Policy
On the demise of the leasehold portfolio
Recent consultations and proposed reforms are likely to have a significant impact on investment decisions around what used to be an attractive asset class for institutional investors and pension funds,…
Javid sets ‘stunt budget’ date; Johnson moves to shut down Parliament
Chancellor Sajid Javid will present a "fast-tracked Spending Round" - which Labour has called a "panic-driven stunt budget" - on Wednesday 4th September, fuelling anticipation of an imminent General Election.
Robert Jenrick: Housing is my generation’s greatest challenge
Writing in The Times, the newly-appointed secretary of state for housing, communities and local government (and officially the cabinet's first millennial) promises to "level up" efforts to increase home…
‘More must be done in the immediate’ to improve the PRS – RICS
Surveyors call for an overhaul of the private rented sector, in advance of Lord Best's ROPA
A delicate balancing act: Lucian Cook presents the case for Stamp Duty reform
There's been a lot of talk about Stamp Duty switches and tinkering in recent weeks - amped-up by some mixed-messaging from the Chancellor over the weekend.
Chancellor announces £600m housing boost
New funding will "unlock" five development sites in London, Central Bedfordshire and Essex by enabling infrastructure works
Stamp duty theatrics descend into farce
Sajid Javid distances himself from the idea of switching the stamp duty tax burden from buyers to sellers, after commentators accuse the new Chancellor of 'killing the property market'
Mayor Khan shapes up for a battle with London’s landlords
Joanne Young looks at the potentially serious implications of Sadiq Khan's 'Blueprint' for reforming the London rental market, and explains why the plan won't provide the solution to the capital's housing…
NCA urged to investigate Kensington mansion purchase
RBKC planning approval leads campaign groups to question a 2007 acquisition made by an African autocrat's daughter...
Inspector backs RBKC plans to limit amalgamations and super-sized units
Planning Inspector deems the Royal Borough's Local Plan Partial Review to be generally 'sound', including policies to limit the size of amalgamations and restrict the number of 'very large' units in new-build…
HMRC: 6,000 HNWI have left Britain
Latest government data shows a 13% fall in the number of individuals claiming non-domiciled taxpayer status in the UK, with top advisors citing Corbyn and Brexit as key factors...
Cutting Stamp Duty ‘could boost transactions by 40% and tax revenues by £9.8bn’
According to buying agency Ludgrove's workings, a 36% reduction in Stamp Duty rates across the board would likely lead to 40% additional transactions in England per annum, in turn generating an extra £1.