Latest News

“Collapsing” transactions could fall by 40% - RICS

The latest housing market forecast from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has predicted a 40% fall in transactions during 2008, following the squeeze on mortgage funds and decline in consumer confidence. The forecast stated: “Access to mortgage products is being restricted, the level of transactions has plunged and prices do now appear to be slipping.”

Persimmon offers first time buyer packages

Persimmon Homes Thames Valley is offering a tailor made package to help first time buyers onto the property ladder.

Half of mortgage market requires a high deposit – Moneyfacts

Over half of the mortgage market now requires home buyers to put down a deposit of more than 10% when purchasing their new home, Moneyfacts has reported.

Bank of England warns of tough times ahead

Housing starts down by a quarter

Developers started building 25% fewer homes in the first quarter of this year than last year and completed 18% less, according to CLG figures released today (May 15).

OFT launches market study into sale and rent back

The OFT has announced that it has launched a market study into the sale and rent back sector.

New Bill sees a greater role for communities

Communities are to become more involved in the design and delivery of local public services, it was revealed in the government’s proposed community empowerment, housing and economic regeneration Bill, as part of prime minister Gordon Brown’s parliamentary sessions.

Barratt to \"tightly control\" new sites as reservations fall

Barratt’s interim management statement for the first part of the year has reported “significantly deteriorating” market conditions “as a result of an unprecedented reduction in mortgage availability and tightening lending criteria, combined with a decline in consumer confidence.”

BPF calls for government to “modernise affordable housing”

Following the prime minister’s announcement of the next parliamentary legislative agenda, the British Property Federation has continued to call for government to review its approach to affordable housing, and consider supporting the growth of a professional private rented sector. It has also joined housebuilders’ calls for low cost private sector housing to be included in the official definition of “affordable housing.”

Stratford council rejects proposed ecotowns settlement

Ecotowns have been criticised again with councillors rejecting plans for a site in Stratford-upon-Avon.