Compliance
HMRC warns against tax avoidance scheme marketed to property industry
HMRC has published a guidance post about a tax avoidance scheme being aimed at landlords
News
Acquisitions
Independent estate agency acquires competitor firm
Estate agent says the company is actively seeking further acquisition opportunities
Other News
Property industry reacts to another drop in UK house prices
House price falls expected into new year, analysts say
People
Comings & Goings
Snippets of industry news: Knight Frank duo join UK Sotheby's International Realty; Kurtis Property names new letting manager; Pugh appoints SDL’s Andy Thompson as new director
Tech
Alto makes changes to core functionality
The software provider says the amendments are all aimed at driving efficiencies for agents
Agency
Propertymark calls on Labour to licence agents under its reform plans
Nathan Emerson, CEO at Propertymark, believes Labour has an opportunity to lead on agent regulation and drive-up standards for consumers
Lettings
Rental growth has started to slow
More stock coming to the market, against steadying demand, is causing the regional rental market to fall back into a seasonal pattern, with rental values starting to simmer
Law
Labour’s plans to end ‘feudal’ leasehold system warmly welcomed
The Labour Party has joined the campaign for leasehold reform
Law
Grant of probate delays soar to 19 weeks
It has undoubtedly been a difficult period for anyone who has been involved with probate for a loved one’s estate
Charity
Fine & Country announces 2023 Autumn Grant programme
The Fine & Country Foundation's Autumn Grant Scheme represents an opportunity for the network to nominate charities and non-profit organisations in need of financial support
Acquisitions
Well-known franchisee completes acquisition of independent agency
This acquisition has resulted in the creation of a new territory for the franchise
Other News
UK house prices fall further in September
Analysts say they expect the slide in residential property prices to continue
Other News
What’s currently happening in the UK housing market?
Iain McKenzie, of The Guild, and Chris Watkin talk about the current state of play in the UK housing market
Law
Letting firm ordered to pay £30,000 for putting tenants lives at risk
Tenants in illegal HMO left vulnerable and open to exploitation by rogue operator
Acquisitions
Conveyancing giant Smoove accepts £31m offer from rival firm
Smoove announced in April this year that that it is in 'early discussions' with Pexa Group regarding a possible offer for the business
Lettings
Rental supply crisis ‘is a result of failed government policies’
Tenants are bearing the brunt of the supply crisis in the rental market
Lettings
Ex-government advisor to help prepare agents for Universal Credit migration
Major changes will be applied across the UK and poses a threat to vulnerable tenants and existing housing benefit arrangements with councils, which could potentially cause rent arrears
Lettings
Rent control consultation ‘not fit for purpose’
Buy-to-let investors will inevitably see rent control as a deterrent to investment in the private rented sector
Events
Over 1,000 property professionals attend RE/MAX’s annual convention
The two-day event, which took place in London, brought together representatives from across the continent
Acquisitions
Fast-expanding property firm completes fifth acquisition of 2023
The estate agency, which celebrates its 180th birthday this year, has more than 120 in-house staff across a number of offices