Property Market
Buy-to-let fills housing gap
The buy-to-let sector continues to enjoy steady growth in the first half of 2007, providing affordable accommodation for increasing numbers of households.
Chill out for summer with Barratt Homes
Barratt Homes is hosting ‘chill out for summer’ events across its developments in the south, inviting potential homebuyers to its sales offices to enjoy Champagne and strawberries while looking for a new home.
Savings crisis could lead to increased repossessions
Nearly half (46%) of the UK population is now unable to save anything from monthly incomes, according to research from property purchasing company, A Quick Sale.
DIY obsession causes homeowning SOS
More than half of new homeowners will choose new curtains (52%) or paint the walls (54%) than write a will or change the locks within three months of moving into a new home, according to new research commissioned by AA Legal Services.
Brits prepared to pay for parking
Securing a safe parking spot is increasingly important when searching for a new home, according to research from Halifax Estate Agents.
RICS: Housing Green Paper
Commenting on the Housing Green Paper, Jill Craig, RICS head of public policy said: “The Government is right to attempt to push house building to sufficient levels. It is time to make good on its promises to promote an inclusive society where the poorest are not priced out of the housing market.
£8 billion to tackle housing shortages
Families and first-time buyers will benefit from major investment of £8 billion for affordable housing and ambitious new reforms to drive up the supply of both low cost and social homes, Housing Minister Yvette Cooper announced yesterday.
Build new homes for the future not to flood
New housing developments must be built away from flood - prone areas to ensure that flood insurance continues to remain widely available and competitively priced, the ABI (Association of British Insurers) has said.
More surplus public sector land for new and affordable homes
Following the Prime Minister's pledge to increase the number of new homes by three million by 2020, Department for Transport and Communities and Local Government have been working together to identify further surplus land.
Planning inspectorate annual report and accounts
The Minister for Housing and Planning Yvette Cooper has laid before the House a copy of the Planning Inspectorate's Annual Report and Accounts for 2006/07, which reveals that the Planning Inspectorate has met nearly two thirds of its targets this year, including its target to issue 80% of decisions within 10 weeks of the close of hearings.
RICS: Housing prices for London
Commenting on the Halifax housing figures for London, RICS senior economist, Oliver Gilmartin said: "A strong financial services sector has transformed London into a property rich ‘city state’.
Average house prices in London break £300,000 barrier
The average price in Greater London broke through the £300,000 barrier for the first time in 2007 Q2 to £313,122, according to the latest Halifax House Price Index. This takes the average price in the capital above the new inheritance tax threshold of £300,000.
Consumers, Estate Agent and Redress Bill receives Royal Assent
The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) has welcomed the news that the Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Bill has now received Royal Assent. However, the Association points out that there are still some key issues which need to be addressed.
Nationwide provides advice for homeowners affected by floods
With more flooding expected this weekend, Nationwide Building Society offers tips for homeowners who could be affected.
Top Barratt awards – it’s a family tradition
Barratt’s Apprentice of the Year Jamie Waddington and his mum, Debbie Minns are starting a family tradition for carrying off top awards. Jamie, has just been named as the top apprentice and mum Debbie has won the Excellence in Customer Service Award for April to June.