Latest News
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Scottish Rent Market Sees Slowdown as New Rent Control Legislation Looms
Scotland’s rental market is showing signs of stabilisation after years of steep increases, especially in bustling urban centers like Glasgow, which recently reported a moderate 3.5% annual rise in rents. This cooling trend comes at a pivotal moment, as the Scottish Parliament deliberates over the new Housing (Scotland) Bill, aimed at imposing stricter rent controls…
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Fewer Property Markets Keeping Up With Inflation
The latest property market analysis from Octane Capital shows that fewer local authorities in the UK are seeing house price increases that surpass the rate of inflation compared to last year. This shift indicates a slowing but still resilient housing market. In the past year, only 56 local authorities experienced house price growth that beat…
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London Leaseholders Hit by Rising Costs – Calls for Change
A concerning number of London leaseholders are thinking about selling their homes due to unaffordable ground rents and service fees. According to recent data from Barclays, 13 percent of leaseholders in the capital are considering this drastic step—three times the national average, which sits at just 4 percent. This startling revelation highlights a growing crisis…
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Watch Out, Home Sellers, Estate Agents Might Be Costing You Thousands
Recent warnings from Trading Standards show a concerning trend among some estate agents involving “manipulating property sales” through cleverly crafted contract clauses. This manipulation could prevent higher offers from reaching sellers, potentially costing them thousands of pounds. How Do These Clauses Work? The crux of the issue lies in what is known as “conditional selling.”…
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New Developments Knocking Pounds Off Nearby Home Prices
A recent study by Open Property Group highlights the short-term negative effects that future development sites can have on nearby property values. While the long-term outlook for areas undergoing development often points to increased property values due to improved infrastructure and amenities, those living next to upcoming projects might have to endure a temporary drop…
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Rent Prices Rise Across the UK – Is an End in Sight?
The UK’s rental market has seen a significant increase in costs, with the average rent now nearing £1,300 a month, marking the fourth consecutive monthly increase. This trend is unfolding as the Renters Reform Bill continues its journey through the legislative process, sparking concerns and calls for urgent governmental action. The Rising Cost of Renting…
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CHL Mortgages Launches New Range for Landlords – Low Rates Despite Rising Costs
CHL Mortgages, a specialist in the buy-to-let sector, has just introduced a fresh lineup of mortgage products designed specifically for landlords looking to invest in rental properties. These new offerings include a variety of fee options and loan-to-value (LTV) ratios, providing flexibility and low-rate options even as market conditions fluctuate. Variety of Fee Options and…
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Bigger Setup Fee Not a Deal-Breaker for Landlords, Say Experts
Landlords looking to invest in property through a limited company will face a higher setup fee, but experts believe this will not deter them. Despite the significant increase, the overall cost and benefits of this investment method make it still attractive. At the start of this month, Companies House, the UK’s registrar of companies, announced…
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Barclays Cuts Mortgage Rates Ahead of BoE Meeting
Barclays has decided to reduce the interest rates on some of its fixed mortgage deals. This change, set to roll out on Wednesday, May 8, targets the bank’s two-year and five-year fixed-rate mortgage plans within its residential purchase range. These adjustments are timed just before the Bank of England’s critical decision on interest rates, due…
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Mortgage Rate Hikes Hit First-Time Buyers
The Yorkshire Building Society (YBS) has announced an increase in the rates of selected mortgage deals, a trend mirrored by other major lenders like Santander. This change, effective immediately, particularly affects those venturing into the housing market for the first time. Yorkshire Building Society has made an adjustment to its mortgage offers, with increases up…