FCA investigates ‘crippling’ cladding insurance costs January 29, 2022 The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is launching an investigation into the ‘crippling’ insurance costs paid by residents with cladding issues. In letters sent today to chief executives of insurance firms, the City watchdog said it will be investigating whether “products provide fair value and premiums fairly and accurately reflect risk.” The FCA will look into [...]
Getting on the property ladder: Here are the most affordable places in Britain for first-time home buyers January 21, 2022 In London, Bromley is the most affordable borough for first-time buyers, while Kensington is unaffordable for those trying to get onto the property ladder. Nationwide, Scotland remains the cheapest place to snap up a property. First-time buyers face spending at least six times their annual wages to get on the property ladder in nearly half [...]
Action by competition watchdog frees leaseholders from costly contract terms December 22, 2021 Leaseholders of housebuilder Taylor Wimpey will no longer be subjected to ground rents that double every ten years after action by competition watchdog.
Housing department urged to draw up clear strategy on tackling rogue landlords December 10, 2021 The way private renting is regulated is not up to scratch as tenants struggle to push back against landlords when their homes are unsafe. The current system relies on tenants being able to enforce their own rights but there are various financial barriers making this hard, according to a new report. The National Audit Office [...]
‘I am truly sorry’: Michael Gove apologises for leaks over Grenfell demolition plans November 15, 2021 Michael Gove, the Housing Secretary, has made an apology for leaked reports about Grenfell Tower being prepared for demolition, and vowed that the tragedy-hit community will be consulted about building’s future. The Sunday Times in September reported that ministers were set to announce the razing of the charred tower, four years after a deadly blaze [...]
London named most energy efficient region November 10, 2021 London has the most energy efficient housing in England and Wales, according to the Office for National Statistics. Its newly published report assessed the energy efficiency of housing in England and Wales up until March 2021. The report collected energy efficiency scores from every home with an energy performance certificate (EPCs). It revealed the London [...]
No more new homes: housebuilding market will not recover before 2026 October 18, 2021 The UK housebuilding market will not recover until 2026, said property agent firm Savills. As reported by the Times, Savills has estimated that the volume of houses being built will not go back to pre-pandemic levels before five years and, even then, will still be 20 per cent less than the UK Government’s targets of [...]
Emergency share issue on the cards for Taylor Wimpey July 1, 2008 Confirmation from the UK’s largest housebuilder, Taylor Wimpey, that it is seeking to shore up its balance sheet will start a wave of refinancing across the sector, analysts warned yesterday. The housing company said it expects to write down the value of its land bank by around £660m, and revealed it was in talks with [...]
London’s hidden houses November 3, 2005 Author, photographer, broadcaster and campaigner Lucinda Lambton goes in search of the hidden country houses of Greater London and unearths some unexpected jewels that have somehow survived the rampages of modern development Barking and Dagenham, Carshalton, Bexley Heath and Ickenham: these are not usually names to conjure up visions of the great English country house. [...]