Property Market
Property search data – urban vs. countryside more scrutiny required
Homeowners are warned to closely examine property search data supplied during house purchase to avoid costly mistakes, says the Council for National Land and Information Service (C-NLIS).
Spring sees a spike in Scottish house prices
House prices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Dundee have surged in the last quarter, according to the Lloyds TSB Scotland House Price Monitor.
Get ready for take off
Visitors at the Lord Mayor’s Show in Cannon Hill Park this Sunday (27th May) could be going to new heights, as Redrow’s hot air balloon flies into town.
Business backs Planning White Paper aim to deliver major infrastructure projects
CBI Director-General Richard Lambert has welcomed the government's planning white paper and its ambition to deliver the major infrastructure improvements the UK urgently needs.
Noise Action Week: Noisy neighbours are the top complaint
Noise Action Week, 21-25 May 2007, aims to raise awareness about noise, noise issues and helps to promote a responsible attitude towards noise. As part of Noise Action Week, www.leaseholdersupport.co.uk reveals that of the top ten complaints made by flat owners - nearly half of them are about noise.
Major planning reforms for a sustainable future
Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly has unveiled major reforms of the country's planning system to make it fit to tackle new challenges in the 21st century - speeding up the system alongside improved community consultation.
Homes must be greener
The debate over the introduction of Home Information Packs continues with the deadline of 1st June fast approaching. Whatever happens, the fact that our homes account for 27% of the UK’s CO2 emissions makes looking at how to improve energy efficiency in the home a high priority.
New home prices take an upturn
The average price of a new home in May was up 0.7% on the previous month and up 0.3% over the last year, signalling a positive change in the market and leading a strong second quarter for the new homes market in 2007, according to Smartnewhomes.com.
Property numbers rise and prices slow as HIPs deadline looms
Average national asking prices showed their smallest gain of the year so far, rising 0.4% in May, according to Rightmove.co.uk.
Will the Lords or RICS derail the HIPS start date?
Ray Boulger, senior technical manager at UK mortgage broker John Charcol comments, “Tomorrow’s motion in the Lords to revoke the HIPs legislation is very likely to be passed as the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats will support it and the Government do not have a majority in the Lords.
First time buyers to benefit most from HIPs
The introduction of Home Information Packs (HIPs) stands to significantly help first time buyers looking to purchase their first home – saving them time and money when they take their first steps onto the housing ladder.
Continuing rise in housebuilding shows planning system can deliver
New Government figures show that housebuilding in England now stands at its highest level since 1989, with 168,000 homes built in 2006/7.
Estate agents who process sales without a HIP will be breaking the law
In response to speculation that estate agents will accept fines for marketing properties without HIPs after the 1st June, Stephen Callaghan, Director of energy-assessors.com comments:
HIPs protect first-time buyers say housing professionals
Home owners are better placed to carry the cost of searches and surveys than first-time buyers, many of whom struggle to find a deposit, says the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH).
Central London housing boom strengthens
The prices of the best properties in central London have risen by over 33% in the 12 months to the end of April 200, according to the latest figures from the Knight Frank Prime Central London Residential Index.