Policy
Are the Tories mulling a mansion tax again?
Debates have been occurring 'at the highest levels of the Treasury and No 10' over ways to tap up wealthy homeowners, according to a Sunday paper...
Basement planning applications have tanked in Westminster
The annual total fell below 100 last year, following a series of high-profile disputes and a tightening up of council policy
What can the government do to set the property market up for a strong 2020?
Along with resolving the remaining uncertainty around Brexit, a few small tweaks to the tax regime and regulatory environment would significantly improve the state of the market, argues Forsters' Helen…
Beautiful homes & tree-lined streets should be ‘the norm not the exception’
Roger Scruton and Nicolas Boys Smith's final report for the Building Better Building Beautiful Commission has been published, offering a series of policy proposals and practical recommendations to make…
Rethinking the planning system: Downing Street to consider ‘wholesale reform’
Influential think tank Policy Exchange has published a blueprint for the "urgent wholesale reform" of the planning system, calling for a "clean break" with the current regime.
How behavioural science and house-selling could help us reach zero emissions
Behavioural scientist David Comerford explains how simple changes to energy performance certificates - combined with the right timing - could help residents take practical steps to cut their home's emissions...
Jenrick: ‘We’ll make it easier to build beautiful homes, to end the myth that quality is the enemy of supply’
Writing in The Sunday Telegraph, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick trails the publication of the late Roger Scruton's Building Better, Building Beautiful report.
Government launches new Building Safety Regulator; demands ‘immediate action’ from building owners
Robert Jenrick's Housing Ministry says it is "committed to delivering the biggest change in building safety for a generation"; threatens to name-and-shame non-compliant building owners.
On the implications of the Law Commission’s leasehold reform proposals
This month, the Law Commission published its long-awaited proposals for leasehold reform, making a number of recommendations which could have major ramifications for the London property market.
Why 2020 looks like a very bumpy ride for residential landlords
With a raft of legislatory changes looming in the months ahead, it's likely that more landlords will decide to jump ship and sell up, writes Joanne Young...
Scotland clamps down on short-lets
Councils to be given new powers to tackle issues caused by the massive growth in homes being offered up as short-term accommodation;
Javid confirms Budget 2020 date: Wednesday 11th March
The new Government's first Budget will be delivered on 11th March 2020; it will "usher in a decade of renewal" says Chancellor Sajid Javid.