AI-enhanced property photos raise transparency concerns
Estate agents are increasingly using artificial intelligence tools to digitally enhance property photographs, from repainting walls to adding non-existent lawns, raising questions about transparency in property marketing. The practice, which…
Portfolio landlord saves £280,000 on 77-property refinance
Paragon Bank has completed the refinancing of a 77-property portfolio through its multi-property proposition, with the transaction expected to save the landlord approximately £280,000 over five years compared to their…
First-time developer secures £2.18m for nine-flat scheme
Avamore Capital has provided a £2.18m ground-up development facility for a nine-flat residential scheme, despite the borrower having no previous construction or development experience. The transaction, arranged through broker Arose…
Vistry expects £30m loss after discounting unsold homes
Vistry Group, one of Britain’s largest housebuilders, has announced it expects to make a £30m loss in the first half of the year after implementing significant discounts to clear unsold…
Nine strategies distinguish top estate agency websites
Analysis of high-performing estate agency websites reveals distinct strategies that separate them from competitors, according to industry observations. While most agency sites share similar layouts and content at first glance,…
Residential landlords shift to commercial amid tax pressures
Property investors are increasingly moving away from residential buy-to-let portfolios towards commercial property in response to mounting tax and regulatory pressures, according to trade body Propertymark. The organisation reports that…
UK housing market faces muted sales for next 12 months
Estate agents should prepare for subdued transaction volumes over the next 12 months, according to the latest Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) monthly housing survey. The data suggests the…
Inherited property faces £120,000 tax bill under reforms
Property owners and investors could face substantially higher capital gains tax bills on inherited assets if proposed reforms are implemented, according to analysis from wealth manager Rathbones. The research examines…
Stamp duty costs deter homeowners from moving, data shows
Stamp duty costs are preventing homeowners from moving, according to analysis from property portal Zoopla, with bills reaching five figures across southern England. Richard Donnell, Executive Director at Zoopla, said…
Winkworth appoints Oracle Group for national PR strategy
Estate agency franchise Winkworth has appointed The Oracle Group to manage its public relations and communications strategy across its UK and international operations. The appointment marks a strategic move by…