Acquisitions
Independent firm acquires long-established estate agency
The estate agency, founded more than 200 years ago, has 18 offices
News
Lettings
Rogue landlord Labour MP stands down as councillor
Jas Athwal, elected an MP last year, is the biggest landlord in the House of Commons and was criticised last year after it emerged he was renting out flats with mould and ant infestations
People
Olympic legend joins eXp UK
The three time Olympic medallist says there are many key similarities between performing at an elite level at sport and operating as a small independent business
Politics
Over 25,000 first-time buyers set to miss stamp duty deadline – Rightmove calls for extension
With home-movers understandably eager to avoid unnecessary extra costs, Rightmove has predicted a conveyancing log-jam as 31 March fast approaches
Agency
Fast-growing agency opens new office
With a workforce exceeding 75 staff, the company is showing no signs of slowing down
Law
High Court rules Vatican was ‘utterly let down’ in London property deal
The investment led to a long-running corruption trial which exposed infighting and intrigue in the highest echelons of the Vatican, ending with the conviction of a cardinal and others
Law
Property transactions taking almost a third longer than pre-pandemic
As the property transaction process remains incredibly complex and fragmented, timelines are increasing
Agency
Countrywide announces shared ownership re-sales offering
Shared ownership has become a popular route to purchase a first home, and now increasing numbers of purchasers are selling on their properties to move up the ladder
Agency
Fine & Country expands with new office
The new operation will initially operate as a boutique agency, with plans to expand in the near future
Law
Leasehold reform: One step forward, two steps back
Despite the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 passing just before the last general election, progress has been slow
Compliance
Automated sanctions checks to help agents stay compliant with new rules
Agents must prepare as the industry undergoes a major regulatory shift
Other News
Surge in the number of property millionaires
The North East saw the biggest rise in property millionaires outside of London in percentage terms – while the West Midlands saw the biggest increase in value terms
People
Comings & Goings
Snippets of industry news: Richard Sexton joins Houzecheck; Croudace Homes appoints three new directors; Strategic promotions at Vail Williams
Law
Is the landlord right to claim for cost of replacing damaged Saniflo pump during the tenancy?
Using early resolution and self-resolution in deposit disputes could potentially help
Finance
Inheritance tax set for double digit annual growth as receipts hit £7bn
Latest hike in amount of IHT collected is driven in part by the 'Great Wealth Transfer' from the baby boomer generation; Families seek to protect estates
Finance
Nationwide calls on government to relax mortgage affordability rules
Nationwide has become the UK's top lender for first-time buyers
Lettings
Rental growth continues to cool for new lets
While the cost of renewals increases significantly for sitting tenants
People
Applications to join Propertymark Trust Class of 2025 oversubscribed
Propertymark Trust plans to launch another scholarship intake in the Autumn of 2025
Agency
Agent arrested, accused of owing landlords thousands of pounds in rent
The agent was appointed as a director in May last year, but resigned in November; landlords have also been unable to track down their tenants' deposit money