Tax experts question HMRC’s Rayner stamp duty decision
Tax professionals have raised concerns about potential inconsistencies in HMRC’s treatment of politicians following the closure of an investigation into Angela Rayner’s stamp duty liability. The former Deputy Prime Minister…
Councils can fine landlords without warning under new law
Local councils in England are adopting stricter enforcement policies under the Renters’ Rights Act, with some landlords now facing formal action without prior warning, according to a legal firm specialising…
Developer secures £3.75m for Barnet apartment scheme
LendInvest Mortgages has provided a £3.75m development finance facility for a nine-unit residential scheme in the London Borough of Barnet. The funding will support the demolition of an existing building…
Property auction market reaches £5.9bn as repossessions rise
The UK property auction market recorded £5.9bn in residential and commercial sales during 2025, up from £5.5bn in 2024, as repossessed homes now account for more than 20% of auction…
Crowdfunding for rent up 60% as tenants face affordability crisis
Rent-related crowdfunding campaigns in the UK have increased by 60% since 2022, according to data from GoFundMe, with more than 100,000 people per month now contributing to help others meet…
Rental arrears reach record high of £2,281 in Q1
Average rental arrears reached a record £2,281 in the first quarter of the year, according to new data from deposit alternative provider Reposit, as tenants continued to face elevated living…
Buy-to-let investors shift to higher-yield strategies
Buy-to-let landlords are increasingly adopting professional business strategies and targeting higher-yield investments to offset rising costs from taxation, compliance requirements and interest rates, according to Daryl Norkett of Shawbrook Bank.…
First-time buyers overestimate deposit requirements
A significant proportion of prospective first-time buyers are delaying property purchases due to misconceptions about minimum deposit requirements, according to research from Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB). The broker’s survey of…
Tribunal overturns £24,500 HMO penalty in ‘rack rent’ case
The Upper Tribunal has overturned a £24,500 penalty issued to a landlord by Waltham Forest Council, ruling she was not in legal control of a property operated unlawfully as a…
Estate agency AI tools face scrutiny over costs and risks
Property technology providers are facing questions over the capabilities and true costs of artificial intelligence tools being marketed to estate agents, according to industry analysis highlighting concerns about transparency and…