Latest News
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Greater Manchester’s Property Price Plunges
While the UK’s housing market has generally seen an upward trajectory in prices, with the average cost of a home now standing at £291,029 according to Halifax’s latest index, Greater Manchester tells a different story. A detailed analysis by the Manchester Evening News, based on the latest Land Registry data, has uncovered several “cold spots”…
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Solar Panels – Are They Worth Installing?
There’s a growing trend across the UK, where solar panels are increasingly seen as a smart choice for energy-saving and environmental benefits, especially in the wake of rising energy costs spurred by global events. The FT looked into the financial pros and cons of solar – here’s our summary. The push towards solar energy has…
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Mortgage Rates On The Rise
Major banks and lenders like Halifax, NatWest, Virgin Money, and TSB have announced hikes in their fixed-rate mortgage deals. This move reflects the broader market’s response to increasing swap rates—the interest rates at which banks lend to each other—amid expectations that interest rates will remain elevated for an extended period. Understanding The Shift The Bank…
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Housebuilding Hopes – Can the Spring Budget Rebuild Britain’s Property Dream?
The upcoming spring budget is poised to be a pivotal moment that could either reinvigorate the struggling housebuilding sector or deepen its woes. With mortgage rates on a downward trend and a general election on the horizon, the government’s next moves could be crucial in addressing the nation’s acute housing shortage. A Rough Year for…
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Landlord Loan Troubles On The Rise – Buy-to-Let Arrears Soar
According to the latest figures from UK Finance, more and more landlords are struggling to keep up with their mortgage payments, especially when compared to those with residential mortgages. The data reveals a worrying trend: the number of buy-to-let mortgage arrears cases saw an 18% jump from the third to the fourth quarter of 2023.…
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Blend Rolls Out Lifeline for UK Property Developers with New £50M Fund
Blend, a specialist in development finance, has announced a significant boost to its lending capabilities with a new £50 million+ institutional funding line. Blend’s latest financial infusion is designed to introduce bridging options for property developers who have hit a rough patch. The company, which first made waves in 2018, is expanding its portfolio of…
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What are Rebridging Loans?
Bridging loans have carved out a niche for themselves as the go-to solution for individuals in need of quick, short-term financing. Whether it’s snatching up a property at auction, keeping a purchase on track, or getting the cash injection needed for a renovation project, bridging loans have been the lifeline for many. But what happens…
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House Prices Set to Fall, Expert Cautions
Rob Morgan, a leading analyst in the city, has thrown a spotlight on the ongoing challenges facing the UK housing market. Despite a recent increase in optimism, Morgan predicts that house prices are poised for a decline in the coming year. This cautionary outlook comes amidst fluctuating interest rates and the looming uncertainties of inflation.…
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UK Homeowners Rush to Sell as Property Market Springs to Life
UK estate agents are witnessing a significant surge in homeowners looking to sell their properties. This January, the number of property valuation requests reached an all-time high, signaling a potentially vibrant spring selling season ahead. A Record-Breaking Start The housing market in 2024 has kicked off with an unprecedented level of homeowner activity. According to…
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UK Housing Market – Signs of Recovery Despite Challenges
The latest findings from the January 2024 RICS UK Residential Market Survey have sparked optimism in the housing sector, showcasing a series of improvements across crucial market indicators. A standout revelation from the survey is the positive shift in sales volume expectations for the upcoming year, buoyed by the anticipation of interest rate reductions by…