MPs call for stamp duty overhaul to boost homeownership
The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee has called for significant reforms to Stamp Duty Land Tax, arguing the current system creates barriers to homeownership and slows property market activity.…
Chancellor rules out Help to Buy scheme revival
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has indicated that the Government will not revive the Help to Buy scheme, citing defence spending as the priority over property market incentives. Speaking at a conference…
Estate agents remain top source of conveyancing referrals
Estate agent recommendations account for nearly a third of conveyancing instructions, according to research from Lyons Bowe Solicitors, making them the single largest source of new business for legal firms…
Fine & Country expands to Stockport and Saddleworth
Premium estate agency network Fine & Country has appointed James Diggins to lead a new franchise covering Stockport and Saddleworth in Greater Manchester. Diggins, who entered the property industry in…
Property company insolvencies reach decade high in UK
More than 760 property companies have become insolvent in the UK so far this year, representing the highest rate of business failures in the sector in a decade, according to…
Estate agents reassess portal dependency amid rising costs
UK estate agents are re-evaluating their reliance on property portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla as rising subscription fees and increased competition prompt a shift towards building independent digital channels.…
Survey finds 19% of landlords lack trust in letting agents
Nearly one in five landlords in England lack confidence in letting agents’ handling of rental income and tenancy deposits, according to research from The Letting Partnership, an accounting and client…
Maximalist interiors trend gains traction across UK market
A growing number of UK property listings are featuring maximalist interior design, marking a departure from the minimalist aesthetic that has dominated the residential market in recent years. Properties ranging…
Paragon finances 71-bed care home in Birmingham
Paragon Development Finance has provided funding to MACC Care Properties for the acquisition and development of a 71-bed care home in Birmingham. The brownfield site on Shaftmoor Lane in Hall…
FCA proposes mortgage rule changes for wider borrower access
The Financial Conduct Authority has published proposals to reform mortgage lending rules, aiming to expand access for first-time buyers, self-employed workers and older borrowers. The regulator said the changes would…