Policy
Planning clampdown stamps out PCL’s mega-basement boom
New figures show a massive decline in basement-related applications across RBKC & Westminster since the introduction of stringent rules designed to prevent over-development.
Rokstone boss: To shut the housing market jeopardises jobs, personal finances and the economy all in one go
The government may be "absolutely determined" to keep the housing market open, but pressure is mounting from various quarters - including the science one - to pull the shutters down again as Covid continues…
Major players back call for Unique Property Reference Numbers
Over 50 influential property industry organisations - including Savills, Knight Frank, Countrywide and Foxtons - are calling for the introduction of Unique Property Reference Numbers.
Government ‘absolutely determined’ to keep the housing market open, but threat of closure mounts
Senior ministers have not ruled out a temporary shuttering of the property market to quell the spread of Covid-19.
Labour leader warns property viewings may have to stop
Keir Starmer has suggested that the property market may need to be put on ice again to quell the spread of Covid-19.
Leasehold law changes: How will the property market react?
Last week, the government proposed a major reform of leasehold laws, with new rules possibly arriving within two years.
Sunak ‘rejects’ industry pleas for stamp duty holiday
Agents and conveyancers have warned that up to a quarter of a million house sales could collapse amid ‘cliff-edge chaos’
Leasehold shake-up promises the ‘biggest reforms to English property law for forty years’
The Government has announced some major reforms to the English leasehold system, in a bid to "fundamentally make home ownership fairer and more secure."
Property market to remain open despite national Coronavirus lockdown
"You may leave home to fulfil legal obligations or to carry out activities related to buying, selling, letting or renting a residential property," says official guidance on strict new anti-viral restrictions,…
London Mayor suggests a ‘ground-breaking’ levy on housebuilders’ profits
Sadiq Khan has suggested a one-off 10% tax on major housebuilders' profits over the last ten years, to fund Grenfell-induced building safety improvements.
Revisions to the Standard Method: Will new planning reforms deliver?
Nick Ireland & Paul McColgan of planning consultancy Iceni Projects explore what impact a change to the planning formula - designed to promote more housebuilding - could have on our cities...
Surprise property tax hike for second homes & buy-to-lets in Wales
The Welsh Government has increased Land Transaction Tax rates for additional homes, effective from today.