FCA proposes mortgage rule changes for wider borrower access
The Financial Conduct Authority has published proposals to reform mortgage lending rules, aiming to expand access for first-time buyers, self-employed workers and older borrowers. The regulator said the changes would…
Ground rent cap implementation brought forward to 2027
The government will introduce a £250 annual cap on residential ground rents in England and Wales by late 2027, a year earlier than previously planned, following pressure from MPs and…
Family support accounts for £11bn in first-time buyer funding
More than half of first-time buyers in the UK require financial support from family members to purchase their first property, according to research published by Savills. The data reveals that…
UK mortgage affordability reaches tightest level since 2008
Homebuyers in the UK are now allocating 21.3% of their gross household income to initial mortgage repayments, marking the highest proportion since the 2008 financial crisis, according to new data…
Air conditioning debate highlights UK housing regulation concerns
Growing environmental restrictions on air conditioning in new residential developments have sparked debate about the balance between sustainability goals and housing delivery, according to a North London estate agent. Trevor…
Liverpool estate agency launches AI property valuation tool
A Liverpool-based estate agency has launched a free AI-powered property valuation service that aims to address what its founders describe as widespread overpricing in the UK housing market. Howsold, an…
Leeds letting agent dismissed after benefits discrimination claims
A Leeds-based letting agency has terminated an employee following the emergence of a recording in which the staff member appears to discuss filtering out prospective tenants who claim benefits. The…
School group secures £1.75m bridge loan on West Kensington block
A private school group has secured £1.75 million in bridging finance against a block of buy-to-let flats in West Kensington to address liquidity pressures stemming from VAT changes in the…
OakNorth provides £11.7m for self-storage expansion
OakNorth has provided £11.7m in development finance to Cinch Self Storage to fund two purpose-built facilities in Bedford and Leeds, adding more than 120,000 sq ft of lettable space to…
Dexters expands London network with Fraser & Co acquisition
London estate agency Dexters has acquired Fraser & Co, adding four London offices and a Hong Kong presence to its existing network. The deal brings more than 30 employees into…