Property Market
Get to know your neighbours
It’s true what they say, everybody needs good neighbours, but do we really take the time to get to know who’s living next door? In an effort to build safer communities, Countryside Properties has launched a campaign to encourage its residents across the North to spend a few minutes getting to know their neighbours.

Special kitchens for indulgent home owners
When it comes to turning a house into a home, it seems the kitchen is top of our priorities for investing time, energy and cash to create a room that’s the heart of family life – and the envy of all our friends.
Construction outlook makes government housing targets unlikely
A slowing housing market has dampened confidence in the profit outlook of the UK construction industry, making it even more unlikely that the Government will reach its housing targets, says the latest RICS Construction Market Survey.
CLG: Private rented sector to be focus of independent review
A major review to improve the private rented sector was announced by Housing and Planning Minister Yvette Cooper.
NLA: Private rented sector review terms of reference
David Salusbury, Chairman of the National Landlords Association (NLA), comments: “The NLA welcomes today’s publication of the terms of reference of the review into private rented sector housing.
UK house prices increased by 5.2% in 2007
House prices in 2007 Quarter 4 were 5.2% higher than in 2006 Quarter 4 with the average price of a home in the UK increasing by £9,821 over the year to £197,071, according to the Halifax House Price Index.
First time buyers have cause for New Year cheer
Members of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) reported that first time buyers once again improved their market share in December allowing further optimism to stoke this sector that is in need of a vital boost.

New Year resolutions can come true
Housebuilder George Wimpey has launched a new incentive to help people looking to buy a new home in 2008 at its’ Ochil View development in Tullibody. Customers who visit Ochil View during January will be entitled to the 'Move in for £99' scheme, which runs until the 31 January, 2008.*

New Year mortgage incentives from George Wimpey
People looking to buy a new home in the January sales can benefit from a fantastic new incentive from George Wimpey.

Country house market slows in the final quarter of 2007
The country house market remained relatively firm in the final quarter of 2007 with prices falling by -0.04% overall, according to the Knight Frank Prime Country House Index.
Free instant online property valuation service
Leading internet property experts, Mouseprice.com, have launched a new, online, valuation system, which will provide free and instant estimates of the value of any home in England and Wales.
Confusing times for the property market
David Kuo, Head of Personal Finance at Fool.co.uk, says: “Conflicting data on the state of the housing market may leave homeowners, property sellers and prospective house buyers feeling confused.
Price balance drops further into negative territory
The balance of surveyors reporting house price falls has reached levels not seen since the early nineties housing market correction, says latest RICS’ UK housing market survey.
Brits planning to spend £13bn on green home improvements
Brits are planning to spend over £13 billion making their homes greener, with over two thirds of people (68%) claiming they have already taken steps to reduce the carbon footprint of their homes over the last year alone, according to research by Co-operative Bank Mortgages.
The underestimation nation
Britons should expect the unexpected when planning major works to their homes, according to Halifax Home Insurance. Its latest study found that the cost of one-in-four major home improvement projects spiral well beyond their original budget each year.