Policy
Unexplained wealth orders: How is the British law changing and will it stop dirty money circulating in London?
The Economic Crime Act allows the government to convey the impression that it is ‘doing something’ about the proceeds of kleptocracy being laundered in the UK - but far more fundamental and far-reaching…
Bloomberg: London’s Housing and Climate Crises Are on a Collision Course
Jess Shankleman takes deep dive into the impact of climate change - specifically flooding - on the capital’s housing stock, featuring data analysis and graphics by Marie Patino.
Spring Statement 2022: Property industry reactions
Our panel of buying agents, estate agents, housebuilders and architects weigh-in on the Chancellor's latest announcements, including cutting VAT on energy-efficient home improvements.
Chancellor cuts VAT on energy-efficient home improvements; commits to reducing Income Tax in 2024
Energy-efficient home improvements - such as solar panels, heat pumps and insulation - will face no VAT for the next five years.
Chancellor Sunak preps for Spring Statement
Rishi Sunak is due to present a "mini Budget" shortly after midday on 23rd March.
As Edinburgh clamps down on short-term lets, what are the options for property owners and landlords?
Under draft proposals, property owners in the Scottish capital will soon need planning permission to be able to operate short-term lettings - but the lack of clarity around the restrictions is making it…
‘This is the worst planning environment we’ve had to face in a generation’
A "toxic combination of factors" has created the "worst planning environment in a generation", says Aston Mead boss Adam Hesse, as local authority plans are delayed yet again...
Register of overseas property owners becomes law as Economic Crime Bill receives Royal Assent
Foreign owners of UK property have six months to comply with new registration documents, as the Economic Crime Bill completes its fast-track passage through parliament.
Landlords call for an end to the buy-to-let stamp duty surcharge
“Taxing landlords out of the market serves only to cut supply, increase rents and make homeownership more difficult to afford," says the National Residential Landlords Association.
Housing Secretary Gove reiterates call to house Ukrainian refugees in seized Russian mansions
"I want to explore an option which would allow us to use the homes and properties of sanctioned individuals – as long as they are sanctioned – for humanitarian and other purposes," said Michael Gove…
Economic Crime Bill fast-tracked through House of Commons today
The long-awaited Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Bill will be "expedited through all its Commons stages" today (7th March), four years after draft legislation was published.
Required Reading: Lifting the secrecy behind offshore companies
Julie Howard explains how the new rules around overseas entities will work in practice, and why the idea of hiding behind asset holding vehicles is becoming a thing of the past