Latest News
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Stamp Duty Change Could Impact BTR Investment
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s recent budget announcement could introduce a major shake-up for the build-to-rent market. At the heart of the controversy is the abolition of Multiple Dwellings Relief (MDR) on stamp duty, a decision that has sparked a wave of concern among investors, legal experts, and housing associations alike. A Surprising Pivot While the Chancellor’s…
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Home Buyers Brace for Stamp Duty Spike
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s latest budgetary decisions are poised to significantly impact home buyers across the country. Despite widespread speculation and hope for a reduction in stamp duty land tax to invigorate the housing market, the Chancellor has opted to maintain the status quo, leading to a projected £9.4 billion surge in property taxes over the…
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UK House Prices Almost Back to 2022 Peak After Consecutive Rises
The UK’s housing market has shown impressive resilience, with house prices nearing the peak levels of June 2022 after experiencing the fifth consecutive monthly increase. According to the latest figures from Halifax, the average UK house price in February was a mere £1,800 short of the peak, showing a 0.4% rise for the month. This…
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House Prices Set to Rise – OBR
House prices in the UK are expected to rebound much quicker than anticipated, bringing a sigh of relief to homeowners and potential buyers across the nation. This optimistic forecast comes from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), which credits falling interest rates for the faster-than-expected recovery. According to the OBR’s latest predictions, the downturn in…
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Rental Crisis – Privately Rented Homes Dwindle
A new report suggests the supply of privately rented homes has slumped to its lowest point in ten years. This decline comes amid concerns that recent government budgets have overlooked urgent housing needs, focusing instead on measures aimed at bolstering the homebuying sector. Zero Deposit’s analysis of government data illustrates a troubling trend affecting England’s…
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Mortgage Fees on the Rise
The latest findings from Moneyfacts have shown the creeping costs associated with securing a mortgage. As of the end of February 2024, homeowners and potential buyers are facing an uphill battle with not only higher mortgage rates but also an increase in product fees. This financial double whammy comes at a time when many are…
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Hanley Economic Expands Buy-to-Let Mortgage Options for Expats and Remortgagers
Hanley Economic Building Society has just announced the addition of two new products to its buy-to-let (BTL) range. This expansion includes a variable rate deal specifically designed for expatriates and a fixed-rate option tailored for those looking to remortgage. This development is set to offer more flexibility and choice to landlords navigating the complex BTL…
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The Mortgage Works New BTL Affordability Update
The Mortgage Works has announced improvements to its buy-to-let mortgage affordability criteria. This news spells good things for landlords and property investors, making it easier for them to borrow money and expand their property portfolios. The core of this update revolves around the reduction of interest cover ratios (ICRs) across The Mortgage Works’ range of…
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London Rent Prices Set to Stabilise
Foxtons has forecasted a cooling period for the sky-high rents that have burdened many Londoners. The dramatic rent increases that have characterised the past year are expected to take a backseat, with predictions pointing towards a much more stable and affordable rental market. According to Foxtons, the pressure cooker environment of tight supply coupled with…
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Mortgage Makeover – A Push for First-Time Buyer Inclusion
UK building societies have raised a red flag on the current state of the mortgage market, suggesting it’s become too challenging for first-time buyers to get onto the property ladder. The Building Societies Association (BSA), representing 42 societies with 26 million customers and assets over £500 billion, has voiced concerns that reforms implemented post-2008 banking…