Politics
Property industry reacts to Labour leader’s housing pledge
Labour’s plan to reform the planning system and build more new homes has been broadly welcomed by the the housing sector
News
Law
Moment Tory MP is caught on CCTV removing security cameras of tenant he is trying to evict
Gary Streeter, an MP since 1992, has been trying to get Layla Williams out of a bungalow he owns since she stopped paying rent in January
Finance
Fixed mortgage rates fall across the spectrum
Product choice has increased, while borrowing costs are falling; welcome news for home buyers, sellers and estate agents
Agency
Estate agency opens new branch pledging to be ‘part of the community’
Estate agency's launch party saw more than 130 people from local businesses attend the official opening, with a ribbon cut by the mayor
Finance
Bank of England fears too many homeowners are taking on 35-year mortgages
There is evidence that some households are increasing the use of consumer credit in response to cost-of-living pressures, which could lead to greater debt vulnerability
Agency
Airbnb to challenge letting agents by offering longer-term rentals
Airbnb chief executive Brian Chesky told the Financial Times that from next year the online rental company would “go a little bit beyond its core business”
Lettings
Housing benefit freeze a ‘travesty’, landlords warn
Housing benefit rates have been frozen for the third year in a row, meaning benefit support is linked to rents as they were three years ago, not as they are today
Events
The Guild to host virtual event to unite member agents
The Guild of Property Professionals says these events serve as a valuable platform for agents to connect and gain insights from industry experts
Events
Time is running out to vote for your favourite industry supplier
Now is the time to have your say on which suppliers you think deserve to be recognised at the upcoming EA Masters
Politics
Lack of knowledge among MPs a key challenge for the BTR sector
Study suggests the Build to Rent sector is largely misunderstood by policy-makers and decision-makers and greater awareness is needed
Law
Major concern for agents as new legislation opens floodgates for historic claims
Property litigation lawyer warns leaseholders likely to pursue historic cases following new FCA reforms
Acquisitions
Dexters acquires multi-national estate agency
The acquisition of LiFE Residential continues to strengthen Dexters’ position as a leading agency in London and now gives the business a footprint in Asia
Acquisitions
Well-established franchisee buys rival estate agency
The purchase of the well-established company has tripled the size of the agency's business
Agency
Estate agents invited to air their views on improving home buying and selling process
Feedback sought from across the home moving industry, government and consumers
Other News
Suzy Lamplugh murder suspect to remain in jail
The killer’s bid to be released from an East Yorkshire jail has failed after members of a parole board panel concluded the release would be unsafe
Agency
Leaders Romans Group agrees to become NRLA’s national lettings partner
Leaders Romans Group (LRG) will hope that the start of a new partnership with the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) will prove fruitful
Agency
New Pugh director targets estate agent partner relationships
Andy Thompson is heading up an expansion of the auction house’s agent-partnership offering
Finance
Government urged to reintroduce Empty Homes Programme
The Homes and Communities Agency allocated funds through the Empty Homes programme, which brought vacant properties back into use as affordable housing
Agency
Demand for property in London remains fragile
Knight Frank has updated its forecasts to reflect the fact that the firm expects most of the decline in house prices across the UK will take place this year
Politics
Labour plans hike in stamp duty for overseas buyers
Labour has pledged to put an extra tax on overseas nationals buying property in the UK