Halifax reports UK house prices fall for second month
UK house prices declined for the second consecutive month in April, according to Halifax, as mortgage rates climbed and uncertainty over interest rate trajectories dampened buyer activity. The mortgage lender,…
DAR Global launches waterfront apartments in Qetaifan Island
DAR Global has launched Sea La Vie Qatar, a waterfront residential development on Qetaifan Island North in Doha, comprising one-bedroom plus den apartments ranging from 88 to 253 square metres.…
Rightmove forecasts profit growth up to 5% for 2026
Property portal Rightmove has issued a first-quarter trading update forecasting profit growth of up to 5% and revenue growth of 8% to 10% for 2026, maintaining guidance provided in its…
UK mortgage affordability hits lowest level since 2008
UK homebuyers are experiencing the most challenging mortgage affordability conditions since 2008, with initial repayments consuming 21.3% of gross income on average, according to data from UK Finance. The figures,…
Mansion tax to cost £380m before generating revenue
The Treasury faces upfront costs of at least £380 million before Labour’s high-value property levy begins generating revenue in 2028, according to government analysis. The council tax surcharge on properties…
Letting agents urged to cut unprofitable landlord clients
Letting agents are being advised to terminate relationships with their most difficult landlord clients, according to industry consultant Rachel Ollington, who argues that problematic property owners are eroding profit margins…
Decline in phone use may be delaying property transactions
Communication methods in conveyancing are shifting away from telephone calls towards email and digital platforms, a change that may be introducing delays into property transactions, according to discussions at a…
Rental growth slows ahead of Renters’ Rights Act
Average rental growth in England moderated in the first quarter of 2026, contradicting expectations that landlords would implement significant rent increases ahead of new legislation limiting their flexibility. Analysis of…
RICS calls for mandatory estate agent qualifications
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has called for mandatory qualifications for estate agents, arguing that the current lack of regulation is contributing to failed transactions and inefficiencies in…
Portsmouth Property Association appoints new chair
The Portsmouth Property Association has appointed Sau-Wan Lai as its new chair, with Stacey Read confirmed as deputy chair following the organisation’s annual general meeting. The appointments mark the first…