register of Overseas Entities is now in play; here’s what property pros need to know
Designed to "root out corrupt elites using UK property to launder their illicit wealth," the Register of Overseas Entities has officially launched, requiring more transparency for UK property transactions…
Green Shift: Why a home’s sustainability credentials will soon be a deal-breaker
There is a clear shift towards more eco-conscious house-hunting, reports Rightmove - but high costs and confusion are thwarting many people's desire to improve their home's energy efficiency.
Six ways to improve housing taxation around the world
“There is significant scope for countries to improve the design and functioning of housing taxes,” declares the OECD, as it advises high-income economies including the UK to cut residential transaction…
Trading Standards publishes new ‘material information’ guidance
Property portals, industry leaders and government have been collaborating to ‘improve transparency’ for buyers and tenants.
House prices surge even as political volatility rises
A general election rather than a Tory party leadership vote would have an impact on the housing market, writes Knight Frank's Tom Bill - but that feels unlikely this year.
How will Boris Johnson’s resignation affect the property market?
Clarity over the Prime Minister's departure provides some relief that a clearer more strategically sound future can be realised, says JLL's research chief Nick Whitten - even if we have a fallow period…
Boris Johnson resigns; new Prime Minister to be installed by October
It looks like a Conservative leadership race will take place over the Summer, selecting a new Prime Minister in time for the Autumn party conference.
Government moots multi-generational mortgages
50-year mortgage terms could allow inherited debt and prop-up house price inflation.
Government launches review of holiday lets
Spot checks and a kitemark quality scheme are floated as the government looks "to improve the holiday letting market for those living in popular tourism destinations."
Gove addresses building owners as safety reforms come into force
“Today marks a major turning point for building safety in this country, as we introduce a tough new regime to make homes safe and help rid the sector of bad practice once and for all," says Levelling…
Short lets could need planning permission under new devolution proposal
"I understand that regional mayors may soon be given the power to ban properties from being used as short-term lets," writes James Forsyth, political editor of The Spectator, in The Times.
BoE bumps base rate up to 1.25%
Britain's central bank hikes interest rates again in a bid to curb inflation.