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First-time buyers will find it hard to inflate their income, says expert

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It will become increasingly harder for first-time buyers to inflate their income to secure a property, it has been suggested.

Rise in new-build sales is 'no surprise'

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The 214 per cent rise in sales of new-build properties in London has come as no surprise to one housing expert.

New planning orders 'will have negative impact'

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

New planning orders could have a devastating effect on the rental property market', according to expert.

Competition will stay among existing lenders, says expert

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Current mortgage lenders will not see any new entrants vie for more competitive positions in the market, suggested one expert.

Property market needs to improve before buying abroad, says expert

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The current state of the housing sector needs to improve before people look to buy abroad, according to one property journalist.

Prevent property boom, says lobbyist

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

House prices still need to become more affordable for first-time buyers in order to prevent a property boom, according to one campaigner.

Agenda is set for 95% LTV, says expert

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A 95 per cent loan-to-value (LTV) mortgage will become available on the housing market soon, it has been announced.

Ben Wilkie, editor of What Mortgage, believes that the LTV will not reach limits any higher than this and added that the current difference between the high and low products will shrink significantly.

Florida property prices drop

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The fall of property prices in Florida will provide an incentive for British people to move abroad, says one housing expert.

Homeownership a realistic goal at 30, says expert

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

People in their 20s will look to save and wait until they reach 30 rather than buy a house, it has been suggested.

Green housing initiative is full of 'confusion'

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners are confused by the abundance of advice given to them by environmental organisations, it has been suggested.

Still good mortgage deals to be had, says expert

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

There is still an availability of good mortgage deals but first-time buyers will wait for the market to improve, it has been suggested.

Young buyers 'miss out on rural homes'

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

People looking to move to the country will need the help of local communities to find the right area for their new home, it has been suggested.

Homeowners will 'foot the bill' for energy efficiency

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

People with an energy efficient home will save less than those with very inefficient ones, according to one expert.

Trends are more positive than figures suggest, say Rics

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The underlying trends revealed by the Halifax House Price Index are more encouraging than the 'headline' figures suggest, according to one economist.

Borrowers should be 'wary of headline-grabbing rates'

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

People who currently borrow money from high street mortgage lenders using any of the latest deals should be wary of rates which appear too good to be true, it has been suggested.

Government announces Warm Homes, Greener Homes Strategy

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners will benefit from new government measures to prevent wastage of energy in residential property, it has been announced.

First-time buyers must save for deposit, says expert

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

First-time buyers must return to the notion of saving before they commit to put a deposit on a house, it has been suggested.

House prices will continue in 'downward spiral'

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

House prices will continue to decline for the next few years, it has been suggested.

Second homes with good locations 'hold value' in market

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Second homes in a favourable, coast line location will stay at the same value despite the recession, according to one expert.

House prices will continue in 'downward spiral'

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

House prices will continue to decline for the next few years, it has been suggested.

Housing should be a priority spending area, says BSHF spokesperson

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

An official at the Building and Social Housing Foundation (BSHF) has called for greater public spending as the number of residents on social housing lists in London increased last year.

Higher LTV 'can only be good news for first-time buyers'

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A return to the 90 per cent loan-to-value (LTV) deposit will help first-time buyers, who until recently were largely ignored by the mortgage market.

UK dwelling stock rises 'by 0.74 per cent'

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The number of residential properties in the UK rose between the end of March 2008 and 2009, according to new figures.

American property 'should not be seen as an investment'

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

British buyers should not consider US property as an investment at the moment, it has been claimed.

Lending for non-energy efficient homes 'should be restricted'

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Mortgage restrictions should be placed on homes that are not energy efficient in order to encourage homeowners to carry out work on them.

Carry out research 'before decorating your property'

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It is vital to carry out research before decorating a property, it has been claimed.

Government housing legislation will concentrate on 'repair and refurbishment'

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It is hoped that homeowners planning to improve their property will not be hampered by government legislation this year.

Rise in capital gains tax to 25 per cent 'a fact of life' for homeowners

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This year's Budget could reveal a rise in capital gains tax (CGT) from 18 to 25 per cent or more for homeowners.

High numbers of 'reluctant tenants' exceed supply

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It is suspected that the rise of so-called 'reluctant tenants' will exceed the quantity of rental property.

Property rental demand 'to remain strong'

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Demand for rented property is set to continue in its steady rise while the effects of the recession delay first-time buyers, one housing expert has suggested.

Water damage can have a "significant impact" on property

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Water damage has had a "significant impact" in time and money for many properties this winter, a new report has shown.

Linda Barker thinks less people want 'show homes'

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

More people are beginning to see their homes as somewhere to live rather than as a design project, according to Linda Barker.

VAT cut 'would boost housing sector'

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A home improvement VAT cut would help to lift the UK's housing sector, one expert has suggested.

Survey shows one million 'ghost' homes without fixed energy bill

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Over one million householders in Britain admit to moving house without paying for their utilities, according to a survey taken by moneysupermarket.com.

Phil Spencer tells Wales to provide incentives for house buyers

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Presenter of Location, Location, Location Phil Spencer has said that first-time buyers in Wales should be given assistance to help the housing market into recovery.

Lease option 'will help first time buyers'

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A lease option mortgage will soon become a valid choice for many first-time buyers who cannot finance the traditional amount of 15-30 per cent and take a first step on to the property ladder, it has been suggested.

Mortgage lending 'will recover'

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Mortgage lending will recover in time. However, it is likely to remain at current levels over the coming months.

Spanish property market 'will offer fantastic opportunities this year'

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Brits planning to buy a home abroad may be interested to learn that, according to one expert, property in Spain will offer fantastic opportunities this year.

Post Office expands mortgage range

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Post Office has cut rates across a number of its fixed and tracker mortgage ranges, it has been revealed.

Green improvements 'too expensive for homeowners'

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Many DIY enthusiasts consider green home improvements to be too expensive, it has been claimed.

Scottish house prices 'will remain steady'

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Scottish property prices will remain steady over the coming months, it has been claimed.

Mortgage lending 'to have a slow start'

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Mortgage lending is likely to increase this year after getting off to a slow start, it has been claimed.

UK commercial property 'is an attractive investment'

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Rental growth in the London office sector is likely to rise by 19 per cent over the next year, according to research carried out by Knight Frank.

January mortgage lending 'declines'

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Gross mortgage lending declined during the month of January, new figures have revealed.

House price rises of last decade 'unsustainable'

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The house price rises seen over the last decade are unsustainable and have represented an economic "merry-go-round", it has been stated.

House prices 'up 3.2%'

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

UK house prices rose by an average of 3.2 per cent during February, it has been revealed.

Boiler scrappage scheme 'should be expanded'

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The government should consider expanding its boiler scrappage scheme to include more households, it has been suggested.

Majority of Brits 'aim to be mortgage free at 50'

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The majority of British homeowners aim to be mortgage free by the age of 50, it has been revealed.

Housing market 'will continue to improve'

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The property market has improved considerably over the last year and will continue to do so throughout 2010.

Property in Florida 'offers excellent value for money'

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

British buyers looking for a good return on their investment may wish to consider buying a property in Florida.

Popularity of Spain and France 'will continue to grow'

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

France and Spain will continue to be popular with British property investors, it has been claimed.

Landlords 'should feel positive'

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

There is no reason why landlords should not feel optimistic about the current rental market.

Renting 'offers flexibility without mortgage burden'

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Renting can be an excellent option for many people, particularly those who like to move house and change their jobs regularly, one expert has suggested.

Landlords 'need more government support'

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Landlords in the private rental sector need more support from the government and local authorities.

Mortgage lenders 'to become more competitive'

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The mortgage market could see more attractive deals for homeowners and first-time buyers as the UK economy slowly lifts out of the recession.

Winter water damage claims 'reach £35 million'

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Home insurance claims have soared in recent months, after the county UK suffered one of the worst cold snaps on record, it has been revealed.

High property prices 'bad news for young people'

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

There needs to be some recognition that the house price rises over the last decade did not benefit everyone.

Top tips for first-time buyers

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

First-time buyers have been offered some tips on how to get their feet on the first rung of the property ladder.

Number of high LTV mortgages 'has soared'

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Availability of high loan-to-value (LTV) mortgages has soared in recent months, it has been claimed.

British investors 'to concentrate on traditional destinations in 2010'

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Brits looking to invest in property abroad this year are likely to choose traditional destinations, it has been suggested.

Monochrome colour schemes 'are in vogue'

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners hoping to inject some style into their property this year may be interested to learn that, according to one expert, monochrome colour schemes are back in vogue.

House price rises 'disappointing for first-time buyers'

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The average UK house price is likely to rise by six per cent this year, according to a study published by the Centre for Economic and Business Research.

More education needed 'on benefits of green technology in the home'

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

British homeowners need to be made more aware of the benefits of installing green technology in their properties, it has been claimed.

Being sympathetic towards tenants 'can be beneficial in long run'

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A good tenant "is a valuable thing" and it is in the best interests of landlords to treat them well.

Housing recovery 'likely to slow in 2010'

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Recovery in the housing market is likely to slow down in 2010, it has been claimed.

Neutral tones 'are out for 2010'

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The British love affair with neutral tones may soon be over, it has been claimed.

Optimism 'returning to property market'

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Optimism is returning to the housing market, new research has revealed.

'Excellent deals available' on French property

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

British buyers are likely to find some excellent deals available on French properties this year.

New sale and rent back regulations 'welcomed'

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Financial Services Authority's (FSA's) new rules relating to sale and rent back schemes have been welcomed by one leading debt management company.

Demand for coastal properties 'will remain high'

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Demand for coastal properties is likely remain high in the future, it has been claimed.

Homeowners 'should save extra cash'

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Research published this week revealed that mortgage affordability has improved significantly over the last year, with many people now finding themselves with extra money left over at the end of the month.

Private rental sector 'helps to prevent housing problems'

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The private rental sector is the "white knight" of the housing sector, it has been claimed.

NAEA reveals global property predictions

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) has revealed its global property predictions for the coming year.

Property price rises of last decade 'are not sustainable'

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The last decade has been a "financial merry-go-round" that has left the majority of the population dizzy.

Mortgages 'are 20% more affordable'

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Mortgage affordability improved significantly in 2009, it has been revealed.

Desirable US property 'will be snapped up quickly'

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Desirable US property will not be staying on the market as long as it once did.

Window of opportunity 'still exists for prime London property buyers'

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Opportunities still exist for those who want to make the most of lower house prices and invest in a prime London property, it has been suggested.

Renting 'can make sense'

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Renting a property can be a sensible option for many people.

Mortgage providers 'beginning to loosen purse strings'

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

January has been a positive month for house buyers, with many lenders beginning to loosen their purse strings, it has been claimed.

Buying a house 'is more stressful than having a child'

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

One in four homeowners rate buying a house as the most stressful experience of their lives, new research by Unbiased.co.uk has revealed.

Housing market confidence 'is catching'

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Housing market confidence is starting to spread among consumers, it has been claimed.

December mortgage figures 'show surprising strength'

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The last year has been "surprisingly upbeat" regarding mortgage activity, with the property market more buoyant than many people would have anticipated.

The right Canadian property 'can be a good investment'

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Brits thinking of putting their belongings into storage and buying property abroad may wish to consider investing in a home in Canada.

Caution 'is key to success' for landlords

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Caution is the secret to success when it comes to the buy-to-let market, it has been suggested.

Mortgage affordability 'will improve'

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Mortgage affordability is likely to improve once the recession is over.

Majority of December mortgages 'were variable rates'

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The majority of mortgages that were arranged by independent experts John Charcol during December were variable rate products, it has been revealed.

Mortgage lending 'up 14% in December'

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Gross mortgage lending reached approximately £13.7 billion during December, it has been revealed.

House prices 'still too high'

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

House prices in the UK are still too high for many first-time buyers, it has been suggested.

Homeowners offered power cut tips

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners have been offered tips on how to deal with a power cut to their property.

Property market confidence 'on the rise'

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The latest Rightmove House Price Index has revealed that seller confidence has grown over the last month, as well as buyer interest.

Homeowners 'concerned over energy bills'

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Millions of homeowners are concerned that their energy bills will rise following the recent cold snap in the UK, new research has revealed.

One in ten landlords 'planning to purchase in 2010'

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

One in ten British landlords are planning to purchase property over the coming year, it has been revealed.

Low interest rates 'no use to first-time buyers'

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Low interest rates may not be enough to help first-time buyers on to the property ladder, it has been suggested.

Rise in new-build prices 'is encouraging'

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The average cost of new-build properties constructed by Barratt Developments increased by four per cent during the second half of 2009, it has been revealed.

Mortgage products 'on the increase'

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The number of mortgage products available to British consumers has passed the 2,500 mark for the first time since May 2009, it has been revealed.

Housing costs 'force people to delay families'

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

High housing costs are forcing some people to delay starting families, new research has revealed.

Homeowners offered advice for 'big thaw'

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

With a thaw expected to take place in most parts of the country this weekend, British homeowners have been offered some advice on how to protect their properties from damage.

Property owners warned over squatters

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

People who own vacant properties have been advised to put adequate steps in place to prevent squatters moving into their premises.

Dubai property market 'is full of opportunities'

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Dubai property market still offers opportunities for foreign investors, it has been suggested.

Spanish property prices 'set to fall further'

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The level of interest in Spanish property is beginning to increase, it has been suggested.

Recent house price figures 'affected by holidays'

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) has claimed that the Christmas holidays have had an effect on house prices, with activity slowing down over the festive season.

Big firms 'could help with installation of green technologies'

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A new programme which may see houses retrofitted with green technologies and techniques could benefit from the involvement of large UK firms, according to an environmental charity.

Brits attracted to Australian property, says expert

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

British people considering purchasing a house abroad are often attracted by the idea of moving to Australia, according to an industry insider.

Current house prices 'are unsustainable'

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

House prices are not currently affordable and will need to come down if more people are to be able to get on the property ladder, an industry commentator has suggested.

Government announces affordable home investment

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The UK housing minister has highlighted the scale of government investment in affordable housing in 2010 and the economic impact it will have.

Lenders 'passing costs onto customers' with higher SVRs

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

An industry insider has suggested that the standard variable rates (SVRs) being offered by several banks have risen in order to absorb the extra costs that banks and building societies are seeing.

Poll shows Brits want to move abroad

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A significant number of British people intend to move abroad by the end of this decade, a new poll has suggested.

Super-efficient architect 'faced space issues'

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

An architect attempting to make his home highly efficient has revealed he ran into issues caused by lack of space.

Investors 'returning to foreign property market'

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Investors are likely to return to the foreign property market over the coming year, it has been claimed.

London property price rise 'set to continue'

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Property prices in London are likely to increase over the coming months, it has been suggested.

Homeowners urged to protect properties from cold

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

British homeowners are being urged to protect their properties as cold weather continues to grip the country.

December house prices 'see 1% rise'

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

UK house prices rose for the sixth consecutive month during December, new data has revealed.

Prime property market 'likely to increase after election'

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The UK's prime property market is likely to increase after the next general election.

Brits 'opting for homemade interiors'

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Brits are giving their property interiors a homemade feel and are increasingly opting to make their own items.

First-time buyers 'still struggling to secure mortgages'

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Affordability has improved significantly over the last year, however, many first-time buyers are still finding it difficult to get on to the property ladder, it has been suggested.

Brits 'adopting European housing habits'

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

An increasing number of British homeowners would consider selling their property and renting, it has been revealed.

Homeowners offered energy saving advice

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners can slash the cost of their energy bills with a few simple steps, it has been claimed.

Brits 'are becoming more inventive with home improvements'

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners are likely to become more inventive with their home improvements over the coming year, it has been suggested.

Housing affordability 'is improving'

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Housing affordability has improved significantly for first-time buyers over the last year, it has been revealed.

Small price increases 'will lead to rise in housing market activity'

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Small increases in UK property prices will lead to more activity in the market next year, it has been suggested.

Britain 'could see return of affordable mortgage deals in 2010'

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The UK could see the return of affordable mortgage deals over the coming year. This is the opinion of Katie Tucker, technical manager at mortgageforce, who said loan-to-value ratios are already improving and are likely to get better.

Property in west London 'is most expensive'

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The streets of west London are home to the most expensive properties in England and Wales, it has been revealed.

France and Spain's popularity 'will continue to grow'

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The popularity of property in France and Spain will continue to grow.

More people being granted mortgages, figures show

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Mortgage lending activity in the UK is at its highest level in two years, it has been discovered, suggesting that many people may need storage solutions while they move house in the future.

Botched DIY jobs 'could have damaged new homes'

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Those moving into a brand new home and looking forward to making it their own may be unlucky enough to find that the previous owner has performed botched DIY jobs.

'Plan ahead' for Christmas clearouts

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

People planning to have a Christmas clearout have been advised to plan ahead by one local authority.

Professional landlords 'will look for opportunities next year'

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Professional landlords are likely to begin expanding their portfolios again next year, it has been suggested.

Homeowners warned of burst pipe danger

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners have been warned that their pipes may be at risk of bursting due to the freezing weather conditions.

Christmas 'sees increased fire risk'

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners are being warned that the risk of household fires increases significantly at Christmas time.

Rural property owners 'underestimate crime risks'

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Rural homeowners underestimate the crime risks they face, it has been revealed.

London property 'to reach pre-recession levels by 2010'

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Property prices in London are likely to rise back to pre-credit crunch levels by the end of 2010.

Decision to end cheque payment 'will affect landlords'

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The decision by the Payments Council Board to end the use of cheques in 2018 will have a major impact on landlords.

First-time buyers 'still have significant constraints'

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

First-time buyers still face significant constraints, it has been claimed.

House prices 'likely to rise next year'

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Property prices are likely to continue rising over the coming months, it has been claimed.

UK house values 'rise by £39.1 billion in 2009'

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

House prices rose by a collective £39.1 billion across the nation during 2009, it has been revealed.

Increased search figures 'are a positive sign for foreign property market'

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

An increase in the number of people searching for foreign property is a positive sign, it has been claimed.

Supply of property 'not keeping pace with demand'

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The main reason that house prices are beginning to rise again in the UK is that the supply of property is failing to keep pace with demand.

Homeowners urged to keep gifts secure this Christmas

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Around £18 billion of presents will be put at risk over the coming weeks as homeowners leave their Christmas purchases on display, it has been revealed.

NAEA reveals housing market predications for 2010

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) has revealed its property market predictions for 2010.

Consumers 'remain positive about property prices'

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Consumers are confident that property prices will rise in 2010, it has been revealed.

Lenders 'must reduce deposit requirements to get housing market moving'

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The housing market will only begin moving properly again when mortgage lenders reduce their deposit requirements.

Homeowners offered insurance tips

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners have been offered tips on how to cut the price of their next insurance premium.

Landlords 'are feeling reasonably comfortable'

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Most landlords are feeling reasonably comfortable about the coming year, it has been suggested.

Top tips for a stress-free move

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Moving house can be stressful at any time of year, but the cold winter months can make the process even more unpleasant.

Strong euro 'driving expats back to UK'

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The strength of the euro against the pound is increasingly driving expatriates back to the UK, it has been revealed.

Homeowners 'must take steps to avoid burst pipes'

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners have been offered some advice on how to protect their properties during the cold snap that has been forecast for this week.

British love affair with property 'is waning'

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The British love affair with owning property could be over, it has been revealed.

Homeowners offered winter property advice

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Property owners have been offered some advice on how to ensure their homes stay warm during the winter months.

Government's boiler scrappage scheme 'is not enough'

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The boiler scrappage scheme announced in the recent government Budget does not go far enough.

Property price falls "are no bad thing"

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The fact that property prices are still down year-on-year in the majority of countries is "no bad thing".

Increase in house purchases 'is encouraging'

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It is an encouraging sign that lenders are more willing to provide home loans now than they were two years ago, it has been suggested.

Government 'misses opportunity to extend stamp duty holiday'

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The government "missed an open goal" with yesterday's Budget and should have announced an extension to the current stamp duty holiday for properties priced below £175,000, it has been asserted.

Longer term mortgages 'may be the best option'

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Taking out a long-term mortgage could be a better option that choosing a two-year fixed-rate deal, it has been asserted.

Mortgage lenders 'continue to slash rates'

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Mortgage lenders have continued to cut their fixed-rate offerings in recent months, it has been claimed.

Overseas properties 'increasing in value'

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

New research has revealed that many British people with a second home overseas are making a significant return on their investment.

Price index gives "buoyant picture" for property market

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The latest Halifax house price index has revealed that property values recorded a rise of 1.4 per cent in November.

Homeowners advised to stay vigilant over Christmas

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

UK property owners have been urged to make sure their homes are secure during the festive period.

Home information packs 'are useful for consumers'

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Home information packs (Hips) are useful for consumers and can help them to cut their carbon emissions, it has been suggested.

Mortgage products for first-time buyers 'on the rise'

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The number of mortgage products available for first-time buyers is on the increase, it has been claimed.

Neighbours 'are a factor in house move decisions'

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Neighbours can be a contributing factor when people are making the decision to move house, it has been claimed.

Mortgage payers can take advantage of low rates'

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners can take advantage of the current low interest rates to pay off their mortgages faster than they would otherwise, it has been suggested.

Stamp duty relief 'is a sticking plaster'

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Stamp duty relief is a sticking plaster covering up underlying problems, it has been claimed.

Brazil 'is a property hotspot'

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Purchasing property in Brazil is at the forefront of every investor's mind at the moment, it has been suggested.

House prices 'likely to fluctuate'

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

House prices are likely to fluctuate again before they stabilise, it has been suggested.

A Google property search portal 'would be a good thing'

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The launch of a Google property search portal would be a good thing in the short-term.

Rents 'likely to rise'

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Rent prices for residential properties are likely to increase over the coming year, new research has revealed.

Borrowers 'should ensure they understand all mortgage costs'

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

First-time buyers should ensure they fully understand all of the costs associated with mortgage deals.

Government 'is out of touch with private rented sector'

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The government is out of touch with the private rented sector in the UK and needs to do more to help property owners, it has been claimed.

Self storage 'can benefit businesses'

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Self storage may be popular with those moving house and carrying out renovation work on their properties, but it can have other uses too.

Investors with a medium-term view 'should opt for residential property'

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Wealthy investors with a medium-term view should consider purchasing residential property, it has been suggested.

Government urged to stimulate housing market further

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The government is being urged to stimulate the housing market in order to avoid a so-called double-dip recession.

Brits 'still keen to carry out home improvements'

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Brits are still keen to carry out expensive improvements on their properties.

Rental sector 'needs government help'

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The private rental sector needs assistance from the government, one housing organisation has claimed.

Brits 'keen to improve their homes'

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There is likely to be an increase in the number of people carrying out work on their properties, it has been suggested.

Now is the time 'to grab a bargain in the sun'

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Those who dream of leaving the UK behind and buying a bargain property in the sun have been advised that now could be the right time to make the move.

Property in London 'represents a good investment'

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Property in London will always represent a good investment for buyers, it has been claimed.

Increasing number of Brits 'investing in US property'

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Exchange rate improvements between the pound and the dollar have prompted an increasing number of Brits to invest in property in the US, it has been claimed.

Winter "a good time for first-time buyers"

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Winter could provide a great opportunity for first-time buyers to secure a new property, according to one sector commentator.

Northern Rock's "aggressive pricing" will improve mortgage availability

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The increased competitiveness in the mortgage market could be due in some part to Northern Rock's "aggressive pricing" policy, it has been suggested.

Fixed mortgage rates 'fall'

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The rates payable on fixed two-year mortgages have fallen below five per cent for the first time in four months, it has been revealed.

Homeowners 'may need self-storage after floods'

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners affected by the recent flooding in areas such as Cumbria have been offered some advice on what to do next.

UK 'needs more rural housing'

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

More affordable housing is needed in rural areas to prevent people moving away from the countryside, it has been asserted.

Good schools 'are always a big draw for buyers'

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Purchasing a property near a good school is often a top priority for buyers, it has been claimed.

'Rent before buying' when retiring to Spain

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Brits planning to move to Spain after their retirement have been advised to rent a property before buying one.

Self-storage units 'offer flexibility'

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Self-storage units offer great flexibility and are ideal for those who lead busy lives and need extra space, it has been suggested.

Stamp duty holiday 'failed to help first-time buyers'

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The government's stamp duty holiday has failed to make a significant difference to first-time buyers, it has been suggested.

Homeowners offered flooding advice

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Insurance group RSA has issued advice to homeowners affected by flooding.

Environmental home improvements 'must be controlled'

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Home improvements that are made for environmental reasons should be encouraged, but also controlled.

More new homes needed, says Shelter

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

More new homes should be built in the UK, according to Shelter.

'Too early' to tell whether house prices will remain stable

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It is too early to tell whether house prices will remain stable or not.

Home affordability 'improves'

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Average national asking prices are down by 0.5 per cent this month, representing the first fall since March, new data has revealed.

Inventories 'are a must for landlords'

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Inventories are a must when letting out properties, it has been claimed.
According to the National Landlords Association (NLA), they should not be viewed as an optional extra.

Could Stephen Fry require self storage?

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

One person who could be packing his belongings into a self storage facility is British comedian and television personality Stephen Fry.

Retirees 'are downsizing to fund dreams'

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

An increasing number of retirees are downsizing their properties and using the equity to fund their dream trips around the world, it has been suggested.

Scottish properties 'showing price increases'

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The worst of the housing market downturn may not be over for Scotland, it has been claimed.

Industry experts 'call for end to stamp duty'

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The 1808 Coalition, a group of property experts and housing organisations, is calling for the government to abolish stamp duty outright or implement an alternative.

Buy-to-let market 'is growing'

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The UK buy-to-let market has grown for the first time in two years, it has been revealed.

Increase in home loans 'is a good sign'

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The rise in mortgage lending is a further indication of recovery in the housing market, it has been claimed.

One-third of first-time buyers 'escape stamp duty'

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

One-third of first-time buyers were not required to pay stamp duty during the month of September as a result of the government's temporary £175,000 threshold, it has been revealed.

Rent a Room tax threshold 'needs to be raised'

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The tax threshold of the government's Rent a Room scheme needs to be raised.

Taking in a lodger 'is a flexible way to earn money'

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Taking in a lodger could be a great way for people to boost their income during the economic downturn, it has been suggested.

There are 'dozens of ways to add value to property'

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There are several things homeowners can do to add value to their property, an expert has claimed.

Homeowners 'get 7-year property itch'

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The majority of homeowners first consider changing property after seven years, new research has revealed.

Increase in property sales 'is cause for cheer'

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The increase in the number of properties for sale in the UK is a "cause for cheer", it has been claimed.

Self-builders 'should put sustainability first'

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Those planning to embark on self-build projects should put sustainability first, it has been claimed.

Expert offers home improvement tips

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Carrying out key home improvements, such as installing central heating and dealing with damp problems, will always be worthwhile, it has been claimed.

People 'need to educate themselves before starting building projects'

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

People planning to embark on self-build projects must "educate themselves" first, it has been claimed.

First-time buyers 'are rushing to escape stamp duty'

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

First-time buyers are rushing to exchange and complete their property transactions quickly before the stamp duty threshold is raised again at the end of the year, it has been claimed.

Demand is 'exceeding supply across housing market'

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Demand is exceeding supply across some parts of the UK housing market, with up to five house hunters chasing one property in popular areas, it has been revealed.

Deposit requirements 'ease for buyers'

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Mortgage lenders are beginning to increase their maximum loan-to-value ratios, it has been revealed.

Homeowners 'should redirect mail when moving'

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Young, single professionals living in rented accommodation are most likely to be targeted by identity fraudsters, it has been revealed.

Majority of homeowners 'happy to stay put'

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The recession could spell an end to people moving house frequently in a bid to climb the property ladder, new research has revealed.

Homeowners 'are attached to expectation of property value'

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners are often reluctant to accept the true value of their properties, it has been claimed.

Credit crunch 'prompts rise in DIY home improvements'

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The credit crunch has prompted an increase in the number of people choosing to carry out home improvement work themselves and, according to one company, this tend is likely to continue.

Lenders 'are welcoming first-time buyers back'

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Mortgage lenders are beginning to welcome back first-time buyers, it has been claimed.

Australia 'presents real opportunities for investors'

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Australia is a great option for those looking to invest in a home abroad, it has been claimed.

House prices on the increase, says Halifax

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

UK property prices rose by 1.2 per cent during the month of October, marking the fourth consecutive increase, it has been revealed.

Women 'decide home locations'

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Women call the shots when it comes to the locations of their homes, it has been revealed.

Property prices 'likely to rise by 5% in 2010'

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Property prices in the UK are likely to increase by at least five per cent over the coming year, it has been claimed.

Homeowners 'failing to protect against fire damage'

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Millions of British homeowners are taking risks when it comes to fire safety, it has been revealed.

Homeowners 'may require self storage to accommodate lodgers'

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It seems that homeowners across the UK may be placing some of their belongings into storage in order to make room for lodgers.

Increase in lodgers 'is likely to continue'

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Recent figures released by Halifax Home Insurance show that the number of lodgers in the UK has increased by 23 per cent in the last three years and, according to one expert, this trend is likely to continue.

New measures 'will boost quality of home improvements'

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The introduction of a new database by the Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Industries National Training Group will help to clamp down on cowboy fitters, it has been claimed.

Parents 'keen to help children on to housing ladder'

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Many parents are keen to take advantage of the current market conditions and help their children get on to the property ladder, it has been suggested.

Mortgage approvals 'on the increase'

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Mortgage approvals have risen to an 18-month-high, it has been revealed.

Brazil 'could be set for property boom'

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Brazil is an attractive destination for property investors looking to buy abroad, it has been suggested.

Household maintenance work 'should not be delayed'

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The amount of money being spent by businesses and homeowners on property maintenance has declined over the last year, it has been suggested.

First-time buyers 'are important to future of housing market'

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

First-time buyers are extremely important to the future of the housing market, it has been claimed.

Mortgage payments 'should be highest priority'

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Mortgage payments should be a top priority when it comes to planning household budgets, an expert has claimed.

First-time buyer demand 'is on the rise'

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The number of first-time buyers enquiring about property is on the rise, it has been claimed.

London property market 'leading recovery'

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

London's property market is recovering at a faster pace than elsewhere in the UK, it has been suggested.

New housing projects 'on the increase'

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The number of new housing projects being undertaken in the UK is on the rise, it has been revealed.

Parents 'raiding savings to get kids on property ladder'

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

With property at its most affordable levels in around six years, thousands of parents believe now is an ideal time to help their children get on to the property ladder, new research has revealed.

First-time buyer mortgage enquiries 'on the rise'

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

An increasing number of first-time buyers are searching for mortgages, it has been revealed.

Figures published earlier this week by unbiased.co.uk found that requests for home loans by those trying to get on the housing ladder represented 51 per cent of all enquiries during September.

The number of enquiries from homeowners seeking advice on re-mortgaging their properties also increased.

Karen Barrett, chief executive of the company, said the figures suggest that many first-time buyers have been waiting to get on to the property ladder and have now regained interest.

"It appears many have been biding their time but now feel they are in a position to investigate what's on the market," she explained.

Research published by Lloyds TSB this week revealed that parents are increasingly using their savings to help their sons and daughters purchase their first homes.

A survey carried out by the organisation revealed that 70 per cent of parents think it is now a good time to buy property.

International property searches 'on the rise'

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The number of people searching for homes abroad was ten per cent higher in September than in August, it has been revealed.

France offers Brits 'a tranquil lifestyle'

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Those planning to up sticks and move abroad for a quieter life may wish to consider buying a home in France.

Property market 'likely to recover within 18 months'

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The rise in mortgage lending during September is a "very positive sign" for the property market.

FSA mortgage check proposals 'will be expensive and inefficient'

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) earlier this week proposed that mortgage lenders should carry out more thorough checks on borrowers in order to determine whether they are financially stable.

CML unveils September lending figures

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Gross mortgage lending for September totalled approximately £12.5 billion, according to figures released by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).

Check the history of new home, expert says

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Those planning to move house in the near future have been advised to check the history of the property they are moving to.

Homeowners 'waiting for market stability before selling'

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Although there have been indications that the housing market is improving, many of those looking to sell their homes are waiting for "more stability".

Increase in Scottish property prices 'should continue'

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The increase in Scottish property prices and transaction volumes should continue into next year, an industry expert has asserted.

Choosing a property 'is an important process'

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Those planning to move house have been offered some advice on choosing the right property.

Brits 'using CAD software for home improvements'

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

British homeowners are increasingly using Computer Aided Design (CAD) to help them carry out improvements to their properties, it has been revealed.

Property in Paris 'will always hold its value'

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

France may offer good investment opportunities for those looking to move abroad, it has been suggested.

Rental accommodation 'provides flexibility for young people'

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Owning their own home is an unrealistic expectation for many young people at the present time.

Brits 'are renting for longer'

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Brits are increasingly renting properties for longer, new research has revealed.

High taxes 'may increase Swiss relocations'

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

High taxes in the UK may prompt more company executives to relocate to countries such as Switzerland, it has been claimed.

Lenders 'becoming more relaxed'

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Mortgage lenders are becoming more relaxed than they have been previously, it has been suggested.

Mortgage lending 'continues to recover'

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Mortgage lending activity has continued to recover over the last month, it has been revealed.

First-time buyers 'should enter the property market'

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The majority of first-time buyers would be financially better off by purchasing a property rather than renting, new research has revealed.

Expert: There has been an increase in foreign property interest

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It seems as though more people may be considering a move abroad as there has been an increase in the number of Brits thinking about buying foreign property.

Recession 'may force homeowners to sell'

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There are concerns that because of the current economic instability, some people may be forced to sell their properties even if they do not want to.

High house prices 'discouraging first-time buyers'

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Many first-time buyers are being discouraged from taking their first steps on to the property ladder because of high house prices, it has been suggested.

Expert: Recession makes homeowners stay put

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It has been claimed that as a result of the recession, people are happier to add value to their existing properties instead of purchasing bigger and better houses.

Expert: People are doing exciting things to their kitchens

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

They may be one of the most practical rooms in the house, but this does not mean that kitchens cannot be stylish and modern areas.

Don't be too ambitious with DIY, homeowners advised

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners have been urged to think twice before undertaking an ambitious DIY project in their house.

Homeowners installing baths 'to help them de-stress'

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As many people look for ways to de-stress because of the worries caused by the UK's economic situation, it seems as though they are heading to the bathroom.

Brits 'like familiar destinations' when moving abroad

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When Brits move abroad and relocate to sunnier climes, they are still drawn to Europe, it has been claimed.

Brits 'thinking ecologically' when renovating their homes

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It has been claimed that those deciding to spruce up their houses are becoming increasingly concerned about ecology.

National Home Improvement Show takes place in London

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

With the economic downturn forcing many people to tighten their purse strings, now may be the ideal time to consider a little home improvement.

Unemployment 'preventing people from buying homes'

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It has been claimed that rising unemployment figures in the UK are discouraging people from taking their first steps on to the property ladder.

UK has a 'shortage of rental properties'

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It has been claimed that there is a shortage of rental properties in the UK.

Be aware of hidden DIY costs, homeowners advised

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners have been advised that they should be aware of hidden costs if they decide to undertake DIY projects or construction work on their properties.

Expert: Fewer remortgages are taking place

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It has been claimed that although now is currently a busy time for moving house and buying new properties, there are fewer remortgages taking place.

Homeowners urged to seek help on DIY projects

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

People have been advised that if they wish to undertake a major DIY project, it may be better to call in the professionals.

More properties up for sale, expert claims

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There are now more properties coming on to the housing market, one industry expert has asserted.

Expats advised to set up foreign bank accounts

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Those who are considering packing up their things and relocating to somewhere hot and exotic have been advised to give some thought to their bank accounts.

Sale and rent back schemes 'need more regulation'

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It has been claimed that there needs to be more regulation to prevent lenders from taking advantage of people through sale and rent back schemes.

De-cluttering can help to sell a home, experts advise

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

People have been advised that if they are looking to sell their home, they can help things along by de-cluttering it as much as possible.

Demand for rental properties 'on the increase'

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The demand for rental properties has increased in the UK because people are afraid that if they do not act now, prices will go down, it has been claimed.

Spain offers 'bargain holiday homes' for Brits

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Now may be the perfect time to purchase property in Europe as house prices are falling on the continent, it has been reported.

Expert: Now is the time to become a landlord

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Those looking to enter the property market have been advised that despite the economic downturn, now may be the time to consider becoming a landlord.

Land Registry reveals August house prices

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Land Registry has issued information regarding house prices in August.

More homeowners 'choosing to rent'

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Many homeowners are now selling their property and returning to rented accommodation, one industry expert has asserted.

Expert: There is a lack of finance in the housing market

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Although confidence is improving in the housing market, there is still a lack of available finance, it has been claimed.

Why not travel the world in a caravan?

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Britons packing up their homes to travel the world upon retirement could be among those investing in caravan holiday homes, which have enjoyed a popularity boost this season, according to one industry expert.

Low property prices in Florida are "like winning the jackpot"

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Current low house prices in Florida are "like winning the jackpot" for many people who have dreamed about moving to the US upon retirement, according to one property expert.

'Recession and lack of mortgages' mean less people want their own home

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It is not surprising that there are fewer social housing tenants planning to become homeowners than there were ten years ago, according to one renovations expert.

People taking in lodgers 'should tell their home insurer'

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners could risk invalidating their home insurance if they do not inform their insurers when they take in lodgers, according to one industry expert.

Homeowners 'feel safer staying put'

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The worry of where the unemployment axe may fall next makes homeowners feel safer staying put, according to one property expert.

"Exceptional" opportunities to buy prime London property

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The property market in central London is being driven by high net-worth individuals who recognise that the recession has created an "exceptional opportunity" to purchase, one housing expert has asserted.

FTBs offered 'fewer options'

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

First-time buyers appear to be being ignored as lenders continue to cherry pick lower-risk borrowers, one property expert has claimed.

House-buying 'easier' due to increased stamp duty threshold

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The temporary raising of the lowest stamp duty tax threshold has made things easier for people who want to purchase a new home, one property expert has asserted.

Year-round sun 'attracting Brits to Cape Verde'

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"Now is a good time to buy" for Brits interested in purchasing a property in Cape Verde, according to one overseas property expert.

Mortgage difficulties 'set to continue'

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The overall number of people with mortgage arrears seems to be increasing, despite a recent fall in the amount of repossessions, one property expert has asserted.

Interest-free loan 'of little help' to first-time buyers

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A new interest-free loan scheme will be of little help to most first-time buyers, one property expert has asserted.

DIY 'popular' throughout the recession

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The DIY industry has performed "pretty well" during the recession, because many homeowners are looking to add value to their property in anticipation of a recovery in the housing market, according to one property expert.

Property prices are "already recovering"

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Improvements in the housing market will not take as long as some commentators have suggested, because property prices are "already recovering", according to one industry expert.

Limited lending and lack of properties 'will constrain the market'

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The limited level of lending and the shortage of available properties will constrain the housing market, one industry commentator has asserted.

Green renovations 'reduce CO2 emissions and slow climate change'

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

By making energy-efficient renovations their houses, people can save money on their energy bills as well as reducing their carbon dioxide emissions and thus slowing climate change, one construction expert has asserted.

Mortgage costs remain "obscene"

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The cost of interbank borrowing may have fallen to a record low, but mortgage rates for consumers remain "obscene", one commentator has asserted.

MPC did a "very good job" at helping the property market

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Monetary Policy Committee, together with the central bank and the government, has done "a very, very good job" of helping the UK property market, one expert has asserted.

'Lack of rural homes' causing prices to rise

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The lack of top-end rural properties is causing prices to rise, because many buyers are looking to get "value for money" from the weaker market, according to one property expert.

Landlords 'must take steps to protect their income'

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Landlords should still get insurance to cover them against not receiving rent, one property expert has asserted.

Tracker mortgage holders paying "virtually nothing"

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Many people on tracker deals are now paying "virtually nothing" on their mortgage and are feeling a "huge amount of benefit" from low interest rates, according to one property expert.

Self-created "smart homes" could reduce energy-consumption

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Tools and services that homeowners can weave together on their own provide the opportunity to put individual energy goals into action, according to one property expert.

Homeowners finding mortgage costs 'much cheaper'

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners are finding mortgage costs a lot cheaper because of lower interest rates, according to one property expert.

Stamp duty should be "readjusted"

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Stamp duty needs to be "readjusted" to a level that will only tax higher earners, according to one property expert.

Homeowners 'should not cut back on home insurance'

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners should attempt to make savings by leaving their houses uninsured, according to one industry expert.

Property market 'stabilising' in Dubai

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The property market in Dubai is stabilising and is no longer in freefall, one housing expert has asserted.

Brits moving abroad 'should head to South Africa'

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Britons looking to move abroad could do a lot worse than to consider South Africa as a destination due to English being widely spoken and its jetlag-free timezone, one overseas property expert has asserted.

Uncertain future for landlords

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The increased cost involved in letting out a property is causing many landlords to reconsider their future in the business, a director at the Residential Landlords Association has claimed.

Recession 'caused holiday home boom'

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Properties in popular holiday locations are "always going to appeal" and never more so than after the recent economic downturn, one property expert has asserted.

Tenancy Deposit Scheme: Big warning to students

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The big warning to students returning to university this autumn is to make sure that their deposit is protected, according to one accommodation expert.

FSA proposals 'could limit mortgage options'

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

New building society regulations proposed by the Financial Services Authority could narrow the number of available mortgage products and limit consumer choice, the Building Societies Association (BSA) has asserted.

Expat youngsters 'set up for life'

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Children can benefit from living abroad at a young age, it has been claimed.

Florida 'remains number one for British buyers'

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Florida is the most popular destination for Britons looking to buy property in the US, it has been claimed.

"Golden opportunity" for FTBs to make a big saving

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The stamp duty deadline could be a "golden opportunity" for first-time buyers to make a big saving, one property expert has asserted.

House-building facing "unprecedented" difficulties

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The construction industry is facing "fairly unprecedented levels of difficulty" despite recording its smallest decline in activity in 18 months, one publication has said.

Homebuyers should "learn the lessons" of the past 18 months

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

People should "learn the lessons" of the past 18 months by searching carefully for the correct property and making sure that they do not "overstretch" themselves, one property expert has advised.

A longer stamp duty holiday 'won't get people buying'

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Lengthening the stamp duty holiday will not correct housing market inequities, one property expert has asserted.

London property sales 'shoot up'

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

An "artificial boom" could be taking place in the prime London property market, where the shortage of available properties is forcing prices up, one property expert has suggested.

The south and East Anglia 'influence the housing market'

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The recent encouraging housing figures have been "strongly influenced" by London, the south-east and East Anglia, one property expert has asserted.

Unemployment 'causing more people to miss mortgage repayments'

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The rising level of unemployment is likely to lead more people to miss repayments on their mortgage, one property expert has asserted.

People 'will not be able to afford green houses'

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

People are struggling to get mortgages and will not be able to afford the increase in cost that producing homes to meet new government environmental standards will bring, one property expert has asserted.

Landlords should do "everything" they can to fill their houses

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Landlords must do "everything" to minimise the number of days that their property remains empty, one housing expert has asserted.

Tracker mortgages 'could be better than fixed-rate deals'

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

People are preferring to take the risk of having a tracker mortgage over taking the security of an "overpriced" fixed-rate deal, one property expert has asserted.

Brits attempting DIY should 'ensure they know what they are doing'

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Those planning some DIY this bank holiday weekend should ensure they are aware of exactly what is involved with the task at hand, one home improvements expert has asserted.

Housing association: We build more homes every year

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The number of new homes built by the housing association sector has risen compared to last year, according to one non-profit property expert.

Returning home 'a good way to save for a house deposit'

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Returning to the family home for a year can be a good way for people to "repair any incomplete credit history", while saving up enough money to put down a deposit on a property, according to one property expert.

Increased interest in commercial rents, experts say

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

An increased interest in commercial rents has recently been seen, particularly in the City of London, which has shown above 90 per cent occupancy, one property expert has confirmed.

35% of sellers 'won't drop asking price'

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A total of 35 per cent of house sellers are currently not prepared to drop their asking price at all to sell, according to a survey.

Capital repayments could save borrowers £40k

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Switching to capital repayments could save borrowers around £40,000 over the life of their mortgage, new research has revealed.

Scotland home equity strongest in UK

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Property equity in Scotland is stronger than that in England and Wales, new research has revealed.

New fixed-rate mortgage deal for "uncertain times"

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Leeds Building Society has launched a new highly competitive five-year fixed rate mortgage available from 5.35 per cent, which the firm asserts could be ideal for some in these "uncertain times".

Mortgage advisers 'less confident than before'

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Mortgage advisers appear to be taking a small backward step in confidence, according to one property expert.

Borrowers 'paying for lenders' mistakes'

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Those looking to take out a new mortgage deal are continuing to pay a heavy price for previous mistakes made by lenders, according to one property expert.

Brits 'become more cash-savvy'

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Britons are becoming increasingly savvy with their finances as they look to deal with the ongoing effects of the global economic downturn, it has been asserted.

Insufficient planning permission in place, says FMB

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A lack of land with approved planning permission is limiting the number of new properties that can be built, an industry expert has asserted.

Expert: Consumers have a right to shop around for Hips

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Consumers should be permitted to shop around when purchasing a home information pack (Hip), one property expert has asserted.

Government 'not providing confidence' in housing market

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The government has not addressed the issue of providing confidence in the housing market, despite spending huge sums of money on supporting banks, an industry organisation has asserted.

Housing crisis 'not over yet'

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

New government figures indicating an upturn in new builds "mask the real housing crisis which is affecting the country", according to a trade association.

Torrevieja 'best place to buy in Spain'

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Popular coastal destinations such as Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca are among the best areas to buy for those looking to move abroad to Spain, according to one expert.

Right time "approaching" to buy property in Spain

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The time is approaching for those looking to enter the Spanish property market, according to one expert.

Reorganising a property 'can give greater sense of space'

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners looking to create a greater sense of space should consider reorganising their property's interior adding an en suite bathroom, an industry organisation has asserted.

Property market 'bottoming out'

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Confidence is returning to the commercial property market, though there is concern that a "two tier market may emerge after the storm", a property expert has said.

"Disappointing" numbers of homeowners planning extensions

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"Disappointing" numbers of homeowners are planning significant structural changes to their property, according to one property expert.

Houses 'not yet affordable for first-time buyers'

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

House prices are "not yet" at an affordable level to encourage buyers on to the market, a property campaigner has asserted.

Further house price falls are likely, expert says

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There is still some way for house values to fall yet, despite evidence to suggest that prices are stabilising, according to one property expert.

Distressed commercial properties 'will not reduce in next two years'

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The increase in the number of distressed commercial properties coming to market will continue because there is "no reason" to expect circumstances to change within the "next year or two", according to one housing expert.

Mortgage lenders trying to manage customer demand, expert says

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Mortgage lenders are not being "proactive" in searching for new customers and are instead attempting to "manage the demand", a loans expert has asserted.

Homeowners 'don't want mortgages at such high rates'

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners are not prepared to sign up for mortgage deals at the high rates that are currently being offered, according to one savings expert.

Mortgage clients choosing "peace of mind" over cheaper alternatives

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Many people are opting for "peace of mind" over cheaper short-term mortgage deals, according to one property expert.

Expert: Repossessions could increase later in the year

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

An increase in the number of properties being repossessed is expected later in the year, despite a fall in recent months, according to a legal expert.

House price rises 'don't necessarily mean more activity'

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The recent rise in property prices is not necessarily due to increased activity in the housing market, according to one mortgage broker.

Millions of homeowners 'not in a position to move'

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Approximately 3.5 million homeowners are currently not in a position to move house, according to a mortgages adviser.

Lack of storage in houses 'due to insufficient land'

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The lack of space for storage purposes in many new properties is due to insufficient amounts of land, according to the Home Builders Federation (HBF).

57% of homeowners 'don't have enough storage'

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The majority of homeowners do not have enough storage space in their homes, according to a new survey.

Homeowners 'take on lodgers to beat the credit crunch'

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Increasing numbers of homeowners are taking on lodgers to generate extra income during the recession, a new survey has found.

Brits moving abroad 'could consider Asia'

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Britons looking to move abroad in the near future could consider choosing one of several Asian destinations, according to a property website

Eco-friendly home improvements should happen "sooner rather than later"

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners ought to be putting their belongings into storage and making environmentally-friendly home improvements "sooner rather than later", according to an eco homes expert.

Store belongings safely during a conservatory build

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Increasing numbers of homeowners could be looking to store their belongings away as they prepare for a conservatory build, it has been highlighted.

Tips for retiring to Spain

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Retiring to Spain and maintaining a cheap lifestyle is still a possibility for Brits who are fed up with the state of the UK housing market, according to one publication.

Tips for moving abroad to work from home

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

With increasing numbers of Brits dreaming of living abroad, the ideal solution could be to live overseas and work from home, according to experts.

Leonardo DiCaprio de-cluttered his life - could you?

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Reese Witherspoon and Tobey Maguire have all made efforts to de-clutter their houses in recent months, prompting a fashionable new trend in California.

How to save money when moving

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Decluttering is the perfect way to save precious pounds during the moving process, according to experts.

Free up space by using a garden room

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Adding a contemporary garden building to one's house as a way of expanding living space appears to be an increasingly popular trend.

Scheme 'will protect against flood damage'

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A £5.8 million scheme to protect residents against flood damage is being planned in one town located near the river Humber.

Decluttering angel shares advice

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Decluttering can be a time-consuming process but it can give people control over their homes, according to one specialist.

'No housing market recovery in sight'

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"No recovery" is in sight for the UK housing market despite claims to the contrary, according to a specialist in first-time buyers.

People are becoming 'more optimistic' about the property market

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Investors are becoming increasingly optimistic about the state of the UK property market, if the comments of one property adviser are to be believed.

Brits moving abroad 'should head to Florida and Abu Dhabi'

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Florida and Abu Dhabi are excellent destinations for Britons looking to move abroad, a property specialist has advised.

America offers "such good buys" on new homes, expert says

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The recent dramatic fall in US property prices means that there are excellent buys available for those looking to relocate overseas, a property expert has suggested.

Top tips to help you de-clutter your home

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Most people would take little comfort in the prospect of finding an overdue electricity bill buried under a mound of papers or their favourite shirt creased underneath a pile of other clothes.

Expert: Now is the best time to buy a property in over 25 years

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Now could be the optimum moment to buy and invest in a property since the early 1990s, according to one property expert.

Brits pour into Florida as house prices fall

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

British residents looking to live abroad are likely to be increasingly attracted to Florida, thanks to a fall in property prices in previously unaffordable areas.

Brits won't cut back on home insurance to save cash, survey finds

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hard-up Britons will not cancel essential policies such as home insurance in order to save money during the recession, a survey has revealed.

High-end house-hunters are 'looking for extra bedrooms'

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Buyers looking to purchase a high-end countryside property are currently looking for extra bedrooms, according to one property expert.

Price of property in Turkey is "hugely affordable"

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The price of buying property in Turkey remains extremely affordable, according to experts.

Top tips for moving abroad

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

One removal company has come up with a handy checklist which might be of use to those who are planning on moving abroad in the coming months.

Expert: Moving abroad requires extensive planning

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Relocating abroad to work requires 'extensive planning and research', a management company has said.

Expert: Worst of the property crash appears to be over

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The worst of the UK's property problems could well be over, according to the comments of one property specialist.

Moving to the country 'is still popular'

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There are an increasing number of high-end country properties coming on to the market, it has been claimed.

Fewer tracker mortgages 'available for home-buyers'

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Brits looking to move home may find that their options are a little limited if they want to take out a tracker mortgage, if new figures are anything to go by.

'Reduce the stress on your pets' while moving house

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Packing away your belongings and moving into a brand new house can be an exciting time for anyone; however, the impact it has on pets should not be overlooked, according to one website.

Moving to Spain 'still an attractive prospect for Britons'

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Despite the recession, Britons are still dreaming of moving to the sunny climes of Spain.

Neighbours annoyed as students leave belongings behind

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A group of residents in Reading have told a newspaper of their frustration after local students moved out of their houses and left their belongings in bags spilling out on to the street.

Hiring and firing 'dominates London rental market'

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

House moves and the property rental market in London are dominated by whether or not companies in the capital are hiring or firing, it has been claimed.

Long-term mortgage lending 'dries up'

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Brits looking to move home may struggle to find a long-term mortgage deal, according to one company.

UK mortgage lending will stay the same, expert predicts

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Mortgage lending in the UK is likely to stay at the level it is at now for some time, according to one industry expert.

Expert: Brits will want to move house before Christmas

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Many people in the UK may have their hearts set on moving house before Christmas, one industry expert claims.

Villagers 'breathe a sigh of relief' as floods miss homes

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

North Northumberland residents experienced a close call at the weekend when floods narrowly missed homes in the Rothbury area.

France and Spain 'remain popular destinations for expats'

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Many Brits have properties in Spain and France because they are easy locations to get to, it has been claimed.

Good quality conservatories 'add value to a home'

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

People looking to increase the value of their home by adding a conservatory have been warned not to scrimp on quality.

Algarve offers cheap property for Brits

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The upmarket nature of the Algarve means it has remained a popular destination for Brits looking to move abroad.

Floods create moat around Great Yarmouth home

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A torrential downpour left one couple unable to access their front door as a moat was created around their Great Yarmouth home this week.

NAEA: Property prices looking up

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The property market is looking healthy and it is unlikely that price drops similar to those of the past 12 months will occur again for five years, it has been predicted.

Young people 'saving deposits for the big move'

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

New research shows that many young people could be saving their pennies in order to purchase their first home.

'Quick recovery' expected for construction sector

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There could be more homes on the market for people to consider moving into in the future, as there has been some positive news from one construction organisation.

Rics: House price expectations on the up

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Figures released by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) show that for the first time since May 2007, house price expectations have risen.

"Green shoots" sprout through bleak housing market climate

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There have been some "green shoots" of recovery in the housing market, which could mean that now is a better time to consider moving house.

Young people 'seeing the positives' in renting

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Moving into a rented property is no longer seen by young people as being inferior to homeownership, according to one expert.

'Keep a home clean' to ensure it sells

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In order to sell a property, it is important to be enthusiastic and keep it looking fresh at all times.

Brits 'eager to move' while house prices are low

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Many homeowners in the UK are keen to move into a new home as soon as possible because they think prices will soon be on the up.

'Make life easier' and pack up early when moving abroad

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

De-cluttering a home and giving it a lick of paint may be a good way to ensure that it sells quickly, it has been claimed.

Drop the price for quick sale, homeowners advised

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

People looking to sell their home and move abroad have been offered some tips on home they can make the process simpler and easier during the current economic downturn.

Many Brits 'keen to live abroad'

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Many people in the UK have made the decision to pack their bags and set up life in a foreign country, according to one website.

DIY 'could help to sell a home'

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Anyone struggling to sell their property in the current financial climate has been advised that a little bit of DIY could help it look more attractive to buyers.

New house builds 'on the up'

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

People looking to move into a brand new home may be pleased to hear the opinions of one industry expert.

Retirees 'heading for the sea'

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Many retirees are keen to relocate to coastal towns, one industry expert has suggested.

Brits 'do like to be beside the seaside'

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It seems as though the salty sea breeze and walks on the sand are an attractive prospect for many people in the UK.

New Zealand has a "window of opportunity" for Brits

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Anyone looking to pack up their bags and start a new life in warmer climes may do well to consider homes in New Zealand.

New residential builds 'depend on mortgage market'

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

If new residential builds are to go ahead in the UK, the mortgage industry needs to stabilise in order to support them, one sector expert claims.

High-end properties 'on the road to recovery'

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

People packing up and moving into high-end country properties is going to drive the recovery of the housing market, it has been claimed.

Whitehaven the UK's most affordable seaside town

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Many people could be packing up their belongings relocating to the seaside if the latest price figures are anything to go by.

'More homes under the hammer' in the UK

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It seems as though increasing numbers of people in the UK are eager to move home, if recent figures from the property auction sector are anything to go by.

BoE: The worst of the property crash is over

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

David Mills, the property expert at the Bank of England, has claimed that the worst of the housing crash is over in the UK.

CML: Mortgage industry is past the worst

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Those looking to sell their property and move house may be pleased to hear the latest news from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).

Sustainable home renovation is "becoming the norm"

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It has become "the norm" for those doing renovation work on their homes to go green, according to one industry expert.

DIY 'may reveal underlying problems'

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Embarking on a simple DIY project may reveal more serious problems with a property, homeowners have been advised.

NHIC: Think twice before starting a DIY project

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

People over the age of 50 should think twice before grabbing a paintbrush and attempting some DIY around their homes.

UK Flood defences increased by extra government funding

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Extra funding means that many homes in the UK are now better equipped to deal with floods, it has been suggested.

Moneyfacts: Cheap mortgages mean housing costs are declining

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Now may be the perfect time to consider relocating and moving home as housing costs are declining.

Brits 'more comfortable with selling their properties'

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Brits are now more comfortable with putting their home up for sale and moving house, it has been claimed.

Spog: Spain is still popular for property investors

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It has been claimed that British interest in Spanish properties remains buoyant although prices will not increase in the country for three to four years.

Schooling 'plays a big part' in rural relocation

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Family situations and schooling can often play a big part in a person's decision to move house.

Brits are turning into 'committed property purchasers'

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Many people who were previously unsure about buying property have turned from "window shoppers" into "committed purchasers", it has been claimed.

RM Bidwells explains why many Brits love rural life

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Many people prefer to move to the countryside to escape the hustle and bustle of city life once they have retired, is has been suggested.

Brits pack up their bags 'and head for Turkey'

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Turkey is becoming an increasingly popular location for Brits to pack up their bags and escape to, one industry expert has claimed.

TheMoveChannel.com: Why Australia is so attractive to Brits

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Many Brits choose to relocate to Australia because it is culturally similar to the UK, it has been claimed.

Homeowners warned of increased subsidence risk this summer

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Putting items into storage may be a good idea for many homeowners this summer as some are at increased risk of subsidence.

Expats 'give up the dream' and leave Spain for the UK

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The tough economic situation in Spain means that many British expats are leaving its sunny climes and returning to their homeland.

Homebuilding & Renovating: Preserve your property's character

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

People have been advised that keeping their house well maintained is an essential part of home ownership.

Exterior renovation can "maximise kerb appeal"

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners need to think about how any changes they make to the exterior of their property may impact upon the appearance of the street, according to one publication.

New property prices 'fall in June'

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Now may be the perfect time for people to pack up their belongings and make the move into a new home.

Many Brits 'changing their minds' about home improvements

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the credit crunch continues to bite in the UK, it has been revealed that home improvement may be taking a backseat for cash-strapped Brits.

More homes 'at risk of flooding' in the UK

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Putting some precious items into storage may be a good idea for many people in the UK, following the publication of new government statistics.

House prices 'unlikely to get much lower'

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It has been claimed that house prices are unlikely to drop much further in the UK, meaning now could be the perfect time to consider moving house or investing in property.

NEF: Homes should have solar panels

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In the future, people may find that they are renovating and making changes to their property to make it more environmentally friendly.

Prime property asking prices up in the capital

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Prime property in London is being placed on the market for a higher price than in previous months, it has been reported.

Interest mounts in green builds

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The turnout at this week's Greenbuild Expo may suggest that there is a growing interest in the processes involved with sustainable property.

UK property market has 'buyers-aplenty'

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The average estate agent in the UK made ten property sales in May, according to a new study.

Turkey - 'somewhere to retire to'

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It is becoming a more frequent occurrence to see people retiring to property in Turkey, according to Atlas International European sales manager James Dearsley.

BSA notes upturn in property buying confidence

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

More people are confident about buying property in the UK than they were back in March, new research has found.

UK property investment eyed from down under

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Property Hawk website editor Chris Horne recently claimed that buy-to-let mortgages have remained in demand despite the economic downturn - and now it would seem that many landlords seeking these products come from down under.

Investors told 'now's the time to buy property'

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There are a number of "bargain properties" around at the moment, which apparently suggests that now is the "perfect time" for landlords to invest in bricks and mortar.

London estate agent notes property market upturn

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Instructions, the number of property buyers and the amount of completed sales have all increased in the last month, according to one London-based estate agent.

Moving abroad? Try Turkey

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The current strength of the Turkish property market is expected to continue and this could lead to a number of Britons buying homes in the country.

Improvement in mortgage choice for FTBs

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There has been an improvement in the choice of mortgages available to first-time buyers (FTBs), according to one property expert.

Gap narrows between asking and selling house prices

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

More signs that the property market is in a healthier state than it has been in previous months were reported by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) yesterday.

Investors 'could soon favour Canada'

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Property investors may soon be looking to Canada as a place to make their profits, it has been suggested.

Stand out from the crowd, property developers told

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Property development and DIY work that stands out will boost the value of a UK home in the current market, according to one industry expert.

Advice offered for home sellers

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Putting a new bedroom into a property can add 11 per cent to the value of a home, it has been suggested.

Landlords warned on the importance of good research

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The buy-to-let property investment process is "all about research", according to one industry representative.

Property investment advice from an expert

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The editor of Property Hawk website, Chris Horne, has told landlords that they are unlikely to make money from their bricks and mortar investments in a short time span.

Spanish mortgage market to reflect on lending practices

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Spain's mortgage market is set for a period of reflection, according to the director of trading at Currencies Direct.

Overseas property buying season underway

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

May is traditionally the beginning of the season that sees British people buy property overseas, according to Mark O'Sullivan, director of trading at payment technology solutions firm Currencies Direct.

RLA worried for landlords

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Landlords' businesses could be affected by mortgage firms changing the terms of their lending policies, according to a group that acts in the interests of the UK's private rented sector.

Positive property report from Rics

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Despite a number of obstacles facing the housing industry, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) has published some positive housing sector news.

Agency Express: More homes sold in May

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The latest Agency Express Property Activity Index has suggested more properties are currently being sold than at any other time in the last year.

Existing building stock 'needs to change'

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

An environmental expert has called on the existing building stock to be made more environmentally friendly.

Rics: Halifax's property price data has legs

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Halifax's latest housing industry data - which suggests that the price of property increased 2.6 per cent in May - "appears to have more legs" than other similar findings over the last 21 months.

House prices heading upwards

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Just one week after Nationwide Building Society suggested that house prices increased 1.2 per cent in May, Halifax has reported a similar trend.

British homeowners 'are creative'

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

British property owners are "good at thinking creatively" when it comes to property development, according to Claire Barrett, editor of Grand Designs Magazine.

Extensions, kitchens, bathrooms 'the focus for home improvers'

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

People in the UK are still willing to spend thousands of pounds on home improvement projects, according to one industry expert.

Home renovation picks up

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

An increasing number of people are looking to renovate their properties, according to the editor of a leading publication in the home improvement industry.

Interest in Dubai property 'will return'

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Recent reports have suggested Dubai has been hit by the slump in the global housing market, but the organiser of the Worldwide Property Show has predicted that interest in bricks and mortar in the emirate will return.

Property investment patterns predicted

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

More property investment by UK landlords is set to take place in the coming months, it has been predicted.

Brits look to Australian property as recession continues

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A number of British investors have looked to the Australian property market in recent times, as the recession takes hold in the UK.

Now's the time to buy property 'for some FTBs'

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

For some first-time-buyers (FTBs), now is a good time to purchase property, according to the head of mortgage policy at the Building Societies Association (BSA).

Property prices 'stabilising'

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

House prices appear to be stabilising after months of falling, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics), although it is too early to suggest a complete market recovery.

Remortgaging advice for homeowners

Fri, 29 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Anyone considering remortgaging in the near future may want to act now, it has been suggested.

North-easterners 'proud of their homes'

Fri, 29 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A new survey has shown that people from the north-east of England are more proud of their homes than residents of any other region in the UK.

UK house prices on the up

Fri, 29 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Property prices in the UK increased by 1.2 per cent in May, according to the latest survey by Nationwide Building Society.

Getting banks lending 'is key to more house sales'

Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

More houses will be sold when banks start lending more frequently, according to the Home Builders Foundation (HBF).

Tips for home movers

Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Those planning on moving home have been given some advice courtesy of financial search engine Tescocompare.

Mortgage lending update released

Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The house purchase part of the mortgage market stabilised in April, according to the British Bankers' Association (BBA) statistics director David Dooks.

More interest in overseas property buying reported

Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Overseas mortgage specialist Conti has reported an increase in the number of Britons showing an interest in buying foreign property.

Modest increase in property purchase activity predicted

Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There could be a "modest increase" in property purchase activity in the coming months, according to one expert.

FTBs and families using HomeBuy Direct scheme

Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

First-time buyers (FTBs) and families living in rented accommodation are finding the new HomeBuy Direct scheme an ideal way to get on the housing ladder, according to the south-east regional sales manager for homebuilder Taylor Wimpey.

More homeowners extending instead of moving

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

An increasing number of property owners have opted to add space to their home instead of moving, according to a new report.

Key workers given house price hope

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Public sector workers may soon find they have reason to move house, the findings of a property market study suggest.

Advice issued to first-time home movers

Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

First-time buyers must do their research before finding a mortgage and purchasing a property.

Surge in bank holiday DIY activity predicted

Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bank holidays are traditionally used as a time to head away from home, relax or conduct DIY - and it is the latter that 38 per cent of Britons will be doing in the coming days, according to AA Insurance.

New report suggests first-time buyer boost

Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In the week that the National Association of Estate Agents revealed first-time buyer activity was up year-on-year in April, the John Charcoal Index has uncovered similar findings.

Property expert assesses state of the market

Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It would not be a surprise if property vendors' confidence had increased in recent weeks, according to one housing market expert.

NAEA notes confidence in property market

Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The National Association of Estate Agents' (NAEA) latest Housing Market Survey indicates that confidence has returned to the property market.

Homeowners overvalue properties, says Abbey

Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The UK's homeowners think their properties are worth more than official figures indicate, new research suggests.

Brits 'like investing in US property'

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

British people like to invest in American property, according to the director of Mayfair International Realty.

Hip clarification for vendors

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It is the responsibility of the individual provider to explain the costs of home information packs (Hips) to property vendors, according to the national body for the documentation.

NAEA report shows positive FTB figures

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

More first-time buyers (FTB) were involved in property transactions in April, compared to the same month last year.

Better news for Scotland's first-time buyers

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There has been "a slow but perceptible increase in the level of mortgage availability for first-time buyers" in Scotland, according to the latest research.

NAEA: Estate Agent sales average rises

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The average number of property sales recorded by UK-based estate agents rose in April, it has been revealed.

The art of property price negotiation

Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Those involved in property transactions have been advised about the negotiating process.

Homebuyers encouraged to act now

Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

For anyone who has a "healthy deposit" and the relevant credit, now is the best time to buy property for nearly 20 years.

Over 22,000 new buy-to-let mortgages advanced

Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has revealed that there were 22,400 new buy-to-let mortgages advanced in the opening three months of the year.

UK needs range of housing, says Rics

Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A range of housing is required in the UK in order for people "live in the appropriate property for their income and situation in life", according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics).

Property bargains 'up for grabs'

Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A number of property bargains are currently available on the housing market, according to the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA).

Lending for home purchasing 'at 15-month high'

Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The proportion of lending conducted for house purchases in March reached its highest level since the end of 2007.

Vacant homes - 'auction world's bread and butter'

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The most popular types of property found at auctions are vacant flats and vacant houses, according to the founder of Essential Information Group (EIG).

Extension warning for rural homes

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Property development in rural parts of the UK needs to be monitored, according to Kate Gordon, planning team member for the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE).

EIG: Demand for auction properties grows

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Good attendance figures have been noted for recent property auctions, it has been suggested.

Interest rate 'will go up sharply'

Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

One of the consequences of interest rates dropping so low over the last 18 months is that they will rise "quite sharply" when the economy recovers, it has been suggested.

Homeowners could see property prices rise

Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

House prices may rise in the near future, according to one expert, which could be good news for those people looking to sell their homes.

Landlord register debated

Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The government's latest suggestion that a new landlord register be formed has been met with a varied response from the private rented sector.

Guidance for property sellers

Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

People selling their homes should market the property to buyers who are currently taking advantage of the low interest rate in the UK.

New buyer enquiries pick up, says Rics

Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Some 70 per cent more chartered surveyors reported a rise, as opposed to a fall, in new buyer enquiries in April, a new report states.

Home-buying tips given to first-time buyers

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

First-time buyers have been told that "timing is everything" when it comes to entering the housing market.

Advice for renovating homes

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Loft conversions and room extensions are the home improvement moves that generally add the most value to properties, according to HSBC.

'More interest' among property buyers

Fri, 08 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There has been an upturn in interest regarding property purchases, according to one UK-based mortgage broker.

'Good' property deals now available

Fri, 08 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Now could be an ideal time to buy a house, as one expert has suggested that there are a number or bargains to be found.

First-time buyers 'wary of purchasing homes'

Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

First-time buyers are "wary" about purchasing property at the moment, as prices continue on a downward trend.

Home renovators encouraged to use new tool

Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Anyone considering home renovations in the near future may find they benefit from a relatively new piece of software, which emerged on the market last year.

Call made for more affordable property

Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The price of property should be brought down to around four times the national average salary, it has been suggested.

Seek mortgage advice, consumers warned

Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It is now "more important than ever" to seek mortgage advice ahead of choosing a home loan, according to MyMortgageDirect.

Consumers' house price expectations improve

Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Consumers' expectations regarding house prices improved in April, according to Nationwide Building Society's Consumer Confidence Index.

NHF notes more interest in shared mortgages

Tue, 05 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

More people in the UK are considering shared-ownership properties, according to the National Housing Federation (NHF).

'Unrecognisable' property investment market

Tue, 05 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The current property investment market has been described as "almost unrecognisable" compared to the one which existed in September 2007.

Tenants ready to re-enter property market, says Savills

Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Renters who sold their property at the peak of the housing boom are starting to feel that "the time is right" to consider buying back into the market, according to property firm Savills.

Mortgage approvals show "sharp" increase

Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Building society mortgage approvals rose in March, attaining their highest levels since November 2008.

Property market improvement 'modest'

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Recent reports that the property market is taking a turn for the better suggest a "modest" improvement in the sector, according to the content editor at industry website FindaProperty.com.

Warning issued over home improvement

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Even experienced DIY enthusiasts should leave some of the bigger home improvement jobs to the professionals, it has been suggested.

Nationwide reports house price drop

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

House prices in the UK have dropped in April, with properties now costing an average of £151,861.

Landlords could oust non-paying tenants

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

British landlords have been told they have the power to allow tenants who are struggling to pay their rent to break tenancy agreements and leave their properties.

Mortgage advice for those seeing new homes

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

People considering moving house have been warned what to look out for when they go searching for a mortgage.

Property design expert comments on industry

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Wayne Hemingway, the British designer, believes that the government has wasted a lot of money designated for housing in the UK.

Interest remains in prime London property

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Homebuyer interest in prime London property is relatively strong and is set to improve in the coming months.

Rics predicts upturn in housing transactions

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

An increase in property transactions will occur in the coming months, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics).

Grand Designs Live event offers tips

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Those looking for tips on home renovations may wish to head to the Grand Designs Live London event, which is currently taking place at ExCeL.

New property price figures published

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The latest property price figures have been published by housing intelligence group Hometrack.

Mortgage advice for homeowners

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Overpaying on mortgages each month could be a useful way of taking advantage of the current low rate of interest, according to National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) chief executive Peter Bolton King.

Savings contribution 'not enough'

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The recent rise in the amount of money which can be saved in an ISA represents a missed opportunity to many savers, it has been claimed.

Surge in interest 'will not be nurtured' says NAEA

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The recent rise in buyer interest will not be supported by the latest budget, the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) has suggested.

IMLA supports budget, expects recovery

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The problems currently stifling the mortgage market should soon ease as a result of the budget, the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA) has suggested.

AMI: Budget falls short

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The budget does not do enough for house buyers, the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) has claimed.

Mortgage boom 'is some way off yet'

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Bank of England's (BoE) Trends in Lending survey has found it is unlikely that the mortgage market will pick up significantly this year.

Homeowners to receive financial support

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners are to be offered protection from repossession in a new move from the government, it has been confirmed.

House prices 'rise' by 2%

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

House prices rose for the third consecutive month in April, according to the latest research from rightmove.co.uk.

Darling likely to boost property

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The chancellor, Alistair Darling, is set to announce support for the property market in tomorrow's (April 22nd) budget announcement, it has been reported.

Property affordability 'looking positive'

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Property affordability has grown steadily over the last 18 months, recent research has shown.

Mortgages 'most restrictive in 2yrs'

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Loan-to-value (LTV) rates are now at their most restrictive they have been for two years, new research has shown.

Salary is 'no longer lasting a month'

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The typical Brit no longer manages to make their monthly paycheque last the entire month, recent research has found.

Macau property attracting buyer interest from UK

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Brits considering upping sticks and moving abroad are starting to take a growing interest in the Chinese property market of Macau.

London's prime property sales expected to pick up

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The relatively small size of central London's prime property market means that the sector is most likely to recover quickly, according to industry experts.

Movers encouraged to take advantage of low rates

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners thinking about moving house have been advised to take advantage of the fixed-rate mortgage deals currently on offer.

Homeowners 'playing the waiting game'

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

More than four million property owners are planning on waiting to see how far the market will fall before deciding to buy a new home, it has been revealed.

Mortgage applicants 'face higher chance of rejection'

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The rate at which mortgage applicants are being turned down has risen fourfold in two years, recent research has shown.

Land Registry adjusts registration costs

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Land Registry has announced that it will be increasing the amount payable for registering a property in Britain, following cost cutting measures.

CML points to rise in mortgage lending

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The number of mortgages lent out in February rose month-on-month, figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) have shown.

Buyer interest rises yet again

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

March saw the fifth consecutive rise in buyer interest in the housing market, according to recent figures from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics).

AMI: Government needs to do more for mortgages

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The upcoming budget should have a solid focus on improving the availability of mortgages, the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) has claimed.

Bank of England freezes rates

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Bank of England base rate has been frozen at 0.5 per cent after the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided last week against further cuts.

HSBC announces £1bn for mortgages

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

High street lender HSBC has announced it has made available £1 billion for its new mortgage range.

Accidental landlords 'may be unaware' of regulations

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners who have put their property out to let until the market regains strength may find themselves in financial difficulty if they do not read up on the suitable regulations, it has been suggested.

Government called upon to ease lending

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The government should encourage borrowing and lending to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), it has been suggested.

Further spending habits affected by recession

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Brits' spending plans for 2009 have been significantly affected by the recession, research from the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) has found.

Property market gloom 'not to clear until 2010'

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Most of the UK does not believe that the property market will strengthen again until 2010, recent research has found.

Mixed views on bargain property

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Despite last week's Nationwide House Price Index showing a rise in property values it is widely agreed that house prices are still in a downward swing.

Homeowners planning on doing it themselves

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners across the UK are set to make starts on their homes this weekend as almost one in three are planning to carry out some form of DIY, according to new research.

More attacks over Hips

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Estate agents are in more need of better regulation than the property sales process itself, a statement from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) has suggested.

Brits unaware of saving rates

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The rate of interest paid on savings to Brits in the UK has fallen so many times that most savers are now unaware of the rate they are enjoying on their main savings account.

NAEA: Hips should wait

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The introduction of Home Information Packs (Hips) should be postponed until after the recession, a statement from the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) has suggested.

Property sees 0.9% rise in value

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

House price research from the Nationwide building society has offered good news to homeowners as a rise in the value of property was recorded in March.

Pension planning strained by house prices

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A significant number of Brits preparing for their retirement could be facing the prospect of a reduced income if they have been planning to rely on equity from their property.

Household bills 'could drop by £150m'

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Household energy bills could be slashed by up to £150 million per year due to a recent ruling between the EU and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Residential stamp duty 'needs to end'

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ahead of the next budget announcement, chancellor Alistair Darling has been urged to include one more stimulus factor: temporarily lifting the stamp duty tax on residential properties.

Base rates could increase tenancy renewals

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The number of tenancy agreements renewed may enjoy a boost this year as the base rate remains so low that Brits' incomes from their savings is likely to be minimal at present.

Green tenants 'may pay more' for homes

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Owners of green buildings can charge a higher rental premium, a recent study in the US has concluded.

Property prices continue sharp descent

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

House prices figures for the month of February show a sharp two per cent drop in average property values.

BSA: Further evidence of stifled market

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Over half of the adults surveyed recently by the Building Societies Association (BSA) said that they believed now is a good time to buy a property.

Attractive mortgage products to boost home moves

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

More competitive mortgage rates being introduced to the market by UK lenders are expected to encourage increasing numbers of Brits to move house.

Tenants at risk of landlord repossessions

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Tenants could face unexpected eviction from their rental properties as a result of landlord repossession, industry experts have warned.

Untidy houses impact property value

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Dilapidated and untidy properties can reduce house values and increase risk of home damage by flooding or pest infestation, according to a new report.

More women going it alone in business

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A growing number of women in the UK are starting up their own businesses as female workers acquire more wide-ranging skills.

Falling Dubai house prices could attract UK buyers

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A failure by the banks to lend money for mortgages in Dubai is leading to a situation in which property prices are falling rapidly, Damian Hitchen, the managing director of Gulf Lenders Network has said.

Buying property 'still a priority'

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The largest number of respondents to a recent survey by financial advice website MotleyFool.co.uk said that, if they were offered a windfall, they would invest in bricks and mortar.

Tenants 'facing eviction risk'

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There is a significant number of tenants at risk of eviction as a result of their landlord falling behind on their mortgage repayments, research from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has said.

UK homes rated for safety

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Householders in Doncaster, Sheffield and Nottingham are more at risk of criminal damage, flooding and burglary to their homes than those in any other part of England and Wales, it has been revealed.

More Brits bitten by the travel bug

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

People facing redundancy in the current economic climate are taking the opportunity to pack up their lives in the UK and travel, according to Gapforce.

2008 sees rise in UK start-ups

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The number of new business start-ups in the UK remained high last year despite the weakening economy, new figures show.

More Brits interested in Spanish property

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Falling property prices in Spain are attracting an increasing interest from UK buyers looking to move abroad, statistics suggest.

Property experts predict 'slow return to normality'

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

With the current property market downturn forecast to last for the foreseeable future, homeowners and would be first-time buyers are now being forced to revaluate their options.

Making home improvements, renovating or freeing up space in the home have become increasingly viable solutions for many Brits unable to move in the current climate.

Mortgage approvals up in February

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Anyone thinking about moving house may have a reason to be cheerful.

More spending money on home improvements

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Bank of England's base interest rate changes are having an effect on the kind of work that people are having done on their houses.

Scottish tenants happy with landlords

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Tenants in Scottish rental property are reportedly happier that those in England.

Homeowners increasingly struggling with debt

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Many homeowners may now be struggling to tackle their debts, it has been claimed.

New hips process will speed up selling process

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

New changes to Home Information Pack (Hip) delivery will speed the process up, it has been claimed.

Garden improvements add value to property, expert says

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A garden designer has highlighted that investing in the appearance of outdoor space can greatly increase the value of a property when it is put up for sale.

Egyptian properties 'exceptional value'

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners looking for the ideal destination for a holiday home could consider Egypt as it offers great value for money.

Family return home after driveway drama

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A family from Clevedon are back at home after being forced to move into a hotel four months ago.

More professional women happier to live alone

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The changing nature of society and the economy has meant that more and more professional women are happier to live by themselves, it has been claimed.

Buying a home on the backburner for FTBs

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Putting down a deposit on a first home is something which a number of potential buyers appear to be very wary of at the moment.

February house prices see mixed results

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) released figures yesterday (Monday 16th) claiming that house prices both rose and fell, depending on the size and type of property.

Pensions looking smaller this year

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The average income forecast of those hoping to retire this year has dropped significantly compared to the hopes of those who retired in 2008, research from Prudential has found.

House prices 'could fall 55%'

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The falls in house prices across the UK may be far from over, City investment bank Numis Securities has said.

Foreign investors 'could kick-start demand'

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The weakening Pound could create a surge in overseas buyer interest in UK property, it has been suggested.

Brits hoping for higher interest rates

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The number of Brits claiming that higher interest rates would benefit them is at its highest since research began in 1999, figures published by the Bank of England (BoE) have shown.

Housing transactions failing to match demand

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) has suggested that recent figures showing a fall in the number of properties purchased are "damning" in the wake of rising interest numbers.

Brits 'realistic' about economic recovery

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Research published on Tuesday (March 10th) by consumer magazine Which? has found that the overwhelming majority of Brits currently foresee the recession lasting for at least another year.

Home ownership schemes 'half the solution'

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Low-cost home ownership schemes such as those announced by London Mayor Boris Johnson last week are a great way to help stimulate the housing market but can only solve so much of the problems facing property, it has been claimed.

Offset mortgage could be new 'darling' of financial world

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Product comparison website moneysupermarket.com has suggested that the popularity of the offset mortgage may now boom in the UK as interest rates fall on savings.

Consumer debt 'the key to turnaround in housing market'

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The issue of consumer debt-to-income could be the most important aspect of the current recession, a report from Invesco has stated, suggesting the housing market will not turnaround until the ratio is fixed.

Government to advise on empty homes

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The government has announced that it will provide local councils with support for turning empty properties into viable living spaces, in a move which could help ease the stagnation of the property market.

Housing construction falls in Q4 2008

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Research published Friday (March 6th) by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has shown a significant fall in the rate of construction in Britain during the fourth quarter of 2008.

Elderly and poor hardest hit by inflation

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The elderly and poorest households are those being hardest hit by rising inflation, a report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) found yesterday (March 9th).

Savills suggest house price falls 'could slow'

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The rapidly falling price of property may come to an end soon, as estate agent Savills published a report suggesting that the market may bottom out before long.

Repossessions and construction industry 'need attention'

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Liberal Democrat shadow housing minister, Sarah Teather, has called on the government to offer more protection for homeowners at risk of repossession.

BoE halves base rate

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Bank of England (BoE) has announced that base rates have been cut in half, to just 0.5 per cent.

Rental properties 'flood' the market

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The number of rental properties entering the marketplace over the past six months has risen sharply, new research has shown.

Falling market delays Brits' retirement hopes

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Research published by Prudential yesterday (March 4th) has found that as many as 2.2 million Brits hoping to retire early are now being forced to delay their plans.

Rics calls for regulation of housing market

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners and house buyers could be better served by the property market if it was better regulated, the Royal Institution for Chartered Surveyors (Rics) has suggested.

Affordable homes arrive in London

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hundreds of homes will be made available for Londoners soon as the mayor, Boris Johnson, has unveiled a new scheme in which potential owners are able to rent a home before buying.

First-time buyers turn to shares for deposits

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Savers hoping to make the most of their cash despite the current low interest rates are increasingly turning to stocks and shares to make a return.

Mortgage market 'set for turnaround'

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Mortgage lending will be back on track by 2011, most intermediary lenders have suggested, offering some light at the end of the tunnel for those hoping to join the housing market.

Buyers 'still forced out of the market'

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There is a widening gap between the number of buyers registering interest in buying a home and the number of mortgages approved, figures from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) has found.

BSA: Bank should avoid further cuts

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Building Societies Association (BSA) has announced that further cuts to the base rate this week would neither benefit borrowers or lending institutions.

Four million 'under threat of negative equity'

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Negative equity is, or is close to, affecting as many as four million homeowners across the UK, research from GfK NOP has found.

House prices fall over 15% year on year

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

House prices in England and Wales dropped 15.1 per cent year-on-year between January 2008 and the same month this year

Housing market 'appears to be bottoming out'

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It seems that the UK's housing market could be on its way to "nearing the bottom", according to an industry expert.

'Prime areas' offer financial opportunities for homeowners

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Living in a built up area, or in a home which is in close proximity to a popular attraction, could have financial benefits, it has been suggested.

Renting preferable to buying, survey indicates

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

More people would be interested in renting a property than buying one in the current market, new research has suggested.

Landlords should get off on the right foot with tenants

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Landlords have been advised by an expert to establish a good relationship with their tenants from the very beginning in case of financial hardships.

Mortgage market dissuading many from buying home

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

High rates are discouraging many people from entering the mortgage market, it has been stated.

TV property expert sings praises of work sheds

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

With growing numbers of UK professionals now opting to work from home, one property expert has pointed out the benefits of clearing out the garden shed to make a small office.

New homes construction continues to be hit by recession

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The number of new homes being built across the UK has slowed dramatically as construction firms struggle with the economic climate, a group of MPs has warned.

Government continues crackdown on 100% mortgages

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Growing numbers of first-time buyers look set to stay in the rental property sector for the foreseeable future as the government continues with its crackdown on high loan-to?value LTV mortgages.

Britons 'could escape recession by moving overseas'

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Britons looking to escape the doom and gloom of the current economic climate in the UK could opt to move overseas, it has been suggested.

Buyers 'wary of entering the property market'

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The slump in the UK property market means that many potential buyers are choosing to live in rental accommodation rather than purchase homes.

New property is 'more reasonably priced'

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Increasing numbers of property buyers in the UK might be considering a new-build home because prices are on the decline, recent figures suggest.

Buy-to-let market suffering from rental arrears

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Buy-to-let landlords are suffering through a combination of tenants failing to keep up with their rental payments and a lack of knowledge of the schemes designed to help them in such scenarios.

Repossessions take sharp jump in 2008

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has published statistics showing a sharp rise in the number of repossessions made throughout 2008.

Mortgage lending at 8-yr low

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) published figures yesterday (February 19th) showing that gross mortgage lending has now dropped almost to an eight-year low.

New starts on homes drop two thirds

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The government's new build housing figures, released yesterday (February 19th), show a year-on-year decline of 58 per cent in the number of homes started in the fourth quarter of the year.

Rental demand doubles north of border

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Demand for rental property in Edinburgh almost doubled between January 2008 and the same month this year, according to rental agency Rettie & Co.

Base rates' impact on mortgages low

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Research into the savings offered to mortgage customers by banks has shown that not all the savings created by lower base rates have been passed on to consumers.

Repossession numbers highlighted by CML

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML), Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB) and Shelter have published a joint statement predicting the potential number of homeowners falling behind on their mortgage payments.

Brits' savings eroded by credit crunch

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Financial advice website fairinvestment.co.uk has found that almost half of Brits surveyed are now being forced to dip into their savings to slow down the impact of the credit crunch on their daily lives.

Brits want restored faith in banks

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Research published on Tuesday (February 17th) by Which? has shown that Brits now hold the belief that the banking sector needs to be redesigned.

Income concerns high among Brits

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Almost a third of Brits surveyed by Virgin Money this week (February 17th) claimed that they were concerned about their income dropping this year, through either falling wages or rising costs of living.

Buyer interest rising on low prices

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Low house prices are the main reason for the recent rise in interest in property, new research has suggested.

Rental market taking struggling first-timers

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Most first-time buyers who failed to get a mortgage in the final quarter of 2008 are now choosing to rent, new research has suggested.

February sees asking prices jump

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Average asking prices for property in the UK increased at the start of this year, according to new research.

Interest in Scottish capital rises

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A special edition of the property publication Edinburgh and Lothians Property Guide (ELPG), which highlighted the massive reductions in the value of property recently, has led to a significant rise in the amount of interest registered by buyers.

Repossessions could soar

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Repossessions in the UK could reach over 80,000 this year, new research has suggested.

First-time buyer demand 'still strong'

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Demand for property from first-time buyers in the UK is still strong, the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) has claimed.

New build properties in a 'time warp' over prices

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

New build properties are stuck in a "time warp", property website Firstrung.co.uk has claimed.

Home loans decline by half in 2008

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has released statistics suggesting that there was a decline in the number of home loans of 49 per cent during 2008.

People improving instead of moving

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

People are increasingly choosing to improve their homes rather than move, Sainsbury's Bank has claimed.

Brazil offers great holiday home investment

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

People who are looking for a growing economy in which to invest in property should head to Brazil.

RICS suggests increase in confidence

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has claimed that there has been a rise in the amount of surveyors who are suggesting new buyer enquiries are increasing.

Similar laws to UK make Cyprus great place to buy

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Anyone planning on moving abroad may wish to consider Cyprus because of its close relationship with the UK, the property editor of BuyAssociation.co.uk has said.

CML welcomes sale-and-lease-back regulation

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The decision by the Financial Services Authority and the Treasury to regulate the sale-and-lease-back market from July has been welcomed by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).

Base rate to harm 'most Brits'

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Most Brits consider themselves to be likely to lose out as a result of the lower base rate, new research has suggested.

Obtaining credit 'likely to get worse'

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Research from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has found that the majority of companies in the UK have experienced difficulty obtaining credit in the past quarter and expect things to become worse in the next three months.

25-year mortgages 'now more expensive'

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners who chose to benefit from 25-year fixed mortgage deals could now find that they are paying more than those people with tracker deals, it has been claimed.

Base rates hit historic low

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Commission (MPC) has moved the base rate this month to a new low of just one per cent.

Opportunity to buy a house becoming more popular

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A growing number of Britons are now considering the opportunity to buy a home now that both house prices and interest rates are reaching significant lows.

MPC decision still causing stir

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has claimed that a reduction in the base rate today (February 5th) will be a double-edged sword, and that it may not in fact stimulate the mortgage market.

Savings to grow in 2009

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Online bank smile.co.uk has published research showing Brits have intentions to increase their rate of saving throughout 2009.

Rush on mortgages 'may come this month or next'

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Research from financial advice website unbiased.co.uk has shows that the decision on interest rates today (February 5th) could lead to a rush of remortgages, although many believe March will bring the cheapest deals.

Mortgage payments could be missed by 1 in 3

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Recent research from fairinvestment.co.uk has found that almost a third of Britons are now considering cutting back essential monthly payments in order to get by.

Buyers priced out of a good market, says research

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

New research from propertyfinder.com has found that buying property is cheaper than renting in 95 per cent of the country, but potential buyers are being priced out of the market through banks' reluctance to lend.

Prime London homes joining the fall in values

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Prime residential homes in the most sought-after regions of London fell in value by 3.7 per cent between December 2008 and January 2009.

CEBR predicts more severe falls in house prices

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Previous predictions that the property market will fall by 25 per cent from peak to trough may have to be drastically readjusted, a Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) report has suggested.

Further base rate cuts 'could be harmful'

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Building Societies Association (BSA) has suggested that the Bank of England could do more damage than good if it decides to reduce base rates on Thursday this week.

Life expectancy could shift buying demand

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Buying a property as a financial investment could make a comeback in the UK after figures from the Office for National Statistics showed that life expectancy in Britain has risen 20 per cent in 20 years.

Consumer confidence falls again in January

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Consumer confidence fell once again in January by a further four points to -37, according to research from Gfk NOP, suggesting house prices and transactions are both likely to remain low for some time.

End of year may see rise in housebuying

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Small hints that the economy may be stabilising have been reported by economist Simon Ward, of asset management company New Star, leading to suggestions that the economy - and perhaps property market - may bottom out in the third quarter of this year.

Housing downturn 'good for moving up'

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Research conducted by property website propertyfinder.com has found that the opportunity for homeowners to upgrade from a one-bedroom flat to a two-bedroom property is growing.

L&S announces property buying plans

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

London & Stamford (L&S), a company started in order to take advantage of the falling property prices across the country, confirmed on Wednesday (January 28th) that it has immediate plans to increase the number of "material" assets it owns.

UK economy 'will shrink', property demand may drop

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The demand for property may be reduced even further throughout 2009 as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) publishes research showing that it believes the UK economy will shrink by 2.8 per cent this year.

More repossessions likely, PPI figures suggest

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Research from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has found that the number of claims made on payment protection insurance (PPI) has more than doubled between 2007 and 2008.

Potential buyers 'turning to the rental market'

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The rental market will experience a significant boost in demand from tenants throughout 2009, James Davis, chief executive of rental website upad.co.uk, said.

Increase in overseas buyers recorded

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Research conducted by estate agent Hamptons International has found that the number of international buyers in the UK property market rose significantly toward the end of 2008.

House prices continue fall in 2009

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

House prices have fallen one per cent since the start of 2009, recent research from property analyst Hometrack has found.

Rise in mortgage lending noted by BBA

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Recent research from the British Bankers' Association (BBA) has found that both the number of mortgages lent and the net lending amount rose between November and December last year.

Mortgage plans should be sped up, says AMI

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The government's plans to bolster the mortgage market should be brought forward, the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) has said.

Small hints of property confidence returning

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Signs that the UK property market is experiencing a renaissance are few and far between at present but there are some small hints that confidence is returning to the marketplace.

Recession could postpone house sales

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The announcement on Friday (January 23rd) last week that the UK is officially experiencing a recession could mean that homeowners hoping to sell their home in the near future will have to wait some time for buyers to regain confidence.

British pound weakens to 7-year low against USD

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The British pound has dropped to a seven-year low against the US dollar.

Unemployment figures 'could keep market suppressed'

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Unemployment figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have suggested that the recent talk of an upturn in the housing market may not be so close.

Property debate continues over strength of market

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Gross lending figures published by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) have added further arguments to the debate surrounding the strength of the market.

Value of new homes remains stable

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Figures from property website SmartNewHomes.com show that the average price of a new home fell by just 0.5 per cent between November and December, signifying a slowdown in annual house price falls.

Repossession soar in Q3 2008

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Figures published by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) have shown that the number of repossessions recorded in the third quarter of 2008 rose by almost 100 per cent year-on-year.

Falling interest rates cuts return on savings

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Financial data company Defaqto has claimed that the decision by the Bank of England to reduce rates to 1.5 per cent has led to a severe cut in the returns available to those with savings.

Regulation of property market welcomed by NAEA

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A recent government report from Professor Colin Jones regarding the need for better regulation of the UK property market has received a welcome from the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA).

Mortgage scheme receives mild welcome

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has offered a cautious welcome to the government's recent choice to provide mortgage support to struggling homeowners.

£200m injection to fight repossessions

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The government announced yesterday (January 19th) that it will be making available £200 million for local housing associations to buy properties from homeowners struggling with mortgage repayments.

Further evidence that interest in property is rising

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Property website Rightmove.co.uk has added further weight to recent claims that the number of potential buyers interested in property at present is rising.

Housing minister 'upturn' comments criticised

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Housing minister Margaret Beckett has been criticised for remarking that the housing market is showing signs of an upturn this week.

New home builds take nosedive

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The number of new homes built in 2008 took a significant drop, figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have demonstrated.

Credit woes could leave lasting damage, says CBI

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The country could face serious and lasting damage to its economy if the government doesn't do more to ease the credit problems faced by small and medium sized companies, construction leaders have stated.

More social housing needed, say Lib Dems

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Liberal Democrat shadow housing minister, Sarah Teather, has called for greater government investment in the construction of social housing, following reports that the number of newly-built houses fell sharply last year.

More than half of Brits to miss out on base rate cuts

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Over half of Britain's mortgage holders won't see the benefit of the Bank of England's lower base rate, new research has indicated.

Housebuilder reports new builds down 30%

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Housebuilder Taylor Wimpey has confirmed that it has reduced the number of homes built in 2008 by a third year-on-year, as a reaction to the drop in demand for property.

ABI: responsible borrowing more important in long run

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has welcomed the government's acknowledgement of a lack of mortgage protection, but has argued that promoting responsible borrowing is more crucial to the nation than adding more protection.

Government figures show house prices at new low

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

House prices across the UK have fallen to below £200,000 for the first time since the onset of the financial crisis, government figures stated Wednesday (January 13th).

New rate 'unpopular with most'

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Richard Macauley

Rics: Home sales drop despite interest

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Richard Macauley

Rate cut is double blessing for Londoners

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Paul Governor

Is liquidity the big issue?

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Richard Macauley

Equity release 'increasingly popular among homeowners'

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Richard Macauley

House buyer options "narrowed"

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The lending options available to prospective homeowners have been narrowed, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).

Drop in value of 'smaller' homes

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Families keen on downsizing to a smaller home could secure a bargain if they opt for a two-bedroom house, new research has shown.

AMI: Rate cut wont fix mortgage market

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) has warned that today's (January 8th) 0.5 per cent cut in the base rate of interest will not be enough to sort the mortgage market.

Country property 'more affordable' after Q4

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Richard Macauley

Consumers 'on the ball' with house price forecasts

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Paul Governor

Interest rates 'could reach lowest in history'

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Richard Macauley

Not yet right time to upsize

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Those looking to upsize their homes may be put off doing so by the fact that Liberal Democrat shadow chancellor Vince Cable feels that the housing market has nowhere near reached its lowest.

Government doubles IMSI threshold

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The government has doubled the threshold for applying for income support for mortgage interest (IMSI).

Bank may reduce rates once again

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Recent suggestions that the Bank of England could reduce base rates yet again this week - perhaps to just one per cent - could finally give the housing market the boost it needs.

House prices reliant on lending

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

With many analysts making predictions for the housing market in 2009 there are a range of suggestions that exist regarding the chances of the market bouncing back in the next 12 months.

House price falls 'over half way done'

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

House prices have passed the halfway mark in their fall from their peaks in 2007, it has been suggested in a recent report from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics).

Isle of Man bucks UK house price trend

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Isle of Man saw house prices rise four per cent throughout 2008, one estate agent has claimed, going against the trend of falling property values across the UK.

Lib Dem Cable speaks on record house price falls

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Liberal Democrat treasury spokesman Vince Cable has attributed a mix of buyer confidence issues and the collapse of the mortgage lending industry to the recent Halifax figures showing record house price falls.

Brave buyers likely to come out of the woodwork this year

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Richard Macauley

First-time buyers could be back by year-end

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Richard Macauley

Scottish homes 'growing in affordability'

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Paul Governor

BBA reports 33% drop in mortgages

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Richard Macauley

Fifth of homes on sale for 12 months

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Richard Macauley

2009 'another bleak year' for repossessions

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Paul Governor

2008 end highlights optimism

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Graeme Pietersen

Property experiences worst year 'since 1930s'

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Richard Macauley

Confidence in commercial property grows

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Richard Macauley

House prices won't bounce back 'for another 2 years'

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Paul Governor

Letting agents 'should look forward to 2009'

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Richard Macauley

House prices 'could be suppressed' by repossessions

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Graeme Pietersen

London property 'near to bottoming out'

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Richard Macauley

Homeowners' property value drops £22,000

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Richard Macauley

NAEA offers mixed results

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Richard Macauley

CML abandons house price forecast

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Richard Macauley

Mortgage lending drops 51% in 2008

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Richard Macauley

Buying home to become cheaper than renting

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Graeme Pieterson

Interest in property takes end of year hike

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Paul Governor

Repossessions to be 'highest in 17 years'

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Richard Macauley

Half of Brits 'would buy now'

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Richard Macauley

Number of properties at auction double in 2008

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Paul Governor

Estate agent issues second profit warning

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Richard Macauley

Housing market to turn up in 2010

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Richard Macauley

Asking price falls to double

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Paul Governor

Landlords association calls for protection

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Richard Macauley

Government may make mortgages more affordable

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Graeme Pietersen

House prices to continue sharp drop next year

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Richard Macauley

TUC finds demand still high for property

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Richard Macauley

House prices could rise again within two years

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A housing expert has claimed that house prices could boom again within just two years - shooting up ahead of the rate of inflation.

House prices could fall further still

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Following a year in which the number of houses built in the UK was at its lowest since 1924, a top banking boss has suggested the housing market could get worse still in 2009.

City apartments set for supply boom

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Paul Governor

2009 set to be a swing year

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Richard Macauley

Tracker holders will 'save £9bn'

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by Richard Macauley

Banks 'responsible' for sharp price falls

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Banks which insist on selling repossessed homes at bargain prices through auctions are responsible, in part, for the continuing sharp fall in house prices, it has been claimed.

Overnight queues develop for rental homes

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Oxford students have been queuing through the night simply to secure a rental property, it has been reported.

Rics: House sales not slowing in their fall

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The number of homes sold has again dropped this month, following falls in November, it has been reported.

Loans for house purchase fall as mortgage market grinds to a halt

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The number of loans for house purchase taken out by buyers in October showed a marked decline on the figure for the year previously, it has been revealed.

House market drops finally entice buyers

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Potential home buyers are beginning to return to the housing market in order to finally cash in on the cheap property prices, it has been reported.

House prices drop in 25-year slump

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

House prices dropped further in the past 12 months than they have done in any year since 1983, it has been announced.

2011 will see house prices turnaround, JLL says

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Recent research from estate agent Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) has reiterated the belief that house prices will not rise again until 2011, it has been reported.

Times property rule updated

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Times has revisited its property barometer to see how the property market is really fairing up, it has been reported.

In a year which has seen the Bank of England report a 70 per cent drop in mortgage lending and the demand for rental properties boom, research into the housing market is perhaps more fascinating this year than any other.

Buying in a downturn 'more profitable'

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A study into buying businesses during economic slumps could have resonance with those hoping to buy a home in today's economic downturn.

BoE further slashes rates

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Bank of England has announced it has cut interest rates again by one third, taking them down from three per cent to just two per cent yesterday (December 4th).

House builders pushing prices 'too low'

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

House builder Bellway has suggested that fellow house builders have been too eager in their decision to lower house prices and offer discounts.

'No reason' for house prices to stabilise

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The common idea that Britain's house prices will steady as a result of the chronic under-supply of homes is unfounded, an analyst has stated, claiming that 2009 will instead see a steady freefall of house prices.

Mayfair home included in credit crunch sale

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A £20 million London home has fallen victim to the ongoing financial crisis, it has been reported, with the buyer opting for a quick sale, highlighting the desperation of the housing market at present.

House prices drop 8.1%

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Year-on-year figures for UK house prices have reached an 8.1 per cent drop, according to recent statistics from Hometrack.

Landlords 'should receive support'

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Buy-to-let investors and other private landlords could be benefitting from government assistance, an industry expert has suggested.

CML: 2009 lending will fall flat

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Simply maintaining the low rate of mortgage lending seen this year in 2009 will be a challenge, the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has hinted.

Mortgage lendings half of this time last year

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Bank of England has released research showing a record fall in the number of mortgage approvals.

Compared to last summer's 115,000 mortgage approvals, October 2008's 32,000 paled into insignificance.

Global Insight economist Howard Archer explained that the future doesn't look any more promising for the UK housing market.

"An extremely weak set of Bank of England mortgage approvals and lending data suggest that house prices still have a long way to fall."

The total value of lendings in the UK during October was £415 million - only half the value lent in the same month last year.

The situation in the housing market may encourage some homeowners to rent out their property and move abroad.

Those who do choose this option will have to invest in safe storage for their belongings to save having to pay a small fortune to ship them abroad.

© Adfero Ltd

'I'm off,' says Winstone

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Actor Ray Winstone looks set to emigrate to the US after launching a vicious attack on the land of his birth.

The Beowulf and Indiana Jones star claimed the country had "gone to the dogs", according to Mirror.co.uk.

"It breaks my heart to think about leaving this country but I hate what's been done to it," the 51-year-old said.

"Kids on the streets in gangs with knives, all this lawless behaviour and what are we doing? Nothing.

"I see people going into hospital and coming out worse with MRSA."

According to the website, Winstone also used some unprintable words to describe prime minister Gordon Brown and Conservative leader David Cameron.

Winstone has starred in a string of hit movies over the years including The Chronicles of Narnia and King Arthur.

Those planning to follow in the actor's footsteps may wish to keep a foothold in the UK by investing in safe storage to keep their belongings safe while they are away.

© Adfero Ltd

RBS extends repossession grace period

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Following the news that the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has decided to offer its customers a six-month period of grace before it seeks repossession of a property, Liberal Democrat shadow chancellor Vince Cable urged other lenders to follow suit.

Most lenders allow borrowers three months of arrears before considering repossessions, but RBS has decided to double that in light of the financial crisis making things difficult for home owners.

Now Mr Cable has urged other lenders to take the lead from RBS and offer their customers a similar grace period.

"The government must now insist that all the nationalised and part-nationalised banks follow suit," he said.

Those who do fall into arrears and face repossession or the need to sell quickly may need to invest in safe storage to hoard their belongings until alternative accommodation can be arranged.

Moneysupermarket.com's Louise Cumming said she hoped that RBS's move would encourage homeowners to trust their lender and face up to their situation.

© Adfero Ltd

Rics: Housing market will continue to stagnate

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

An expert from the Royal Institute or Chartered Surveyors (Rics) has explained that the Bank of England's latest figures suggest those looking to buy property in the UK will continue to struggle for the time being.

The figures show that the number of mortgage approvals has fallen to a historical low - suggesting those looking to upsize may have to stay put for longer than planned.

Commenting on the statistics, Rics chief economist Simon Rubinsohn said the lack of available mortgages is reflected in the housing market's stagnation.

"The continuing lack of activity in the housing market is clearly demonstrated by the latest mortgage approvals data from the Bank of England which remain at historically low levels," he said.

"Interest rate cuts and falls in inter-bank lending has not yet encouraged activity to rise in the UK mortgage market.

"First-time buyers and homeowners alike are still struggling to buy a property as banks are still requesting sizable deposits, further stagnating the property market, this will continue unless banks begin to loosen up on lending conditions."

The fact that those looking to upsize may be stuck in a property that is too small for their needs means that some may have to look to safe storage to save from throwing away treasured possessions that can fit into the current home.

© Adfero Ltd

Ex-pats may look to safe storage for UK foothold

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The financial situation in the UK may make some feel like heading overseas to escape it all - but those who do should expect to receive an influx of relatives and friends looking for a cheap holiday.

A recent survey by Alliance and Leicester found that a quarter of ex-pats say they have regular visits from friends and family, with those who choose France as their new home seeing an average of ten guests pop across the Channel every year.

Ex-pats in Spain and the Netherlands also have eight guests visit every year, while those in South Africa, New Zealand and Singapore have just two or three.

Alliance and Leicester International joint managing director Simon Ripton explained that those looking to escape the in-laws may have to look further a field to do so.

"The research shows that British friends and family appear to favour shorter travelling times when visiting ex-pat relatives, as opposed to experiencing more far-flung destinations," he said.

"A quick trip to France is a more affordable option than jetting across the world to Australia, and this is displayed in the survey findings."

Those who do choose to move abroad may wish to keep a foothold in the UK by renting out their British property while they are away.

Doing so means that belongings either have to be shipped abroad or kept in safe storage until the person returns home.

© Adfero Ltd

Christmas could see the cupboards clogged with junk presents

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

It is often said that Christmas is a time for giving, but for every person that gives, another receives - and it seems like many of those receiving gifts over the festive period are less than impressed by their gifts.

New research from Churchill has revealed the least impressive gifts given over the Christmas period.

Over a quarter (26 per cent) of people say an unfashionable piece of clothing is the worst gift - probably because its almost impossible to give or throw away without being caught out.

A further 21 per cent hate being given memberships to an association or having a charity donation made on their behalf.

Churchill spokeswoman Clair Foster said: "The research shows people enjoy getting into the spirit of Christmas and swapping gifts. It seems almost inevitable that at some point they'll receive things that they aren't keen on."

Over four in ten (43 per cent) admit to smiling and pretending to love an unwanted gift, and 35 per cent take said gift and promptly stuff it in the cupboard - taking up vital storage space.

For those who find space is becoming an issue in the home, safe storage may be an ideal way to free up space and tidy up the house.

© Adfero Ltd

North-east the home of rental investment, says Rics

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Investment in rental properties has remained strong in the north-east thanks to falls in property prices and a reduction of Bank of England interest rates.

Capital properties fall 7.5% in month

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The average value of prime London property is falling at record levels, it has been confirmed, with a mixed outlook for the future of these investments.

House prices could be lower due to retirees

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A total of 1.7 million pensioners are currently relying on the value of their homes to help them through retirement, recent research has shown, hinting that a wave of selling may take place as pensioners seek to cash in the value of their property before it falls further.

Homeowner slices £1.2m from property price

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The owner of a four-storey town house in St John's Wood, London, has had to cut the asking price of his home by almost half in the past year, it has been reported.

BBA and Rics argue that no housing turnaround is predicted

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The British Bankers Association (BBA) has suggested that house prices will almost certainly continue on a downward slope next year as a result of the factors at play among house buyers.

Decline in house prices slowing, but far from stopping

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Recent slowdowns in the speed at which house prices are declining in value should not be seen as a sign that house prices are stabilising, it has been suggested.

October sees further price falls, says Land Registry

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

House prices continued a negative shift in October, figures from the Land Registry confirm.

Landlords responsible for upkeep, says RLA

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Landlords have been reminded that they are responsible for carrying out minor repairs to the house for the sake of the tenants, or they will face legal action.

Biggest and brightest markets now repo hotspots

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Areas that saw the largest and most fierce rises in price during the housing boom leading up to 2007 are the areas which are now experiencing the highest number of repossessions, it has been found.

First-time buyers depositing £20k

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

First-time buyers are now required to deposit a whopping £20,000 on their new homes, it has been found.

Market to bounce back in 2010, says Schroders

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Asset management company Schroders has revealed its opinion that the property market will bounce back in 2010, it has been reported.

Property prices slide £17,000 in just two weeks

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners have begun drastically cutting their asking prices to bring about quicker sales, it has been reported, as figures show an average of £17,000 has been slashed off the asking price in the last two weeks alone.

House prices falling worldwide

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Global house price figures have fallen into negative figures for the first time, it has been reported, following the economic crisis in the west.

Government predicts house prices to drop by quarter

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Treasury has suggested in the pre-budget report that house prices are likely to fall by 25 per cent next year.

Pre-budget report disappoints property owners

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Owners of empty property unable to find tenants are said to be disappointed by the chancellor's pre-budget report as it does not include tax relief for all owners.

BBA records slowing mortgage lending in October

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The British Banker's Association (BBA) has published figures showing that mortgage lending for the month of October rose at a slower pace than previous months.

Second home owners own less than quarter of their property

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

One in three second homeowners in the UK have mortgages of 75 per cent or more, suggesting the foundations of second home ownership may not be as stable as once thought.

London sees rise in multimillion pound sales falling through

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Not even some of the most highly sought-after properties in London are exempt from the credit crunch, it has been found, as a banker recently forfeited £500,000 when he pulled out from a purchase.

House builders call on Darling for assistance

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The chancellor Alistair Darling has been called upon by the House Builders Federation (HBF) to assist the housing industry through the next 12 months of predicted turmoil, it has been reported.

'Forced downsizing' a very real phenomenon

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Recent research from the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) has suggested that about one in ten homeowners selling a property are doing so as a result of 'forced downsizing'.

CML reports 12% rise in repossessions

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The number of repossessions recorded in the third quarter of the year rose by 12 per cent, the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has stated.

Buy-to-let property facing negative equity threat

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Around two-fifths of buy-to-let mortgage holders will be suffering from negative equity by the middle of 2009, a report from Standard and Poor's (S&P) suggests.

Housing crash takes its toll on DMGT

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT) yesterday (November 20th) became the latest casualty of the housing crash as it published pre-tax profit losses of nine per cent.

London to benefit from 50,000 new homes

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

London mayor Boris Johnson is to oversee an investment of £5 billion into building and renovating 50,000 new homes, it was announced yesterday (November 20th).

Property investment 'still popular'

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Investment in property is still a popular way of making a return, it has been seen, despite falling house prices and a lack in confidence across the market.

British Land sees 11% fall in property value

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The property portfolio of developer British Land has taken a blow after it was reported to have fallen by 10.8 per cent in the first half of the year.

October sees purchases rise

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Research from the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) has shown housing transactions rise for the second month running in October.

Oversupply of property pushing rents down

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With house sales dropping, the rental market has been booming throughout 2008, but a study from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) Wales has found that rental prices are now dropping.

Edinburgh property sees 11% drop

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Average house prices in Edinburgh are now 11 per cent lower than they were a year ago, recent research has found.

'Reluctant landlord' comes under scrutiny from NLA

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The National Landlord's Association (NLA) has spoken out to those considering renting out their homes to tenants until the market recovers.

Expansion in buy-to-let could be on the cards

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With interest rates lowering and the price of a home dropping monthly, the cost of a mortgage is also becoming more reasonable for many buy-to-let investors.

Prime London property drops 11.5%

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

New homes in some of London's most sought-after locations have suffered massive drops in value in the past three months, it has been reported.

Seven per cent drop in asking prices

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Residential asking prices have fallen 7.1 per cent in the past year, it has been discovered, with month-on-month drops recently found to be particularly acute.

London prices 'may be on the up'

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Property prices in London could be looking at a rise, one market analyst has suggested, as the signs that London property prices have bottomed out are growing.

Scottish property falls 4%

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Scotland saw house prices fall four per cent in just three months this year according to the Scottish House Price Monitor.

More stress resulting from property slump

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Property website Rightmove has revealed it is suffering from a nine per cent slump in advertising demand following the credit crunch.

CML supports private landlords

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has added its support to private landlords by backing the Rugg report, it has been confirmed.

Half of first-time buyers now receiving help

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Almost 50 per cent of the nation's first-time buyers are now receiving financial aid from parents or other relatives in order to purchase a house, it has been found.

Irish property named 'worst' for financial returns

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) has published a new survey which finds the Irish property market the "worst in the world" in terms of financial return.

Housing crunch brings further woes

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Revenue is reportedly down significantly at regional press company Johnston Press as property advertising takes a slump.

Rics figures make gloomy reading

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

House prices will continue to drop as housing woes were proven to be truly international by new research from the Royal Institution for Chartered Surveyors (Rics).

Good time to invest in housing market, landlords agree

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

One in five British landlords are looking to invest in the housing market at present as prices fall by tens of thousands of pounds, it has been revealed.

Government figures show 5% decline in house prices

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The latest figures from the government demonstrate a 5.1 per cent drop in house prices between September 2007 and the same month this year.

Mortgage lenders tow the line

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

High street mortgage lenders are increasingly coming round to the government's call to lower repayment rates on mortgages, it has been confirmed.

Housing sales continue slump

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) has published figures showing that housing transaction figures have now dropped lower than at any time in the 30 years it has recorded the numbers.

Property buying to rise?

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

LaSalle Investment Management (LIM) has unveiled plans for a new fund to gather £400 million for investments into UK property.

House price rises will be sharp, analyst says

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As buyers are restricted from buying due to mortgage availability issues and sellers cannot sell due to a lack of confidence, the current lack of housing transactions is less a result of low interest in the market and more to do with the inability to buy or sell.

Bank reduces rates by third

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Bank of England has slashed interest rates by one third from 4.5 per cent to three per cent, in its boldest move since gaining independence in 1997.

Wales embarks on new homes project

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Construction has started on the building of 6,500 new homes throughout Wales, it has been reported, as the Assembly government aims to create greater numbers of affordable housing.

Estate agents 'should turn to online marketing'

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Estate agents or even individual homeowners struggling to sell properties could benefit more from online marketing than traditional media, it has been suggested.

London homes report 3.9pc drop

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Prime residential properties in London are now catching up with the rate of value lost on homes throughout the rest of the country, it has been reported.

Confidence in housing falling sharply

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Only one in three (33 per cent) Brits now believe that their home will be the top contributor to their pension funds, new research has shown.

Private landlord report suggests tough year ahead

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

At a crucial time for buy-to-let landlords, the Times has published a report detailing how they can make the most of their properties.

Sales of buy-to-let homes could rise

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Private landlords could be made to pay £50 for a license to rent out their buy-to-let properties if a new scheme becomes part of the law surrounding rental properties.

House prices drop by more than average salary

Sun, 02 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Average house prices have now fallen by around £27,000 according to Nationwide figures, it has been reported.

Property market may enjoy confidence from auction site

Sun, 02 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A new property auction website may have found a way to bypass the lack of confidence in the housing market at present, it has been revealed.

More homes expected to be sold at auction

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Buyers looking for a bargain property should look no further than at auction, it has been suggested.

Make a property stand out to sell, owners told

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners hoping to make a sale in the declining housing market should do as much as possible to make their property stand out, it has been advised.

Edinburgh facing job threats as buying falls

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The number of redundancies among solicitors and estate agents in Edinburgh has hit ten to 20 per cent, a Times report has confirmed.

Bank: Over 1m homes facing negative equity

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Around 1.2 million households will fall into negative equity if the housing market continues on its downward slump, the Bank of England has warned.

Housebuilder Persimmon issues second warning

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

One of the UK's largest housebuilders, Persimmon, has issued another warning regarding the likely revenue generated from house sales in the second half of 2008.

House prices drop 2.2pc in September

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Land Registry has claimed that house prices have fallen 2.2 per cent throughout September, bringing the total fall in a year to eight per cent.

71pc rise in repossessions recorded

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has revealed a rise in repossessions of 71 per cent, signalling growing concern about the number of property owners unable to pay off their mortgages.

East London hype over?

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The excitement over new property in East London may be coming to an end, a Times report suggests, as a result of a combination of factors.

NAEA: some areas showing rising prices

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The property market has had very little but bad press in recent months but it is important not to forget that reports of average house price falls do not mean there aren't some areas where prices are rising, a Times report concludes.

Landlords to benefit in potential shake-up

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The cost to a private landlord of owning a second home could fall if the government accepts recommendations made in the Rugg Report, it has been revealed.

CEBR highlight falling prices

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) has given an estimate of £50,000 for the amount the average home in Britain will lose from its value before the housing market corrects itself.

Homeowners resorting to desperate tactics

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners attempting to sell their property in a short period of time are taking ever more drastic measures to ensure they reach a sale, it has been reported.

Students the saviour of property market

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A Financial Times report has suggested that the demand for rental property from students is keeping at least one bright light on in the property market at present.

BPF calls for changes to property management

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The British Property Federation (BPF) has announced that it believes the country can be helped out of the current property standstill through new and bigger rental management organisations.

Adding value 'as simple as small renovations'

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners hoping to sell a home to avoid negative equity or even to upgrade a property have been offered some advice in renovating their property.

LGA: Housing associations should maintain construction

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Housing Corporation and the Local Government Association (LGA) have written to housing associations to encourage them to maintain the good relationship they have enjoyed with local authorities.

Businesses facing critical problems rise 600%

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Begbies Traynor, the business rescue, recovery and restructuring specialist, has announced that the number of property businesses facing 'critical problems' has risen 600 per cent in the past year.

Property sales slump past 50%

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The number of homes sold in Britain last month fell to just 47 per cent of the figure seen in September 2007, figures from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have revealed.

Property prices still tumbling

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Average asking prices for UK property fell by 4.9 per cent in October when looking at year-on-year comparisons, despite the monthly comparisons showing a one per cent rise.

Ernst & Young forecast yet further shrinking values

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Ernst & Young ITEM club has predicted that house prices will tumble by another 14 per cent during the rest of this year, with a further ten per cent likely to be taken off the average price throughout 2009.

Asking prices jump by one per cent

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The practice of gazundering has forced sellers to raise their asking prices by one per cent this month, it has been revealed.

Benefits of falling market recognised

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As more people take advantage of the falling house prices the chances of snaring a bargain falls.

Another 10% to come off house prices

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The housing market may see further falls of five or ten per cent before it bottoms out, it has been claimed.

House prices to take over a decade to return

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

House prices will not return to August 2007 levels until 2023, it has been suggested by one analyst, dashing hopes of many buy-to-let investors wishing for a quick return on their investment.

Lenders are to blame for crisis, says estate agent

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A London estate agent has added his voice to the debate regarding who should be held accountable for the housing crisis affecting the UK.

Claiming excessive lending on the part of mortgage lenders was to blame Lee Watts, managing director of Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward, said in a MoveChannel report: "The current market conditions have been brought about by too much money being irresponsibly available over recent years, leading to property prices overheating.

Mortgage borrowing follows transactions

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has released figures showing that the level of borrowing among mortgage customers dropped on two counts in August this year.

Buy-to-let return could trigger confidence

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The buy-to-let mortgage market has experienced a boost in recent months as more and more investors look to bricks and mortar as a solid way to make a return on their cash.

House transactions slump to new low

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The number of homes sold last month reached a 30-year low according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics).

Homeowners changing tactics with property

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homes which cannot be sold in the currently-deteriorating housing market should be put on the lettings market, it has been suggested.

Home extensions about 'more than space'

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Building an extension to a home can be a great opportunity to add living or storage space, but property owners should also take the chance to "do so much more".

Estate agent turns to lettings market for strength

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A Yorkshire estate agent has recently expanded operations to include a lettings business in reaction to the decline in house sales, it has been reported.

Storage could be a solution to mortgage market turmoil

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners looking to buy a larger property are likely to have to do so without having access to a mortgage product with a high loan-to-value ratio, it has been revealed.

Interest rate cut 'will help millions of borrowers'

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The interest rate cut announced by the Bank of England's monetary policy committee (MPC) yesterday (Wednesday, October 8th) will benefit millions of borrowers, it has been revealed.

'Buyer's market' in Spain makes it an attractive location for investment

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With the property market in Spain being described as a "buyer's market", many homeowners might be looking to escape the economic turmoil in Britain and move abroad.

MPC cuts interest rate by 0.5%

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Bank of England's monetary policy committee (MPC) has attempted to reignite the mortgage market by reducing interest rates from five per cent to 4.5 per cent a day ahead of its scheduled meeting.

Bigger households a product of financial turmoil

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Extended families are more likely to consider moving in with each other in credit crunch Britain, it has been revealed.

Luxury 'are falling in price'

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Prices dropping and an increase in the number of homes on the market are two ways in which it is possible to see that the housing market is becoming far more attractive to buyers, but the appearance of luxury town houses on the market at a significant price reduction is the latest development likely to tempt buyers into the market once more.

Buyers now more powerful than sellers

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The housing market has changed so dramatically that buyers are now in a better bargaining position than sellers, meaning houses could be sold for as much as ten per cent less than the advertised price.

September sees record price falls

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The month of September played host to a 'perfect storm' of financial troubles, resulting in the largest single drop in house prices since the credit crunch hit, it has been reported.

Northern Ireland home to catastrophic price falls

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homes in Northern Ireland have now fallen by almost a third when compared to prices recorded 12 months ago, according to the latest Nationwide property price survey.

Overseas investments turning sour?

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Buy-to-let investors who purchased homes overseas during the property boom are facing the prospect of losing the value of their property, it has been reported.

Property market ideal for buyers

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Estate agencies and solicitors are continuing to report the negative effects of the economic crisis despite the government's attempts to kick-start the market by easing stamp duty fees, it has been reported.

Housing slump 'brings benefits too'

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Times has published a report regarding the multiple benefits of falling house prices amid controversy that the housing correction is a purely negative phenomenon.

Property demand high as student numbers rise

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Students' demand for rental property has risen once again in Edinburgh as the start of term commences, it has been reported.

Brokers struggling to secure mortgages

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Mortgage brokers are now finding it more difficult to secure home loans for their clients as a result of the credit crunch, it has been confirmed.

Buy-to-let landlords not selling out

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Those who bought in the buy-to-let boom are sitting tight amid the economic crisis, it has been reported, instead of choosing to sell their properties to avoid depreciating asset values.

Town plans on hold over finances

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Three thousand homes planned for construction in a new town in East Devon have been put on hold after the developer Persimmon pulled out over economic pressures, it has been reported.

Property value sinks again

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

House prices in Britain fell once again throughout August, dropping a significant 1.9 per cent, according to recent figures from the Land Registry.

Buy-to-let figures dropping in crunch

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Last year's boom in buy-to-let mortgages has taken a significant hit as the number of mortgages taken out in the first half of this year was down 18 per cent on the number recorded in the second half of 2007.

CML says house price forecasting is 'futile'

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

House prices are so difficult to predict thanks to the market's current volatility that short-term forecasts are futile, the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has announced.

Property transactions continue to fall

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The number of homes that swapped hands during August 2008 dropped to just 21,086, the lowest rate since the British Bankers' Association began taking records in 1997, it has been reported.

Rental property demand rises

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The demand for rental properties has skyrocketed since the onset of the credit crunch, it has been reported.

A property 'is a purchase, not an investment'

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Potential buyers have been reminded that buying a house should not always be considered as an investment but sometimes simply as a purchase.

Mortgage deposit rates top £30k

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Nervousness among mortgage lenders has led to the deposit required to purchase a house today reaching close to a new high, recent research from mform.co.uk has revealed.

House prices continue to fall

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The five weeks between August and September saw that house prices fell again, by one per cent.

Twenty per cent concerned over repossessions

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

One in five homeowners are now concerned about the chances of having their homes repossessed, recent research has found.

House prices could fall a fifth by year end

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

House prices in the UK could fall by over 20 per cent from their August 2007 peak, some analysts have stated in a survey which asked their views on the potential price falls in the housing market throughout 2008.

Buyers no longer courted as builders rent

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Housebuilders in Britain are now choosing to rent newly-built apartments in the wake of falling house prices and a restricted mortgage market, it has been reported.

Rentals booming in London

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

London is experiencing a rental boom, one rental management company has reported, after seven in ten of its offices reported a rise in demand for rental property.

Property 'a safer investment than shares'

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Following severe hiccups in both the housing market and the banking sectors this year, a property portfolio company has argued that the housing market is safer for an investment than putting money into stocks or shares.

The chief executive officer of the Young Group, Neil Young, commented: "The attraction of property investment is not only that it is a tangible asset, appreciating over the long term, but it is also easy to comprehend."

House prices could drop 80 per cent

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

One financial consultant in the City who predicted the housing market collapse 18 months ago, Jonathan Davis, has now confirmed that he believes some property will fall in value by as much as 80 per cent.

Analysts concerned about future price falls

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Economists have voiced their concerns regarding the chances of a fall in house prices following the collapse of the US' fourth-largest investment bank.

Government house price figures offer confusing argument

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The government's latest research into house price activity has thrown up interesting questions about the severity of the decline, after reporting that prices have only fallen 0.3 per cent between July 2007 and July 2008.

'Build an extension' to add value

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Recent research among members of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) has proven yet again that building an extension remains a reliable way to add value to a property.

Rentals rise by a fifth in one quarter

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

New tenancies in the UK have risen by almost 20 per cent in the last three months alone according to recent figures, demonstrating the popularity of renting over buying a property.

Property throughout countryside 'unaffordable'

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Yet more figures have been published today (September 16th) in a report highlighting the difference in affordability between purchasing city and countryside properties, with the latter coming out the more expensive of the two.

Buyers once again back off from moving

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Timid returns to the housing market have been stymied this week by the collapse of the Lehman Brothers bank, it has been reported.

Britain producing 'smallest homes'

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Britain's newest properties are among the smallest built homes in Europe, recent research has discovered, prompting mixed reactions.

House prices 'worse than thought'

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

National house price falls announced by many banks in the past year have not taken into account some of the worst performing properties, it has been claimed, suggesting that the housing market is in fact fairing worse than predicted.

Property likely to recover in 36 months

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The state of the property market will be far healthier in just three years, it has been suggested at the European Public Real Estate conference in Sweden.

Rural properties inflating beyond reach

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Property prices in the Highlands and Islands have soared many times above the local income, it has been claimed.

Brits' 'obsession' with property must stop

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

It is Britain's obsessions with purchasing property which has contributed to the financial earthquake the country is currently experiencing, it has been claimed.

Repossessions worth banking on

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

An investment company has announced that its latest product is based on purchasing homes repossessed by banks as a result of the worsening housing market.

Expensive homes 'the only remaining popular properties'

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Buyers looking to pick up a property today are restricting themselves to homes 'unblemished' by factors such as traffic to ensure a sound investment, it has been claimed.

Popularity of renting still on upward trend

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Renting continues to grow as a popular option for young professionals, according to the National Landlords Association Scotland (NLAS), as the current market is seen as ideal for young working professionals to rent in.

Buy-to-letters may be returning

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Small time investors in the rental market may well be making a return following the government's introduction of a stamp duty holiday, it has been reported.

London homes taking 'over 3 months' to sell

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Properties in London are taking over three months to sell, according to recent research published by Globrix.

Bank restricts rates at 5pc

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners will not be looking to move up the property ladder any longer, following the Bank of England's announcement that interest rates will remain at five per cent.

First time buyers could have affordable property 'snatched'

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Those that were relying most on the government's plans to kickstart the housing market have not been served efficiently, it has been argued.

£1bn 'will not aid the market'

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The housing market cannot be patched up simply by the government investing £1 billion, a Times report has claimed.

Base rate likely to ensure renting is best option

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will be facing another tightrope decision today as it has to decide between coming to the aid of the housing market, or to stifle inflation.

Edinburgh property cheaper, but still costly

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Edinburgh house prices have fallen for the first time in 37 years according to recent results.

Government deal little help for buyers

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The recent announcement by the government that it is to spend £1 billion on helping first time buyers purchase a home has been met with little enthusiasm from those involved with the housing market.

Albania offers an 'affordable escape to the sun'

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Brits looking to escape the rising prices and disappointing weather of the UK could do worse than look into property in Albania, one expert has advised.

Stamp duty cut 'not enough' critics argue

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The government's decision to introduce a 'stamp duty holiday' for the next 12 months will not give the UK housing market the kick-start is needs, critics have argued.

Brits buying abroad 'have the power'

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In contrast to the doom and gloom of the UK property market, Britons able to purchase a home overseas are in a better situation than ever before, one expert has revealed.

Borrowing levels fall as confidence keeps dropping

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The amount of money being lent for home purchases in the UK has fallen by around 50 per cent over the past year alone, new figures show.

Madonna clothes show kicks off in London

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A new exhibition is set to showcase 25-years worth of costumes and accessories worn by Madonna.

Energy efficiency failings could be costly, Brits warned

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Britons looking to sell their homes may lose out on hundreds of pounds - and maybe even more - of they fail to make it energy efficient, experts have advised.

Further falls may add to buyer reluctance

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Prospective homebuyers have been given further reason to think twice after new figures from a leading estate agent confirmed that house prices in London have fallen for the fourth consecutive month.

Young Brits dream of moving abroad

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Around seven in ten British youngsters dream of living overseas at some point in the future, a new study has revealed.

6 million Brits suffer DIY disasters

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Up to eight million Brits have carried out home improvement projects after being inspired by DIY programmes on the television, it has been revealed.

Stamp duty confusion hitting buyer confidence

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The government's ongoing indecision over stamp duty is putting many would-be buyers off making a home move, the vast majority of estate agents believe.

End of cheap energy could fuel downsizing trend

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The days when Britons could easily afford to heat their homes are over, the business secretary has warned.

Leeds firm hopes to encourage green projects

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Households in Leeds are to be encouraged to 'go green', through a new city-centre exhibition.

Quality of life drawing Brits to Canada and NZ

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Britons dream of moving to Canada and New Zealand above anywhere else, a new study has found.

Construction slowdown to hit prospective buyers

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Anyone looking to move into a larger home in the near future is unlikely to welcome the news that one of the country's biggest building firms has announced it is struggling to cope with the current economic climate.

Would-be buyers need to pay £40k up-front

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Prospective first-time buyers may have to spend even longer living at home with their parents now that a new study has found that the average deposit now needed for a UK home has risen to almost £40,000.

Brits more confident about heading overseas

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

When it comes to moving to another country for a new life, Britons are growing in confidence, research by a leading UK bank has revealed.

Downsizing baby boomers keep coastal prices strong

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As members of the 'baby boomer' generation downsize in growing numbers, prices of seafront properties continue to defy the current downturn, one expert has revealed.

Bankers' group confirms mortgage slowdown

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The number of people successfully applying for a mortgage across the UK remains at a near-record low, it has been confirmed.

Stamp duty changes won't help buyers, expert says

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In spite of recent suggestions that the government may soon move to scrap stamp duty on home purchases, millions of Britons are still likely to find themselves struggling for space for some time yet, it has been suggested.

Under floor heating 'can save space and money'

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As well as taking advantage of safe storage solutions, homeowners with limited space may want to look into under floor heating, experts have advised.

Green group calls on Brits to improve home efficiency

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Coming as four of the big six UK energy suppliers have announced another round of price rises, Britons have been advised that they can save hundreds of pounds through carrying out green home improvements.

Brits sit tight as property 'due 35% correction'

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

House prices across the UK are currently 35 per cent overvalued, one expert has warned, with millions likely to sit tight and only make a move after a serious correction.

Developers struggling as buyers back off

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The number of people moving into a new home has dropped dramatically over the past 12 months, new figures from one of the country's largest construction firms have revealed.

Millions struggling for space as loan claims rejected

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Market conditions are prompting millions of Britons to postpone home moves for the foreseeable future, with many likely to find themselves struggling for space until the housing market picks up again.

Brits struggling for space as lenders close their books

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Many more Britons are likely to look into renting a property rather than attempting to buy their own place as lenders continue to pull affordable mortgages off the market.

Brits decluttering and renting out spare rooms

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With the uncertainty surrounding the UK housing market unlikely to go away any time soon, growing numbers of homeowners are choosing to rent out one of their rooms to offset any capital declines.

Brits carrying out 'eco-revolutions' at home

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Britons are carrying out a green revolution, starting in their own homes, it has been claimed.

Brits 'looking to long-term' with home improvement projects

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

British homeowners are now willing to "invest a bit more in the long-term" for the duration of the credit crunch through improving their homes.

Credit crunch limiting options for home buyers

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The effects of the global credit crunch are causing growing numbers of Brits to downsize or rent their homes rather than take a step up the property ladder, it has been claimed.

Young professionals set to stay home to raise £41k deposit

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Growing numbers of young professionals look set to stay in the family home for longer periods of time as they struggle to raise the money needed to get their own place, a new study has suggested.

1 in 10 buyers putting off move for 6 months at least

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

One in ten prospective first-time buyers have chosen to delay their planned move by at least six months due to ongoing concerns about the prospect of the property market.

Wasted spare rooms costing Brits £63bn, Abbey says

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

British homeowners are missing out on a combined £63.4 billion through their reluctance to rent out spare bedrooms, the nation's largest mortgage lender has stated.

Valuation changes could hit first-time buyers

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The chances of would-be first-time buyers making it onto the property ladder within the foreseeable future will be dealt a further blow once new rules concerning home valuation come into effect at the start of next month.

Estate agents suffer as Brits refuse to buy

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Growing numbers of Britons are either unwilling or incapable of moving home, with estate agents across the country reporting a falling number of transactions.

German property 'riding credit crunch wave', Brits advised

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The residential property market in Germany has been relatively unfazed by the global credit crunch, making it an ideal option for Brits either looking to head overseas for a new life or else invest in foreign property.

Struggling renters may head home, report suggests

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Parents across the UK may soon be struggling for space as their offspring return to the nest, unable to afford the rent on their own homes.

Leeds' professional tenants 'pushing rental prices up'

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Students looking to live in Leeds are being priced out of the rental property market by professionals unable to get a foot on the property ladder in the Yorkshire city, it has been suggested.

Northern Rock 'no isolated case', experts warn

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The troubles facing the Northern Rock bank are indicative of a much wider problem afflicting the UK property market, experts have warned.

Blow to buyers as Treasury denies stamp duty rumours

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Rumours that the chancellor is thinking of scrapping stamp duty have been quashed by the Treasury, spelling bad news for those Britons looking to make a move to a bigger property.

Brits may downsize as repossessions soar by 48%

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Repossession rates have soared by almost 50 per cent in the space of 12 months as Britons struggle to cope with rising mortgage rates, it has been revealed.

Canoe believe it? Interest in Panama property soaring

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Interest in property in Panama has boomed on the back of the 'canoe man' story, local experts have revealed.

New house price figures may deter would-be home movers

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A growing number of UK homeowners may choose to stay in their current properties rather than risk making a move after the country's biggest mortgage lender reported that house price drops have accelerated.

London mayor may act to address space shortage

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

London's mayor may be about to give a break to those people struggling for space in the capital, with the Evening Standard reporting that he may be about to reverse his policy on blocking high-rise developments.

Suburban rent rises may lead to downsizing spurt

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Rent in the suburbs of London is rising markedly as growing numbers of Brits are priced out of the property sector, a new report has revealed.

Report points to falling consumer confidence

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A new report from Nationwide has revealed that consumer confidence levels have fallen to their lowest levels in four years as the fallout from the global credit crunch continues to be felt.

Leeds property demand soars as 567 go for one house

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

More than 500 people have put their names forward for a single property in a popular area of Leeds, highlighting the extent of the housing shortages currently facing those looking to move in the Yorkshire city.

Homeowners to be hit by rates freeze, experts predict

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

British homeowners thinking of making a move to a larger property may have to resign themselves to sitting tight for the time being as experts predict that the Bank of England is not about to do them any favours any time soon.

Brits advised to add 'kids' digs' to boost property values

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners looking to add value to their property and offset the falling market could look into the possibility of constructing some 'kid's digs', home improvement experts have advised.

Brits may downsize as HBOS warns of further price falls

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

House prices dropped by ten per cent over the past 12 months, a new report from Halifax has revealed, justifying the growing trend towards downsizing currently being witnessed across the UK.

Leeds stars' parents downsizing their home

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The parents of the Kaiser Chiefs singer Ricky Wilson are following the example of thousands of other Yorkshire families and opting to downsize their home now that their children have flown the nest.

Home sales down by 50%, new London figures show

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The number of property transactions being carried out in London is now 50 per cent lower than last year, a leading estate agents in the capital has confirmed.

Brits may downsize as negative equity woes grow

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As many as 1.7 million Britons could be at risk of negative equity, worrying new figures which could lead to a wave of downsizing have warned.

Mortgage lending levels down by 70%, Bank report reveals

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The number of mortgages approved by lenders last month represented a 70 per cent year-on-year drop in comparison to the same month in 2007, the Bank of England has confirmed.

Investors confident rental demand will keep rising

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Property investors are putting their money on growing numbers of Brits being forced to rent rather than buy their own place, new figures suggest.

Homeowners urged to insulate their properties

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

British homeowners have been advised that there has never been a better time than the present to insulate their properties.

Spanish property market faces uncertain future

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Thousands of Brits could soon be looking into making a return from overseas as their dreams of retiring to the sun are hit by falling house prices, new figures suggest.

Homeowners hit as prices fall for tenth consecutive month

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The average cost of a home in the UK fell for the tenth row in succession in July, new figures for the housing market show.

Brits buying abroad and renting at home, experts reveal

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With house prices in the UK remaining out of the reach of thousands of Britons, growing numbers are opting to rent at home and get on the property ladder overseas, experts have revealed.

Professionals behind 38% growth in rental property demand

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Young professionals choosing to stay away from making the biggest financial commitment of their lives and buying a home in a declining market are behind the current boom in demand for rental accommodation, it has been revealed.

Sunny weather prompts DIY boom, B&Q says

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The owner of the UK's largest chain of DIY stores has reported that Britons are turning to home improvement projects as they look to cope with the financial problems being caused by the ongoing credit crunch.

Leeds housing shortage continues as developers go under

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Prospective homebuyers in and around Leeds have been dealt a fresh blow after it was announced that one of Yorkshire's leading homebuilders is now in the hands of the receivers.

Falling buyer confidence sees 4 in 10 home deals scrapped

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As many as four in ten property sale transactions fall through at the last minute as prospective buyers change their minds over moving to a bigger home, the Bank of England has revealed.

First-time buyers heading to France, experts say

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Young couples and would-be first-time buyers are opting to put their money into a home in France rather than attempt to get onto the property ladder at home, experts have claimed.

House moves down significantly, estate agents confirm

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Britons are refusing to move home, with many preferring to stay put and struggle for space than make a commitment in an uncertain market, new industry figures suggest.

Homeowners warned of further 30% price falls

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

House prices could fall by a further 30 per cent before the market starts to recover, the Bank of England's Danny Blanchflower has warned.

'Let setters' fleeing the city in their thousands

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

An increasing number of Londoners are choosing to rent out their homes in the capital and use the money generated from their tenants to fund a better quality of life in the countryside, it has been reported.

Homeowners becoming landlords as mortgage rates rise

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With economic forecasters reporting that around £300 million worth of mortgage products are due to expire within the next few months, a large number of homeowners are likely to look for ways in which to meet their growing financial commitments.

France now the "best bet" for buying overseas

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

France is now becoming a "better bet" than Spain for Britons looking to purchase a second home overseas, foreign property experts have explained.

UK is a 'nation of renters' struggling for space

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As property prices across the country remain out of the reach of most prospective buyers, Britain is steadily becoming a "nation of renters", experts have claimed.

Home improvements can limit tenant turnaround, landlords advised

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Private landlords have been advised to carry out improvements to their rental properties to ensure that they are as energy efficient as possible.

Brits in Spain enjoying a lifestyle 'second to none'

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

British ex-pats living in Spain enjoy a lifestyle that is "second to none", property experts have claimed.

Brits quitting the UK as it offers Europe's worst life quality

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The UK offers the worst quality of life in all of Europe, a new study has concluded.

Home moves likely to be hampered by A&L takeover

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners looking to take advantage of falling prices and move up the property ladder have been hit by the news that Banco Santander from Spain has reached a takeover deal for Alliance & Leicester.

Government will encourage buyers to rent instead

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Prospective home buyers have been given a boost after the government's housing minister revealed plans to help them find an affordable rental property while they put money aside for a deposit on their own place.

Brits putting off home moves in near-record numbers, Rics reports

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As growing numbers of Britons choose to postpone a move up the property ladder, the rate of home sales fell to its lowest level for 30 years during the three months to the end of June, it has been announced.

Brits being drawn to "unrivalled" Brazilian property

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Britons looking to escape for a new life in the sun are being attracted to the "incredible potential" of the Brazilian property market, experts have claimed.

Brits 'should downsize before it's too late'

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Britons have been advised to 'storm-proof' their finances to guard against a looming recession, with many likely to look into the financial benefits of downsizing their homes before the market slowdowns bottom out.

'Transient' urbanites renting for longer, report concludes

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Young urban professionals tend to enjoy a more transient lifestyle than their older counterparts, leading many to stay in the rental property sector for longer, it has been pointed out.

Recession 'could benefit many homeowners'

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

For the savviest of homeowners, the recession currently looming over the UK could present significant opportunities to make a move up the property ladder, it has been claimed.

London mayor housing plans may be a blow for many

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Thousands of people living in London could find themselves struggling for space as their dreams of buying a new-build affordable property look likely to be put on hold for the time being.

Buyers to find "no solace" in interest rate freeze

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People currently struggling to get onto or even move up the UK property ladder will have found "no solace" in the Bank of England's decision to hold interest rates.

Brits buying abroad for personal, not financial, reasons

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In contrast to the images of wide-eyed investors looking to make a killing abroad, the average Brit buying an overseas property is doing so for personal reasons rather than business reasons, experts have explained.

Home movers hit as Bank freezes interest rates

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Bank of England has fulfilled expectations and chosen to keep the base rate of interest at five per cent, much to the detriment of those Britons looking to take a step up the property ladder.

UK equity values down again in June, lender warns

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The current turbulence being seen in the UK property market looks unlikely to come to an end any time soon, experts have warned.

Workers advised to de-clutter their lives

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Professionals have been urged to de-clutter their lives in order to stay ahead in an increasingly-competitive corporate world.

London still too pricey for new buyers, figures show

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

London's property market remains out of the reach of many first-time buyers, new figures have once again shown.

Home transactions down as Brits stay put, builders complain

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

While many Britons may be hoping to move to a bigger home some time soon, new developments in the homebuilding industry suggest that they will have to put their dreams on hold for the time being.

Interest cut unlikely for rest of 2008, experts warn

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Interest rates are unlikely to be brought down again this year, one expert has advised out-of-luck first-time buyers.

Capital households refusing to move as prices keep falling

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

New figures released by one of London's leading estate agents suggest that many more people are rethinking their home buying plans due to the current feeling of uncertainty surrounding the property market.

Brits flocking to Menorca for sun-kissed new life

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Mediterranean island of Menorca is attracting soaring numbers of Britons looking to settle for a new life in the sun, local property experts have reported.

Students struggling to secure preferred accommodation option

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Britain's students are struggling to secure a place in university halls due to soaring competition, it has been revealed.

Londoners likely to stay put as national downturn hits the capital

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners in London are unlikely to be able to take a step up the property ladder anytime soon now that prices in the capital are beginning to join in the national downward trend.

Estate agents reveal houses aren't selling

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Estate agents across the country are reporting heavy declines in the number of properties being sold as both sellers and buyers shy away from an uncertain market.

Brits prefer retro objects to modern technology

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Despite new technology allowing Brits to free up increasing volumes of space, people still hold a deep affection for things they can see and touch, particularly if they boast are retro, it has been revealed.

Brits realise 'now is a good time to buy in the US'

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As the value of the dollar against the pound continues to be weak, growing numbers of Britons are coming to realise that there has never been a better time to follow their dreams and relocate across the Atlantic.

Homeowners need to take initiative to guard against floods

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Britons living in areas at risk of flooding have been advised to take action to ensure that they are not out of pocket in the event of a worst-case scenario coming to pass.

Brits set to stay put as lenders withdraw first-time buyer mortgages

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A growing number of Britons are likely to remain in rental accommodation for the time being after the final 100 per cent mortgage was withdrawn from the market.

Even monks feeling the pinch and downsizing their homes

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A group of monks in Gloucestershire have followed the lead of growing numbers of Brits and chosen to downsize their living accommodation.

Brits turn to DIY as credit crunch hits home

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

British homeowners are opting to carry out ambitious improvement projects rather than attempt to sell up and move, a new study has found.

London home sales slump by 7% in June

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The number of people buying a home in London over the past month was down by 6.8 per cent in comparison to May's figures, it has been revealed.

Brits waking up to the potential of Turkish property

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Britons are turning to Turkish property in increasing numbers as they feel the city offers both excellent value for money as well as a more relaxed way of life than the UK.

Mortgage approvals fall by 63%

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Number of loans taken out for home purchases fell by 63.8 per cent over the course of last year as lenders got stricter in the wake of the global credit crunch, it has been revealed.

Modern kitchens and bathrooms to bring best returns

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Landlords can benefit from higher levels of rental income by carrying out even the simplest upgrade projects, experts have advised.

Landlords 'shouldn't leave best furniture in properties'

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Britain's buy-to-let landlords shouldn't fit out their properties with their best furniture as they are 'business packages' rather than 'showplaces'.

Brits heading to Australia for 'better lifestyle'

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Growing numbers of Brits are coming to believe that Australia may hold for them a "far better overall lifestyle", overseas property experts have stated.

75% of Brits unlikely to move home due to uncertainty

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Around three in four Britons expect house prices to fall further over the remainder of the year, with many resigned to putting off a step up the property ladder for the foreseeable future.

Home improvement 'best way of ensuring a quick sale'

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners struggling to sell up for their desired price in a tough market have been advised to invest in home improvements to increase their chances.

Brits heading to Oz in record numbers

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The number of Britons opting to pack up and head 'Down Under' for a new life has hit a record high, a new study has revealed.

Millions set to stay put as property prices fall by £4,500 a month

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Property prices across the UK will fall by as much as £4,500 this month, further discouraging people from moving out of the rental accommodation sector into their own homes.

Homebuilding slowdown set to put moving plans on hold

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Thousands of Britons living in and around London and looking to move to a bigger property in the near future look set to be frustrated after a new report revealed that construction rates in the capital continue to decline.

Tennis-mad Brits risk damaging homes and gardens

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Thousands of Britons are likely to damage their homes and their possessions over the coming fortnight as Wimbledon fever hits the country.

Brits moving to Turkey as new laws take effect

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Recent changes in Turkish law have led to a growing number of Britons looking into buying property in the country, either to live or else for a holiday home.

Experts warn of home improvement dangers

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Insurers have moved to warn homeowners of the potential dangers of DIY projects as growing numbers choose to offset falling equity levels by sprucing up their homes.

Mortgage worries scupper home upgrade plans for many

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Many more people are unlikely to be able to upgrade their homes as experts have warned that mortgages keep rising in cost and decreasing in availability.

Brits urged to make Cyprus move 'as soon as possible'

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Brits harbouring dreams of moving abroad at some pointing the future are being advised to make the move as soon as possible as equity levels on UK homes continue to decline.

Struggling first-time buyers looking to overseas property

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Growing numbers of would-be first-time buyers are choosing to buy and live overseas for a short while as they attempt to increase their chances of making onto the UK property ladder.

Renting numbers to soar as home sales fall by 45% in 2008

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The number of properties due to be sold over the course of 2008 is set to be 45 per cent lower than last year, the country's largest mortgage ender has predicted.

Moving abroad 'a more realistic option' for Brits

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Packing up and heading off for a retirement overseas is now becoming a more serious consideration for people", as the cost of living across he UK keeps on rising.

Rising inflation bad news for homeowners

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners who had been considering making a move to a bigger home have been dealt a further blow with the news that the Bank of England is unlikely to pass further interest rate cuts anytime soon as it looks to deal with high interest rates.

Recession 'round the corner', expert warns

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Would-be first time buyers have been advised to put off a home purchase for the time being as the UK heads towards a two-year recession.

Brits set to stay put as mortgage rates rise

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A growing number of Britons are likely to turn to renovating their current homes as changes in mortgage lending rates make it even more difficult to make a move up the property ladder.

Brits urged to be wary of garden thieves

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

One in four items stolen from British gardens last year was worth between £101 and £400, new figures released by Sainsbury's Home Insurance show.

New property construction falling, builders reveal

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Despite growing demand from would-be homebuyers, the number of properties being constructed in the UK has fallen dramatically, it has been revealed.

Brits 'disillusioned with UK life'

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Increasing numbers of Brits are becoming disillusioned with UK life and are choosing to move abroad.

Brits attracted to 'recession proof' Morocco

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With countries such as France and Spain now being almost saturated with ex-pats, growing numbers of Brits are looking further afield as they seek to realise their dreams of retiring to the sun, overseas property experts have reported.

Home up-graders dealt fresh mortgage blow

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Britons looking to either get onto or take a step up the property ladder have been dealt a fresh blow after a new study found that the number of fixed mortgages with high fees has soared by more than 1,000 per cent in under two years.

DIY work on the rise as tradesmen costs go up

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Following on from a recent study which found that growing numbers of Britons are choosing to carry out home improvement projects rather than move, it has now been revealed that rising contractor rates are leading many people to do the work themselves.

Buyers deterred as property prices fall by £1bn a day

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

British homes are falling in value by around £1 billion a day, property experts have warned.

Brits may downsize as repossession threat rises

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As mortgage repayment rates continue to climb, an increasing number of Britons may look to downsize their homes in an effort to avoid the very real threat of repossession.

French lifestyle 'still attractive to Brits'

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The dream of selling up and moving to France is as strong as ever among Britons, one foreign property expert has stated.

Would-be buyers urged to wait for further price falls

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Professionals living in London and the south-east of England have been advised to remain in the rental property sector until house prices fall by a further ten per cent.

1.1m Brits looking to downsize in near future

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

More than one million people across the UK plan to downsize their homes in a bid to free up some capital so as to cope with the rising cost of living, a new study has found.

Housing market will start moving again soon, expert claims

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Despite the widespread reports of doom and gloom within the national housing market, Brits will start moving home again soon, it has been claimed.

Euro football 'will boost Brits heading to live in Switzerland'

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The widespread media exposure given to Austria and Switzerland during the European football championships could lead to a significant number of Brits opting to sell up and move over there.

Fall in rents to keep tenant demand strong

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Demand for rental accommodation is likely to remain strong for some time yet as new figures from within the housing industry show rents to be falling rather than rising.

Tough times at home pushing emigration up

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As economic conditions carry on getting tougher within the UK, growing numbers of people will look into emigrating.

House prices down in 11 of 12 regions

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Houses in all but one UK region declined in value over the course of May, new figures show.

Record numbers retiring abroad

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Rising numbers of Britons are opting to pack up and retire overseas, experts have claimed.

Bank's rate cut refusal bad news for buyers

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Demand for secure storage across the UK will remain high as millions of people will be forced to keep renting in a shared home after the Bank of England declined to bring interest rates down.

Renting market set to 'remain strong', experts state

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The UK's rental accommodation sector remains looks likely to remain strong for some time, experts have stated.

DIY enthusiasts warned to guard against 'botched jobs'

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners thinking of carrying out major DIY work have been warned to ensure that they have the correct insurance policy in place before they get their tool kits out.

Brits advised to rent rather than buy

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Millions of young professionals looking into buying their own property have once again been advised to stay in the rental sector for the time being until the widely-expected price correction materialises.

8 in 10 women feel lives are 'too cluttered'

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A large proportion of women believe that not only are their wardrobes overly cluttered but so to are their social lives, according to a new survey.

1 in 4 young Brits can't afford their own home

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A shortage of affordable housing has left over a quarter of young households unable to purchase their first home in the local area, according to Hometrack.

House prices keep rising south of the river

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The South London property market is defying the wider economic slowdown by recording strong growth, according to new data.

Slow home building rates likely to keep rental demand strong

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Demand for rental accommodation across Britain is likely to remain high for some time yet as the problem of affordability affecting many would-be buyers refuses to go away.

Brits advised to consider cashing in on homes' equity

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With house prices across the UK beginning to decline, Britons have been advised to consider downsizing their current property and cashing in on the equity to secure a comfortable future.

Downsizing Londoners keeping Brighton property strong

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Property industry experts in Brighton are confident that the market in the city will remain strong and weather the current economic turbulence, due largely to the large numbers of Londoners downsizing and heading to the coast.

UK mortgage lending falls in April

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Mortgage lending in the UK has slowed over the past year, it has been revealed.

UK house prices slide for 8th month

Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

House prices in the UK are continuing their downward trend, sliding for the eighth successive month.

Govt proposals 'will help homeowners through fuel increases'

Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The government has unveiled a series of measures designed to support poorer consumers struggling with the rising fuel costs and improve overall energy efficiency.

Bank of England predicted to maintain interest rate

Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Housebuyers looking for a mortgage may be interested to learn that the Bank of England is expected to maintain its interest rate at five per cent.

House prices 'see biggest monthly dip in 17 years'

Thu, 29 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

UK house prices have fallen by 2.5 per cent, according to the latest Nationwide House Price Index.

UK housing market 'has not ground to a halt'

Thu, 29 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The number of approvals for house purchase mortgages increased during the month of April, according to new figures.

Condensing boilers 'are one of biggest home improvements'

Thu, 29 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Householders thinking of undertaking some kind of home improvement should consider installing a condensing boiler, it has been claimed.

Moving 'is great opportunity to de-clutter'

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Moving house is the perfect time to de-clutter, it has been claimed.

Househunters 'do like to live beside the sea'

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

UK househunters would be willing to pay extra in order to move into a property that is close to the seaside, a new survey has revealed.

Firstrung: It's a buyer's market

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Despite reports of the credit crunch, today's is a buyer's market, according to one property expert.

Quarter of UK homeowners 'add value with renovations'

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

More that one in four Britons hope to boost the value of their property through making renovations over the course of the next year.

Property market 'is stable'

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Elements of the UK property market are showing signs of stabilising, according to members of an industry body.

Parental help 'stands first-time buyers in good stead'

Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Many first-time buyers are approaching their parents for assistance with the deposit for their first home, it has been observed.

Homeowners warned against burglary this bank holiday

Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This bank holiday, homeowners planning a trip away should be sure to secure their belongings in order to protect against burglaries.

'Light at the end of the tunnel for first-time buyers'

Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Although now may be a bad time for first-time buyers, there may be a light at the end of the tunnel.

London councils 'meeting demands on recycling'

Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People considering moving to London who have an environmental conscience may be interested to learn that the city's councils are responding to public demand on recycling.

'De-clutter the garden to boost sale appeal'

Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

De-cluttering the garden is an essential step towards selling a house, it has been claimed.

House prices 'will dip by end of the year'

Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

House prices are expected to be around seven per cent lower by the end of the year compared to the same period in 2007.

UK DIYers 'don't get the job done'

Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Many UK households have unfinished DIY or renovation projects, it has been found.

Technical DIY projects 'should be avoided'

Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners considering renovating their property should not attempt tasks that are too challenging, it has been advised.

Green househunters 'should opt for new-builds'

Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Househunters looking for a home with good environmental credentials should opt for a newly-built property, it has been suggested.

Home renovations 'inspired by TV'

Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

UK homeowners are so inspired by DIY television programmes that they undertake work on their own homes, it has been revealed.

Women 'consider their lives cluttered'

Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Four out of five women think their lives are cluttered, it has been found.

UK house prices rise

Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

House prices in the UK have risen during May, according to one survey.

Now is the 'perfect time to buy'

Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People considering buying a new house, but are put off by all the media attention to the credit crunch, should not believe the hype, according to the customer of one house builder.

London flats 'are UK's most pricey'

Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Househunters looking for London property may be interested to learn that apartments in the capital are more than twice the price of those in the north-west.

'Make a good return on Brazilian property'

Mon, 19 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners should avoid making a loss on their property in the UK and instead make a return on a house in Brazil, it has been claimed.

Self-build mortgages 'still available despite crunch'

Mon, 19 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Househunters considering building their own home should not be deterred by the credit crunch, it has been claimed.

Now is a 'good time' to self-build an eco home

Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Now is a good time to consider self-building an eco-home as an alternative to buying a new property, according to one company.

'Weather the storm' of negative equity

Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

First-time buyers who find themselves with negative equity should try and "weather the storm", it has been advised.

Prime property in London is 'insulated from troubles'

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People looking for prime property in London may be pleased to hear that, according to one expert, this sector may be shielded from the problems in the wider market.

House prices 'will fall but not crash'

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

UK house prices are expected to fall further over the next few years, but not crash, one expert has surmised.

Now is a 'good time to buy despite credit crunch'

Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Now may be a good time to buy a house despite the ongoing credit crunch, it has been claimed.

Househunters 'should choose a suitable mortgage'

Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Househunters should be sure to opt for a mortgage product that meets their needs, according to one expert's advice.

'Subdued' lending in March reported

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Lending for home purchases in March has remained subdued, according to recently released figures.

De-cluttering 'helps to sell homes'

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners looking to move house have been advised to take the time to de-clutter their rooms to make it more appealing to those looking around.

Million pound property sales increase in UK

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Million pound property sales in the UK have increased by 36 per cent, according to new statistics.

First-time buyers safe from repossessions?

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People who have stepped onto the housing ladder for the first time may be the least affected by the recent surge in repossessions, it has been claimed.

Argentina has 'good future potential'

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People looking for a good place to move abroad may like to consider Argentina, according to one expert.

London's prime property market is 'more stable'

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

London's prime property market has established more stability in recent months compared to the national domestic market, it has been claimed.

BoE 'should do more' with interest rates

Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Bank of England will need to adjust the interest rate in coming months in order to boost the housing market, it has been claimed.

Lack of storage 'could lead to garden thefts'

Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A lack of storage space may lead to the theft of personal items, it has been claimed.

'Location over price' for London renters

Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Househunters looking to rent a property in London are more concerned with location than house price, it has been claimed.

Disappointment over BoE rate decision

Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Bank of England's (BoE) decision to maintain a five per cent interest rate has disappointed some in the housing industry, it has emerged.

Location 'top priority for home buyers'

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

UK househunters consider location to be their top priority when looking for a new home, according to new statistics.

Croatia 'is a stunning and fascinating country'

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Househunters looking abroad for a new housing opportunity may like to consider Croatia as an option, according to one expert.

Renovation 'may increase property values'

Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners may be able to increase the value of their property by undertaking a series of renovation projects, it has been claimed.

London 'still popular despite credit crunch'

Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

London is still a popular location for house-buyers and renters despite the current economic climate, it has been claimed.

Confidence boost welcomed by housing industry

Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The resurgence in consumer confidence predicted by the Bank of England in its financial stability report has been welcomed by the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA).

FMB: New builds over new settlements

Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has called on the government to reform the planning system and allow all areas to have new builds.

Pressure mounts for interest rate cuts

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Pressure is mounting on the Bank of England to cut the base interest rate as soon as possible, it has been posited.

Renovation tips to 'boost property value'

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Householders looking to renovate their property have been offered tips by an industry body.

'Negative growth' in April house prices

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Negative house price growth has been recorded by one estate agency, it has emerged.

Italy is a 'cost-efficient option for buyers'

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Britons thinking of moving abroad may like to consider southern Italy as an option.

Hips 'have made little impact'

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Home Information Packs (Hips) have not prevented the practices of gazumping and gazundering, it has been claimed.

Lending figures 'show slowdown'

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A dip in lending has been experienced in the UK, according to new statistics.

Abbey 'increases market share in light of lending slowdown'

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People planning to move home may be interested to learn that Abbey has increased its share in the housing market.

Gardening dos and don'ts

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

When moving home, people should increase the value of their property by improving it's garden, it has been advised.

Modular housing 'more eco-friendly'

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Househunters hoping to move into an environmentally-friendly house may be pleased to hear that modular houses have "superior insulation" compared to other forms of housing.

Sofia 'is a buoyant market'

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People considering moving or investing abroad may wish to consider Sofia as a possible option, according to one expert.

Buy-to-let market factors 'still strong'

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Investors looking into the buy-to-let market may be pleased to learn that one industry body forecasts that it will do well in 2008.

It is 'really important' for first-time buyers to assess their options

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

According to one expert, the ongoing economic slowdown is necessitating that first-time buyers assess all their options before they buy a property.

'Add wow factor to appeal to potential tenants'

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Landlords hoping to make their property more appealing to tenants, potentially including students, should aim to have a wow factor.

Homes 'are low-hanging fruit' in achieving carbon cuts

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People considering renovating their property to become more environmentally-friendly may be interested to learn of a new World Wide Fund (WWF) report.

Mirrors 'make rooms appear larger'

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Householders looking to create more space in their home have been offered advice from one interior design expert.

Parents help with first steps onto property ladder

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

More and more first-time buyers are turning to their family for help with deposits for new homes, it has been claimed.

'Shackles should be released' to ease first-time buyer burden

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

First-time buyers are adopting a 'wait and see' attitude when it comes to getting onto the property ladder, according to one industry body.

'Commitment and patience' necessary for de-cluttering

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This advice comes from across the Atlantic where Canadian householders have been offered tips on how best to get organised.

Bank of England £50m plan 'applauded'

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Bank of England's plan to relieve the pressure of the credit crunch may be welcomed by househunters, it has been surmised.

Lifestyle needs 'should prioritise over investment potential'

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Househunters should view a potential property as a home and not an investment, it has been suggested.

University towns present 'good investment opportunities'

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People looking for investment opportunities should consider university towns, according to one organisation.

Homeowners 'should check home cover once a year'

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners have been advised to review their insurance policies on an annual basis by one financial website.

West End property 'resilient in face of credit crunch'

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The West End property market in London may not be as exposed to the effects of the ongoing economic slowdown, it has been surmised.

Portugal offers 'many benefits'

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People considering moving abroad may consider Portugal since it offers a variety of advantages and benefits to potential investors.

Potential house buyers 'being squeezed out of market'

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Potential home buyers are being squeezed out of the market by rising mortgage costs and tighter lending conditions, according to the housebuilder Taylor Wimpey.

Property bargains 'to be had on Margarita Island'

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People looking to purchase a holiday home or investment property in the Caribbean would be wise to look to Margarita Island, where property prices are far lower than those in other Caribbean destinations.

First-time buyers 'struggling with affordability'

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

First-time buyers are finding it harder than ever to get a foot on the property ladder, according to a new survey by the housing charity Shelter.

Emotional attachment 'a factor for homebuyers'

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Emotional attachment can play a large part in people's home buying decisions, according to the commercial director at Rightmove.

Househunters 'should research area beforehand'

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People considering moving home should be sure to undertake thorough research into the area beforehand, according to one expert.

Now is a "buyer's market"

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Now is the right time to buy a new house, despite reports of a housing market slowdown, it has been claimed.

Insuring property is a "social responsibility"

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

When moving home, people should be sure to take out home insurance by way of social responsibility, one expert has insisted.

Turkey: 'Top place to invest'

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Turkey could offer a lucrative investment opportunity to house buyers looking abroad, it has been claimed.

First-time buyers 'need house price correction'

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People looking to get onto the housing ladder need a correction in house prices rather than government initiatives, it has been claimed.

Detached properties 'have increased in value'

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People moving home may be interested to learn that detached properties have increased in value over the past five years.

South-east DIYers 'worst culprits' in home improvement calamities

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners in the south-east of the UK are the worst culprits in terms of DIY disasters, according to new research.

Homemovers 'should consider effect on pets'

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People with pets moving house should consider the effect of moving on their furry friends, it has been suggested.

House prices 'remain static'

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

House prices in England and Wales remained static throughout March, according to one organisation.

Minimalism 'is easy and cost effective'

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Creating space in the home may be achieved by having a minimalist approach to decor.

First-time buyers 'will not be enticed by rate cut'

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The interest rate cut may not be able to entice first-time buyers back to the housing market, according to one expert.

First-time buyers 'are sharing the load'

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Many first-time buyers are pooling their financial resources in order to take out a mortgage, it has been found.

Renting will still be popular among mover despite rate cut

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People considering moving home are still going to prefer to rent than buy a new home, according to one property website.

Graduates 'are riskier prospect' for mortgage lenders

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

University leavers looking to get onto the housing ladder may find it increasingly difficult in the current economic climate, it has been claimed.

French student accommodation market 'lucrative for investors'

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The student accommodation market in France may be a good option for people looking to invest in property, it has been claimed.

Conservatories 'may add to property's value'

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners looking to create more space in their homes by adding a conservatory may be able to increase the value of their property.

Homeowners advised to 'make homes energy efficient'

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners can save up to £250 a year off of their fuel bills if they improve the energy efficiency of their homes sufficiently, according to the Energy Saving Trust (EST).

Turkey 'becoming a popular overseas home destination'

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A growing number of people are moving to Turkey as a retirement destination, according to the director of property website RightmoveOverseas.co.uk.

DIYers told to be "realistic" when considering home improvements

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiasts have been urged to "be realistic" when they consider making improvements to their home.

Noisy neighbours 'troubling households'

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Moving house could be at the forefront of the minds of more than one million households who have run into trouble with their neighbours over noise.

Credit crunch hits London's low-end property

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

House prices at the lower end of London's housing market have been the worst affected by the economic slowdown, it has been claimed.

Next piece of 'London jigsaw' started

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A new development in east London could encourage people to consider moving to a new home.

French market 'to remain steady'

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The French housing market will remain "steady" during the international credit crunch, according to a firm that helps people to purchase property in France.

Rental market 'set to grow'

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People choosing to rent properties rather than buy looks set to be a trend in the housing market over the next two years, an online service for homemovers has said.

De-clutter 'to get a sense of space available'

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

De-cluttering is one of the main ways to sell a house by allowing househunters to see the space available in a property, it has been claimed.

'Culture, climate and convenience' draw investors to Spain

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People who decide to move abroad are still attracted to Spain, according to one expert.

Prefabricated housing 'is more energy efficient'

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Environmentally-friendly househunters may consider opting for a prefabricated house in order to save energy consumption, according to one institution.

University towns offer investors 'great opportunities'

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People considering moving home or buying a house for investment purposes may consider a university town, it has been suggested.

'Bigger is not better' when it comes to mortgages

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

When moving home, people have been advised that "bigger is not always better" when it comes to picking a mortgage product.

Interest-free mortgages 'can appeal to young professionals'

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Young professionals looking to move house may be interested to read that an interest-only mortgage may be a good choice for their demographic.

Under 30s 'feel confident' about house buying

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Even in the face of the economic slowdown, people under the age of 30 still feel confident about buying their first home, it has been claimed.

'Wait and see' for full Hips effects

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People moving home who are concerned about the impact of home information packs (Hips) should wait to see the full effect on the market, it has been claimed.

'De-clutter and depersonalise' to appeal to buyers

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People considering moving home have been advised to de-clutter and depersonalise their properties in order to sell them.

Househunters 'face postcode lottery'

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

UK househunters face a home information packs (Hips) "postcode lottery" when looking for a new home, according to one expert.

Interest rate cuts 'could relieve househunters'

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Further interest rate cuts may help to relieve financial strain for househunters, according to one organisation.

Building society customers 'should not panic'

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People concerned about their ability to take out a mortgage in the credit crunch should not panic, according to one expert.

UK householders 'staying put'

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Rather than moving home, many people in the UK are deciding to stay in their current property this year, it has been claimed.

Interest-only mortgages 'not cause for concern'

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A recent increase in interest-only mortgages is not necessarily a bad sign, according to one organisation.

House-buying dips in February

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

House-buying dropped in February compared to this time last year, according to one expert.

CIH calls for househunter advice

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People considering moving home may be interested to learn that new research suggests that most househunters could benefit from advice.

Brits 'should do their research' when moving abroad

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Britons considering moving abroad have been urged to do their research.

Southern householders 'pay more stamp duty'

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners in the south are said to pay more stamp duty than people in the north, it has been claimed.

'Shop around' for perfect mortgage

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

When considering moving home, people should shop around for the best mortgage product, according to one expert.

Moving in Milton Keynes 'may be easier'

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Moving home in or to Milton Keynes is being made easier through a series of tailored incentives from one housing developer.

Conversions 'increase space and value'

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners considering creating more space in their home may like to consider a loft conversion, which may also add value to the property, according to one organisation.

First-time buyers 'opting for trackers'

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

More people stepping onto the housing ladder are opting for tracker mortgages, it has been claimed.

Golden years 'spent at home'

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Quality of life is the topmost priority for retirees, according to new research.

Husbands 'don't want to do it themselves'

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Women should not expect their husbands to do any DIY renovations around the house this Easter, according to Halifax.

Community spirit 'still important to Brits'

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

When deciding on a new home, Britons are more likely to look for a good community spirit, according to one bank.

De-cluttering 'helps to relieve stress and boost energy'

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Life can be made easier by making an effort to de-clutter the home, it has been suggested.

Rics helps homeowners weather the storm

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners who sustained damage to their property during this week's storms may need to renovate their homes as part of the repair process.

Straw-build homes 'increasingly popular'

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People looking into moving into a newly built property may be interested in a new trend of house building.

Home movers 'should inform loan companies'

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

When moving home, people should be sure to pass on their new address to their loan providers, it has been advised.

First-time buyers 'could benefit from Govt loans'

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A new government scheme may be of benefit to first-time buyers, according to Communities and Local Government (CLG).

Budget 'does not go far enough for first-time buyers'

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Despite reports from the Communities and Local Government, which claim that first-time buyers will benefit from this year's Budget, one firm claims it does not go far enough.

Green mortgages 'may not take on in current market'

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Mortgage lenders may be unlikely to start offering greener products as a result of the credit crunch, it has been claimed.

New Zealand 'offers low-hassle moves'

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People thinking of moving abroad may want to consider New Zealand as a possible destination.

Good use of lighting 'can create illusion of space'

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The use of lighting in the home may help householders create the illusion of a larger space, it has been suggested.

Bad weather prompts storm advice for homeowners

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

UK homeowners, particularly those in the south-east, have been advised to protect their property and belongings in light of the recent bad weather.

Sports clutter 'being left vulnerable'

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Sports equipment may be cluttering up houses across the UK, if reports from Liverpool Victoria are to be believed.

First-time buyers 'more likely to pay stamp duty'

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

First-time buyers in the south of England are more likely to pay stamp duty on their properties, according to new research.

Men 'more likely to deal with house move finances'

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Men are more likely to take the financial reins when it comes to moving home, it has been found.

Kitchens and double glazing 'top of home improvement list'

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners considering renovating their home may be interested to learn that major markets in the home improvement market are kitchens and double glazing, according to one expert.

South-east 'to go green'

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The south-east of the UK is need of eco-town development, it has been claimed.

Hips Hips hurray!

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Many UK househunters are happy with home improvement packs (Hips), it has been claimed.

BoE 'disappoints mortgage holders'

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

UK mortgage holders may find the Bank of England's (BoE) decision to maintain the 5.25 per cent base interest rate disappointing, it has been claimed.

Milton Keynes 'great location for sports enthusiasts'

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Sports enthusiasts looking to move home in the next few years may wish to consider Milton Keynes as a possible relocation destination.

Creation of sustainable communities 'important in UK'

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The creation of environmentally-sustainable homes across the UK is vital to the UK, it has been claimed.

Retiring to the south-east 'becoming more popular'

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The south-east of the UK is the most popular destination for people who decide to move when they retire, according to new research.

Change of address notification 'necessary to prevent fraud'

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

When moving home, people should be sure to inform companies, friends and families of the move to prevent identity theft, it has been warned.

'Repair sooner rather than later to avoid big costs'

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People considering renovating their property in light of the earthquake last week should be sure to check their properties' structural damage, it has been suggested.

Austria: 'Cheap and cheerful place to live'

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Austria may be a cost-efficient option for those considering moving abroad, it has been claimed.

Conversions 'becoming more popular that upsizing'

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Instead of moving home, people are increasingly opting for conversions in order to create space in their existing property, it has been claimed.

Trackers 'good for risk takers'

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People thinking of moving home or stepping onto the housing ladder may wish to consider a tracker mortgage if they can afford risk, it has been claimed.

First-time buyers 'will thrive in housing dip'

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

First-time buyers may stand to benefit from a house price correction, it has been claimed.

Parents help children with first steps

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The parents of first-time buyers in the UK have spent a collective £27 billion on assisting their children to take their first step onto the property ladder, according to new research.

Earthquake 'prompts need for renovation'

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Yesterday's earthquake that shook the UK may have resulted in household damage and the need for renovation.

Milton Keynes 'in high demand'

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Properties in the Milton Keynes area may be resistant to the economic slowdown, it has been claimed.

Portugal 'better option than Spain for overseas moves'

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People thinking of moving abroad may wish to consider Portugal, it has been suggested.

Fixed-rate mortgages 'best when at edge of affordability'

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People who are concerned about taking out a mortgage in the current economic climate may want to consider a fixed-rate mortgage, according to one institution.

People should 'deceive the eye to create space'

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In order to create more space in the home, one institution has suggested opening up the garden and using "tricks to deceive the eye".

Couples 'better off' in housing market

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Couples thinking of stepping onto the housing ladder may find it easier and have better choices, it has been claimed.

House price slump 'may be good for a bargain'

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

House prices showed another dip in January, according to the SmartNewHomes.com new index.

Hips benefit househunters over asbestos

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People concerned about asbestos when buying a property may be relieved due to the rollout of home information packs (Hips).

UK houses 'turning green'

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Environmental awareness may change the face of UK homes, it has been claimed.

'Better times ahead' for first-time buyers

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Despite talks of a slowdown in the property market, the beginning of 2008 saw buyers and sellers return to the market, according to the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA).

Brits 'opt for security' when it comes to mortgages

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

When questioned about which type of mortgage they prefer, most Britons opt for a fixed-rate product, it has been claimed.

Honey, don't ruin your house: Create space

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Presenter of Honey I Ruined the House, has offered several tips for creating space within the home.

Bridging loans 'effective way to buy homes'

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Bridging loans may be an effective way in which to fill the gap between purchasing a new home and selling an old one, it has been claimed.

Decluttering 'not same as depersonalising'

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People thinking of moving home can improve the saleability of their current homes by decluttering, according to the Homebuilding and Renovating Show.

Brits 'prefer to see out golden years abroad'

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Many Britons would prefer to retire abroad, according to new research.

Create space by 'bringing the outdoors in'

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People wishing to create more space in their homes may choose to go for a more natural feel, it has been advised.

London's super-prime market 'to lead UK'

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The housing market in London is expected to lead the way for the next 12 to 18 months, according to new research.

Flood funds awarded to UK communities

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People affected by the bad weather last summer may be interested to hear that the government is to provide £300,000 in funding for recovery, it has emerged.

Inheritance Tax 'should be no concern to parents'

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Parents considering helping their children with taking out a mortgage should not be too concerned about Inheritance Tax, according to one institution.

Sainsbury's: Don't become underinsured through renovations

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People who rent their homes should ensure they are covered by their insurance policies before considering any renovation, it has been claimed.

Parental help 'popular in paying off mortgages'

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People thinking of stepping onto the housing ladder for the first time may be able to enlist the assistance of their parents to help pay the mortgage, it has been claimed.

'Superb' housing opportunities in Florida

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Florida may be the place to buy at the moment, according to one website.

Energy efficiency 'is a must'

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People thinking of renovating their properties to make them more energy efficient may be interested to learn that it has never been as important to do so, according to one institution.

London's suburbs 'may offer better quality of life'

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Quality of life may be improved after moving to London's suburbs, it has been claimed.

Homeowners advised to 'take action against weather'

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Last year saw 1.5 million homes' roofs damaged as a result of high winds, with flooding costing a cumulative £2.5 billion in repair costs, according to new figures.

Building surveys 'are a must' for old houses

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People thinking of moving home should ensure that they get a building survey, according to one institution.

Housing market 'picking up'

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The housing market is beginning to gain momentum, according to new figures.

First-time buyers moving abroad 'may find difficulties'

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People thinking of stepping onto the housing ladder abroad may still need a cash lump sum in order to do so, according to one institution.

Sixth consecutive house price fall in UK

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

UK house prices have fallen for the sixth consecutive month, it has been revealed.

Owner-occupier numbers dwindle

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Owner-occupation is currently at a record low in the England, it has emerged.

Warrington to trial greener homes

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners in Warrington will be able to lead a greener lifestyle thanks to the development of renewable technology in the area, it has emerged.

Rate cut 'may ease affordability in 2008'

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The recent base interest rate cuts from the Bank of England could ease the affordability of property in 2008, it has been claimed.

Storage solutions 'fulfil basic need'

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Storage solution companies are popular due to the fact that they fulfil a basic need, according to a property consultant.

First-time buyers 'on the rise'

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The number of first-time buyers is increasing, research has found, with a rise in people buying and moving into a new home.

Mortgage holders 'not badly affected by credit crunch'

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People considering taking out a mortgage may be interested to learn that it has been claimed that home loan borrowers have not been badly affected by the credit crunch.

Affordable London housing delivered by new organisation

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People thinking of moving to London might like to know that a new programme is in the pipeline to deliver affordable housing.

US 'may become more attractive to UK buyers'

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Recent activity in the US economy may mean that it is an attractive place for UK buyers, it has been claimed.

Local housing development 'may be more sustainable'

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People considering moving house may be interested to read that it is one institution's opinion that local house building is more sustainable.

'Organise your home and enjoy your space'

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

By improving organisation in the home people may find that their workflow is improved, according to one website.

HBF: New homes are blank canvases

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People considering buying a home may be interested to learn that a new home is like having your own blank canvas, it has been claimed.

First-time buyers 'may benefit from credit crunch'

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People thinking of getting on to the property ladder may be interested to learn that despite the ongoing credit crunch, "it's not all doom and gloom".

Halifax: House prices unchanged

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

House prices in Britain remained unchanged last month, while prices over the three months to January 2008 dipped by one per cent compared with the previous quarter, figures from Halifax show.

Manchester 'a great city' to live in

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Manchester has "a lot to offer" and is a "great place to live", with affordable properties still available, an expert claims.

Movers warned over listed buildings

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People in the UK thinking about moving into a listed building are being urged to ensure they understand the financial and insurance implications of such a move.

Women 'take a back seat' when moving

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Women often prefer to leave the financial details of moving house to the men, according to a new study, although other decisions related to relocation are taken together.

Agents 'more confident in housing market'

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People concerned about the condition of the housing market may be able to put their fears to rest, according to one institution.

Coalition calls for VAT cut

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People planning on renovating their homes may be interested to learn that a coalition of building and renovation groups has challenged the government over VAT.

Homeowners 'should take steps to protect their homes'

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As bad UK weather persists, homeowners have been advised to ensure that they reduce the risk of damage to their property.

House prices fall for third month running

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

House prices in the UK have fallen for the third month running, it has been reported.

New rail service popular in south-east

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People living or planning to live in the south-east of the UK may be interested to learn that over 50 per cent of people support the proposal to build a new railway service.

First-time buyers 'still able to buy in credit crunch'

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

First-time buyers are unlikely to be restricted by debt when it comes to buying their first home, it has been claimed.

Moving home in the credit crunch: Top tips

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

There are a number of techniques and tactics to keep in mind when looking to move home during the cooling housing market, an online property firm has claimed.

Open-plan living 'becoming popular with Brits'

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Some 2.9 million rooms have effectively disappeared due to a growing interest in open-plan living, according to the latest research.

London homes 'cheaper than last year'

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

New homes in the London area are cheaper than they were this time in 2007, it has been revealed.

Hips: An end to speculative marketing?

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People considering buying a new home may be interested to learn that the introduction of home information packs (Hips) may have put an end to speculative marketing.

Southern Italy 'is profitable investment spot'

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People considering moving abroad may want to consider southern Italy, according to one institution.

More people moving into rented housing

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

There has been an increase in the number of people choosing to live in private rented accommodation, a new report states.

Kitchens 'a main focus for homeowners'

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Kitchen upgrades are a sought after improvement by consumers, according to new research by housebuilder Redrow.

Croatia emerging as "good value" location

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Croatia is emerging as a location offering good value for British property buyers due to its reasonably low prices, Property Abroad has claimed.

Govt 'will struggle to meet housing targets'

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The government is likely to miss its self-imposed targets on house-building because of the gloomy outlook for the construction industry.

Brits 'failing to insure homes'

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

British homeowners are failing to insure their properties against damage caused by floods, storms and fire, according to new research from Nationwide.

British homes 'at risk from weather'

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

While roofs and gardens are particularly at risk from weather damage, a significant amount occurs inside homes too, research suggests.

Some 11 per cent of British homes have been damaged by weather in the last five years, says Abbey.

Kitchens and bathrooms "important" for property sellers

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Potential homebuyers can be encouraged by good kitchens and bathrooms, despite a slowing housing market, an expert suggests.

Comments from Federation of Master Builders (FMB) spokesperson Brian Berry suggested that the cost of properties meant people were reluctant to then invest more in money making improvements.

Internet is 'first step' for house-hunters

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

House-hunters are increasingly turning to the internet as the first stop on their journey to find a new property, it has been claimed.

Missed payments reveal pressure on homeowners

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Nearly half a million struggling homeowners have missed a monthly repayment on their mortgage in the last six months, according to new data.

Brits 'throwing money away on bad mortgages'

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Some five million Brits are losing approximately £5 every day because they have not ensured that they are on the best mortgage possible for their circumstances, it has been revealed.

House-hunters 'prefer internet to high street'

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The vast majority of UK house-hunters now prefer the internet to trawling the high street, with less than five per cent of buyers using high street offices to find homes.

New homes 'cheaper and greener'

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

New homes in Britain are considerably greener than they have previously been and buyers can save large sums on energy bills while reducing their carbon footprint as a result.

Good packing 'important for house moves'

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

When moving home there is a lot to consider and Miller homes has offered tips to homebuyers to ensure their house move runs smoothly.

First-time buyers 'benefiting from credit crunch'

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People hoping to get onto the property ladder this new year, may benefit from the current economic climate, it has been claimed.

'Consider inflation' when buying a home

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

When buying a home in the current economic climate, it is advisable to consider inflation, according to one institution.

Olympics 'to boost east London housing'

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People considering moving home may be interested to learn that east London may be a great place to live in the next few years due to Olympics-related developments.

House prices 'still falling'

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

House prices in the UK are continuing to fall, according to figures from last year.

Leicester to spend on city improvements

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Leicester city council has announced that it plans to make further efforts to improve the city's housing over the next three years.

UK homeowners to spend £13m on going green

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

UK homeowners are expected to splash out this year on making green improvements to their homes, it has been revealed.

Cohabiting first-time buyers 'should plan ahead'

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

First-time buyers choosing a cohabitation arrangement should ensure they put in place a formal agreement, it has been advised.

Weather threatens personal belongings

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners have been advised to secure their personal belongings following a recent bout of bad weather.

Hips good for first-time buyers

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

First-time buyers could benefit from the recent implementation of home improvement packs (Hips), according to FirstRungNow.

UK homeowners gain £2 trillion in equity

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners in the UK have accumulated £2 trillion worth of equity in their homes in the last decade, according to one institution.

Money pledged for adaptation grants

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Elderly and disabled people are to be granted money in order for them to be able to live independently in their homes, it has emerged.

Merchant moves into UK's most expensive home

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Diamond merchant Lev Leviev has recently moved into a house worth over £30 million in north London, it has emerged.

Ukraine popular among investors

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Ukraine is an up and coming housing market, it has emerged.

Green measures 'will make a difference in future'

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The roll out of home information packs (Hips) brought with it a compulsory energy performance certificate that may serve to make a difference to future homebuying criteria, according to one institution.

Leicester to provide free insulation

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Leicester city council is set to provide free insulation for people who meet a certain criteria, it has emerged.

Interest rates not expected to change

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Interest rates may stay the same tomorrow after this month's decision from the Bank of England, according to several financial institutions.

Credit crunch 'not deterring home-buyers'

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People intending to buy a house are bringing their plans forward, it has been claimed.

Unrest 'should not deter investment abroad'

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Civil unrest abroad should not put people off investing in foreign property, according to Investors Provident.