Policy
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.
Property market to stay open in Tier 4 lockdown areas
"The sales and rental markets remain open in all tiers," says Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick. "All associated [home-moving] activities can continue as before. Please follow the Covid secure guidance.
Tom Bill on what 2021 could bring for the UK property market
Tax changes and the withdrawal of support measures mean the post-Covid ‘normal’ will only begin to emerge later next year, writes Knight Frank's Head of UK Residential Research.
Budget 2021 date set for 3rd March
Chancellor Rishi Sunak will outline another round of fiscal policies before the scheduled end of the Stamp Duty holiday.
No extension to the Stamp Duty holiday, says Government
"The Government does not plan to extend this relief" beyond 31st March, says an official statement in response to a popular online petition.
CGT ‘cash grab’ could harm wider economy, warns investment firm
London Central Portfolio says Rishi Sunak should avoid being tempted by a 'short-term tactical ploy', or risk a negative trickle-down effect...
A one-off wealth tax on £1m+ households is the best way to pay for Covid-19, says think tank
"A one-off wealth tax would work, raise significant revenue, and be fairer and more efficient than the alternatives," suggests an in-depth report from The Wealth Commission.