News
IMLA Supports Government Plan to Modernise £1 Trillion Housing Market
Lenders across the UK mortgage industry have voiced strong support for the government’s £8 billion plan to reform the home buying and selling process — a move expected to reduce the one-in-three property transactions that currently fall through, costing consumers and the economy hundreds of millions each year.
Rightmove Calls for Stamp Duty Overhaul as Tax Hits Home Mobility
The government’s decision to maintain current Stamp Duty thresholds through 2025 has been welcomed by homebuyers and landlords alike. Experts suggest the extension will help sustain market activity and provide much-needed stability amid ongoing affordability pressures.
Affordable Housing Crisis Deepens as 700 Developments Stall
Up to 8,500 Affordable Homes across England could remain unoccupied, as more than 700 developments face delays due to reduced funding from housing associations. The Home Builders Federation warns that the slowdown threatens small builders and could worsen the housing shortage.
HMO Numbers Up 2% Nationwide — But Sharp Regional Contrasts Emerge
The number of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) across England has risen by 2.3% over the past year, reaching nearly 473,000. But while some regions and local authorities have seen huge increases, others recorded steep falls, reflecting stark regional disparities in the sector.
Southern England Emerges as Main Winner of Static House Prices and Lower Rates
London and southern England buyers are enjoying the largest boost in affordability, with monthly mortgage savings of up to £181 compared to last year, as asking prices soften and mortgage rates fall.
Report Reveals: Tax Hikes Reshape Housing Market in Favour of First-Time Buyers
UK construction activity fell again in August, marking eight straight months of contraction, as housing and civil engineering continued to struggle, according to S&P Global’s Construction PMI.
PMI Signals Weakest Business Confidence in Over Two Years as Construction Output Falls Again
UK construction activity fell again in August, marking eight straight months of contraction, as housing and civil engineering continued to struggle, according to S&P Global’s Construction PMI.
One in Five Landlords Now Own Through Limited Companies, Pegasus Reveals
Limited company ownership is increasingly shaping the buy-to-let market, with one in five landlords now incorporating, according to Pegasus Insight.
Borrowers Face £329 Higher Repayments as Short-Term Deals Dominate
UK remortgage completions surged by 71% in July 2025, with two-year fixed-rate deals becoming the most popular choice among borrowers. While many faced higher repayments, short-term certainty and equity release opportunities drove activity — highlighting shifting homeowner strategies across regions.
Bank of England Cuts Rates: Sub-4% Mortgages Now Within Reach
Two leading UK lenders have cut rates below 4% following the Bank of England’s decision to lower its base rate to 4% in August 2025. First-time buyers could now secure deals from as low as 3.73%, while easing affordability rules and increased housing supply are fuelling competition across the mortgage market.
BoE Lowers Base Rate to 4% in Split Vote, Flags Risks from Rising Food Inflation
The Bank of England has reduced its base interest rate to 4% in August 2025 — its fifth cut in a year. While the move brings potential relief for borrowers, policymakers have warned that rising food prices could drive inflation back up, creating a challenging environment for future rate decisions.
June Sees 13% Spike in Property Transactions – Here’s What It Means for Buyers
Residential property transactions rose by 13% in June 2025, marking a possible shift in buyer confidence. As affordability improves and the effects of stamp duty reform settle, experts say a more stable property market may be emerging.
Savills: UK House Prices to Rise 24.5% by 2029 as Market Outlook Improves
Targeted stamp duty relief for older movers could free up over 500,000 homes in just 12 months, new research suggests — easing pressure on the UK housing market and increasing availability for first-time buyers and growing families.
UK Interest Rates Set to Drop Again – Is Now the Time to Lock In a Deal?
The Bank of England may cut rates again on 7 August, offering a potential reprieve for borrowers and homebuyers. With inflation easing and market uncertainty growing, economists expect lower borrowing costs in the months ahead.
Stamp Duty Relief for Downsizers Could Unlock 500,000 Homes in a Year, Says New Study
Targeted stamp duty relief for downsizers could unlock more than 500,000 homes in just 12 months, new research shows. As older homeowners hesitate to move due to tax costs, calls grow for reform to ease the housing shortage
Prime London Prices Fall as 16,500 Millionaires Leave UK
A record outflow of millionaires and tax changes have triggered the deepest buyer anxiety in Prime Central London for over a decade. Prices are slipping, transactions are down — yet some investors see fresh opportunities.
Affordable Home Completions Jump 15% – Are You Ready to Buy?
Homes England delivered 36,872 new homes in the 12 months to March 2025 — a 12% year-on-year increase. Most completions were affordable homes, as a maturing Affordable Homes Programme begins to pay off.
BoE Maintains 4.25% – Time to Lock in a Competitive Mortgage Deal
The Bank of England has voted to hold interest rates at 4.25% following a 6–3 split. With wage growth slowing and inflation easing, markets are now preparing for a possible rate cut as soon as August.
Permanent 5% Deposit Scheme Announced – Homebuyers Should Prepare Now
The UK Government is making the 5% deposit Mortgage Guarantee Scheme permanent from July 2025. A move expected to boost confidence for both buyers and lenders across the UK.
Savills: Relaxed Stress Tests May Drive FTB Growth by Up to 24%
A change in Bank of England guidance could lift first-time buyer transactions by up to 24% over the next five years. As lenders ease affordability checks, demand for homes is expected to surge — with potential implications for house prices and supply.























