Halifax, HSBC and Barclays have increased mortgage rates by up to 0.2% following a sharp rise in swap rates driven by geopolitical tensions in Iran. The changes, which affect fixed rate products for homemovers and first-time buyers, come as Andy Burnham takes office as Prime Minister. The post Major lenders raise mortgage rates amid geopolitical tensions appeared first on...
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Angela Rayner has been reappointed as Housing Secretary following Andy Burnham's appointment as Prime Minister. The move comes after Steve Reed departed the role, having served less than a year since his appointment in September 2025. The post Rayner returns as housing secretary under new PM Burnham appeared first on...
Changes to the ownership structure of Purplebricks parent company Strike have emerged following Companies House filings, alongside overdue annual accounts for both entities. Charles Dunstone is no longer listed personally as a person of significant control, with his investment vehicle Freston Ventures now holding that position. The post Dunstone ownership changes at Purplebricks parent Strike appeared...
Bywater has entered a partnership with international flexible workspace operator infinitSpace to launch beyond Paradise, a new premium flex offering at Paradise SE11, the UK’s lowest embodied carbon mass timber office development. Bywater, a carbon-conscious developer and investment manager focused on low-carbon development and refurbishment across the UK, will partner with infinitSpace as flexible...
Scottish property portal ESPC has released a mobile application that provides users with access to property listings up to 72 hours before they appear on national portals. The app covers properties across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife, the Borders and Dumfries & Galloway. The post ESPC launches mobile app with 72-hour property listing advantage appeared first on...
Updated government guidance on the Tenant Fees Act has raised questions about the validity of professional rent guarantor contracts issued before the Renters' Rights Act came into force on 1 May 2025. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has warned landlords and letting agents that existing guarantor agreements may be affected by the new legislation. The post Rent guarantor contracts...
Slough Borough Council has launched a consultation on plans to introduce comprehensive licensing schemes that would regulate approximately 17,000 rental properties across the town. The proposed schemes would require landlords to pay £950 per property for a five-year HMO licence and £750 for a selective licence covering other rental properties. The post Slough proposes licensing scheme for 17,000 rental...
Average asking prices for newly-listed homes in the UK dropped by 1% in July to £372,359, representing a sharper decline than the 0.2% average recorded over the past decade. Rightmove attributed the fall to mortgage rate increases, political uncertainty, the World Cup and persistent heatwaves affecting buyer demand. The post UK asking prices fall 1% in July as market faces headwinds appeared first on...
Research from Savills has identified the most affordable UK cities for first-time buyers, with Stoke-on-Trent leading with a flat price-to-income ratio of 2.5 and average flat prices of £88,448. The analysis comes as London deposits reach approximately £130,000, prompting graduates to consider regional alternatives with stronger affordability metrics. The post Regional cities offer more accessible...
A survey of rental properties across five cities in England and Scotland reveals monthly rental rates ranging from £950 to £1,750, reflecting regional variations in the buy-to-let market. Properties surveyed include developments in Milton Keynes, Liverpool, Norwich, Southampton and Glasgow. The post Rental market survey: five cities across England and Scotland appeared first on...