Latest News
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Slight Economic Growth Means BoE More Likely to Hold Base Rate
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed a slight uptick in the UK’s economic performance, with a growth of 0.2% in August. This growth, albeit modest, is significant, especially considering the economy had shrunk by 0.6% in July, a steeper decline than the initial estimate of 0.5%. The Driving Force: Service Sector Interestingly, this economic…
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Welsh Housing Market Sees More Listings, But Challenges Persist
The property landscape in Wales is experiencing a mix of trends. Despite a surge in new property listings, both sales and prices are undergoing a downturn, according to RICS. The dynamics of the Welsh property market have been anything but predictable, and for potential investors or sellers, understanding these trends is crucial. A Surge in…
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London Landlords Pivot to Commercial Spaces Amid Residential Market Uncertainty
In the midst of ongoing turbulence in the residential property market, a significant shift is underway in London’s property investment landscape. Recent insights reveal an intriguing trend: landlords, traditionally linked to residential holdings, are now turning their attention to the commercial sector, seeking stability and diversification amid economic upheavals and a transforming urban environment. Residential…
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UK’s Property Trusts Poised for Growth Amidst Market Uncertainties
Currently, property investment trusts in the UK are experiencing significant discounts on their net asset values (NAVs), a situation that’s stirring mixed feelings among investors. However, according to insights from the brokerage firm Numis, savvy investors might find “selective value” in this sector, especially if interest rates have maxed out their upward trend. The Current…
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Developers Offering to Pay Buyers’ Mortgages
Developers are now offering to pay portions of buyers’ mortgages among other lavish incentives, rather than reducing house prices. This trend underscores the lengths to which builders are willing to go to maintain high property valuations while still attracting buyers in a highly competitive market. Mortgage Discounts: Cash in Hand One noteworthy approach comes from…
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Smaller University Towns Are Better for Student Landlords
Investing in student accommodation has long been considered a savvy move. However, recent findings suggest that setting your sights on smaller university towns could lead to even better returns. Surging Rental Yields in Student Accommodation The student housing market is showing promising signs, especially for landlords venturing into smaller university towns and cities. Paragon Bank’s…
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Rent Increases Across Regions
According to data released by HomeLet, a tenant referencing and insurance provider, the average UK rent has climbed to £1,276. This isn’t just a random spike; it’s an 8.9% climb from what it was a year ago in September 2022, and a 1.38% increase from just August this year. HomeLet’s chief executive, Andy Halstead, has…
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Quarter of Landlords Plan to Sell
The UK’s private rental sector is bracing for a significant shake-up, with one in four landlords contemplating selling off properties within the next year. This potential shift, underscored by the Simply Business Landlord Report 2023, could redefine the landscape for investors, tenants, and the market at large. The survey, covering the perspectives of roughly 1,500…
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UK Construction Seeks Clearer Sustainability Path
In the race against climate change, the UK’s construction sector finds itself at a pivotal junction, balancing the urgency to go green with the need for clear guidance. However, the industry’s steps toward environmental sustainability are being tripped up by uncertainties within governmental policies and a confusing multitude of standards. This lack of clear direction…
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Sales Slump, Rents Rise – RICS
The recent report from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) sheds light on a continuing trend of muted residential sales, while highlighting a contrasting surge in the rental sector. The Slowdown in Residential Sales September 2023 did not bring much-needed momentum to the UK’s housing market, as buyer activity persisted in its “subdued” state,…