Property prices and transactions are up but ‘it is unlikely that this rosy picture will continue’
The housing market set to slow in coming months
TOP NEWS STORIES
Two’s company. And three’s an even bigger one
Could the three biggest estate agency groups, Connells, Countrywide and LSL, be on the verge of merging?
High-profile agent explains why he is backing Boomin
Iain White has in the past been very critical of the Purplebricks model and so it may surprise some people as to why he is so enthusiastic about Boomin.
New app allows agents to film virtual tours and instantly post them online
The app helps agents to film vertical tours on their smartphones when visiting properties they are marketing.
Comings and Goings
Spicerhaart names new homes director; Accord appoints new MD; Guy Brocklehurst joins Leumi UK
Government urged to provide greater support for BTL landlords during this time
Should the government introduce grants to support landlords?
The government will ‘deliver the homes this country needs’
“The pandemic has posed significant challenges for home building but this government will continue to support the industry.”
Net new homes in England hit highest level since records began
The number of net new homes delivered in England increased in 2019/20 by 1% on the previous year.
ARMA welcomes CLG Committee’s feedback on the draft Building Safety Bill
Among the recommendations is the view that the government should finance remedial work, not leaseholders.
Housebuilders have increased the number of new homes built by 42% in five years
“Looking ahead, building more high quality, environmentally friendly homes can play a major part in supporting the economy as the country recovers from the impacts of coronavirus.”
Property industry left disappointed as chancellor fails to extend stamp duty holiday
Estate agents were hoping that the chancellor would announce an extension to the deadline beyond 31 March.
No CGT rise announced yesterday but ‘tax increases in 2021 are now inescapable’
The chancellor decided that now is not the right time to increase capital gains tax.
Comings and Goings
New senior role at JLL; Mayfair Capital co-founder steps down as CEO; Appointment of ESG manager
Backlog could see thousands miss out on stamp duty holiday
While a lengthy sale process is nothing new, the current delays really highlight the unpredictability of the property selling process in the UK.
Funding boost for housebuilders
The chancellor’s £7.1bn national home building fund has been described as “a step in the right direction”.
Home sales surge 67% in East Midlands
Agent says “this is without doubt the busiest I have ever seen the housing market in the East Midlands”.
Local Housing Allowance frozen in spending review
The NRLA has criticised the chancellor for cutting the amount tenants relying on benefits will be able to claim to pay their rent.
COMMENT OF THE WEEK
“I am always amazed that somebody at CW did not have the idea (sense) to rebrand all the branches across the country under one name. This would give the public a true sense of a national agency with a huge reach. Speak to most Jo/Joe publics of the world, they have no idea who Countrywide are. Connells are Connells pretty much everywhere, and their Sequence names all live within the same branding structure – to promote continuity and familiarity. Am I being too simplistic?”
‘Moshell3’ on news of more Countrywide branch closures.
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