Latest News
-
Berkeley Group Reports Sales Decline
The Berkeley Group, known for its focus on urban regeneration projects and high-end homes, has reported a continued decline in house sales. Compared to the same period last year, sales reservations have plummeted by roughly a third. This downturn reflects the broader challenges facing the housing market, largely fuelled by sky-high mortgage rates and tightening…
-
Berkshire’s Home Market – From Budget Buys to Luxury Locations
The quest for the perfect home in Berkshire can take you from the bustling streets of Reading to the serene landscapes of West Berkshire, with stops in Bracknell Forest and Slough. The variety in housing prices across these local authority areas is vast, reflecting the diverse appeal of the region. Research compiled by Cardinal Steels…
-
End to the Leasehold Labyrinth – CMA Takes Aim at Ground Rent
Britain’s competition watchdog has declared that ground rent—the fee leaseholders pay to the property’s freeholder—is fundamentally unnecessary. This announcement has sparked discussions on government intervention to prevent consumers from facing skyrocketing costs. Michael Gove, the Housing Secretary, is at the forefront, proposing a drastic reduction of ground rent to a mere symbolic “peppercorn” amount, effectively…
-
Halifax Set to Hike Remortgage Rates This Friday
Halifax, one of the UK’s leading mortgage lenders, has announced a significant update that will impact numerous homeowners and prospective buyers across the country. Starting from this Friday, 15 March, Halifax will be increasing its remortgage rates, specifically targeting its two-year fixed rates. This decision follows closely on the heels of their recent adjustments to…
-
Housing Market Sales and Enquiries Climb
The UK’s housing market is buzzing with activity, showcasing signs of recovery and optimism. According to the latest report from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the property sector is experiencing an upward trajectory in house sales, buoyed by a resurgence in buyer interest and an increase in new listings. Buyer Enthusiasm and Market…
-
Plunge in Planning Permissions Sparks Housing Alarm
The pipeline of new home development in the UK is facing a sharp downturn, according to the latest figures from the Home Builders Federation (HBF). The report, a bellwether for future housing supply, paints a bleak picture, with planning permissions for new homes tumbling to their lowest since records began in 2006. This decline signals…
-
Vistry Plans to Build 17,500 New Homes Despite Industry Challenges
While the UK housing market faces numerous hurdles, Vistry Group is setting an ambitious goal to construct 17,500 homes in 2024. This decision comes at a time when many in the housebuilding sector are grappling with reduced demand, soaring material costs, and higher mortgage rates. Vistry, a leading property developer, has announced a significant increase…
-
Dream Home in France – A Guide to Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Moving to France is a dream for many, thanks to its easy access, beautiful landscapes, and surprisingly affordable properties. However, the journey to owning a piece of this paradise can be fraught with obstacles, especially when navigating a nation known for its intricate bureaucracy. Whether you’re buying or relocating, The Telegraph had a guide to…
-
Marathon Mortgages The New Normal for First-Time Homebuyers?
The path to homeownership is becoming a longer one than ever before. First-time buyers are increasingly finding themselves signing up for what’s being dubbed as “marathon mortgages” – loan terms stretching 30 years or more. This trend is reshaping the dreams of owning a home into a decades-long commitment, raising questions about the benefits and…
-
Coventry Building Society Cuts Rates
Against the recent trend of climbing mortgage rates, Coventry Building Society has announced a series of cuts across its mortgage range. While many lenders have been hiking up their rates, Coventry Building Society is taking a different route. The society has declared a reduction in rates for various fixed-rate mortgages, specifically targeting two-, three-, and…