Major estate agency group Spicerhaart has been testing artificial intelligence technology to enhance property photographs, marking what industry observers suggest could become standard practice across the sector. The trials involve digitally removing clutter, furnishing empty rooms, and demonstrating decorative schemes, though regulatory guidance requires clear labelling of enhanced images. The post Estate...
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Approximately 1.5 million UK properties are considered too risky for standard mortgages by mainstream lenders, representing 6% of the total housing stock. Properties including thatched cottages, high-rise apartments, and homes lacking functional facilities fail to meet traditional lending criteria. The post 1.5 million UK properties deemed unmortgageable by lenders appeared first on...
Landlords face new penalties for uncorrected tax reporting errors under legislation set to take effect in April 2027, according to provisions in the Finance Bill 2027. HMRC recovered £104.3 million in unpaid tax from 11,511 property owners in 2025 to 2026. The post New HMRC powers to penalise landlord tax reporting errors appeared first on...
Rightmove has disclosed that it expects to incur £2.3 million in legal costs this year relating to a class action lawsuit alleging anti-competitive behaviour. The property portal's operating costs increased by 17% to £77.7 million as it prepares to defend the £1.5 billion claim at a November tribunal hearing. The post Rightmove faces £2.3m legal costs over competition claim appeared first on...
Property portal Rightmove has reported a 7% year-on-year revenue increase to £225.8 million for the first half of 2026. The company has deployed 46 strategic AI initiatives, with its AI-enabled valuation tool contributing to a 50% increase in unique leads to estate agents. The post Rightmove reports 7% revenue growth with AI expansion appeared first on...
Connells Group recorded a loss of £500,000 during the first six months of 2026, a significant reversal from the £28.4 million profit reported in the same period last year. The estate agency group, owned by Skipton Building Society, attributed the loss to subdued market conditions and ongoing restructuring costs. The post Connells Group reports £500,000 loss in first half of 2026 appeared first on...
Property transactions in London take an average of 174 days from agreed sale to completion, making it the slowest region in Britain, according to Rightmove analysis. The data reveals significant regional variations, with Scotland completing transactions in 98 days on average and the North East of England recording the fastest times in England. The post London property transactions take six months to...
Estate agents in Great Britain are experiencing the longest wait on record to receive commission payments, as the average home sale now takes 216 days from listing to completion. The property portal's data shows completion times have increased by 36 days since 2019 despite technological advances. The post UK property transactions now take 216 days to complete appeared first on...
The UK housing market showed signs of stabilisation in July, with the annual gap in agreed sales narrowing to 5.2% after running 10% behind 2025 levels since Easter. Scotland was the only region to record annual growth, whilst London remained the weakest performer. The post UK housing market shows signs of stabilisation in July appeared first on...
A man who posed as a mortgage adviser and defrauded four people of more than £200,000 has been sentenced at Chester Crown Court. Adam Francis received a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to four counts of fraud by false representation. The post Cheshire mortgage fraudster sentenced for £200,000 scam appeared first on...