Property industry reacts to Rightmove House Price Index
The positive start to the year continues, paving the way for a greater number of home purchases than last year
Marc da Silva
Real estate fees set to fall after settlement with US agents
Landmark $418m (£328.2m) legal agreement could drive down commission rates and reduce the number of US real estate agents
CMA to investigate proposed merger of major property firms
In a short statement, the watchdog said it is considering whether the transaction “may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition” within the market
Bank of England to cut interest rates, economists forecast
The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee is due to meet on Thursday 21 March for its next rate-setting vote
Property consultancy reports best ever year as revenues top £18m
Growth continued in line with the current three-year business plan and included the highest grossing single quarter since 1988
Property asking prices rise for third consecutive month, says Rightmove
Buyers return to market in their droves
Propertymark sends clear message on rent controls
Propertymark has given oral evidence to an inquiry into the private rented sector
Knight Frank wins top UK customer satisfaction award
The estate agency says its approach to customer service has resulted in significant levels of repeat business and recommendations
Spring Budget missed the mark when it comes to housing – agents survey
A survey of 833 UK property professionals found that the vast majority were disappointed in this month’s lacklustre Spring Budget
Propertymark reiterates importance of fixed term tenancies
The professional body has long argued that removing fixed term tenancies as an option will provide less security for tenants and reduce flexibility in the private rented sector
The Sunday Times reveals the best places to live in the UK in 2024
The Sunday Time ‘Best Place to Live in the UK’ guide provides great marketing material for agents operating in the areas selected; high house prices are no barrier to inclusion
Michael Gove urged to act over ‘damaging and destabilising’ delay to rental reform
The NRLA and Crisis have joined other campaigners in warning that “time is running out” for the Renters (Reform) Bill to be adequately scrutinised
Comings & Goings
Snippets of industry news: Ex-Foxtons and John D Wood agent appointed head of lettings at Knight Frank; Former Hamptons director of 18 years joins Moveli; PropCall introduces new senior role
Fraudster who posed as letting agent to scam couple handed 10-month jail sentence
A con artist posed as an estate agent in a bid to steal money from young family
Rocket Auctions set to take off after well-known firms merge
More than 1,100 estate agency branches are registered to use the new property auctions service
Savills profits tumble after ‘challenging’ year
Savills cite current economic and political uncertainty for the sharp decline in revenue and profits
Scrapping inheritance tax is a ‘win-win’, says former minister
According to HMRC, less than 4% of all deaths in the UK paid inheritance tax in 2020/21, which raised £5.76bn in tax that year
Halifax reduce max working age for some mortgage applicants
The move could see monthly mortgage payments increase
House sales on the rise as an air of cautious optimism sweeps over UK housing market
New data reveals a more positive trend in buyer enquiries and new listings
Comings & Goings
Snippets of industry news: Simon Bradbury, previously MD at Thomas Morris, joins eXp UK; Nicky Heathcote and Tim Everest join the PEXA UK board; The Hill Group strengthens senior team