Bank of mum and dad now funding multiple steps up housing ladder December 17, 2025 The ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ are funding more than just first steps on the housing ladder, with financial gifts pivotal for second steppers too. Nearly 20 per cent of second-time buyers have received support to buy their property, according to new research from Barclays, rising to 30 per cent for first-time buyers. This amounts [...]
Housing market set for ‘return to normality’ after year of uncertainty December 16, 2025 UK house prices have dropped around £2,000 in the last year despite improved access to mortgages and lower interest rates. The average price of a home in the four weeks to 6 December was £358,138, which is 0.6 per cent ( £2,059) lower than the same period a year ago, according to Rightmove. Last year, meanwhile, house [...]
FCA to ‘rebalance’ risk in mortgage market in first time buyer boost December 15, 2025 The UK’s financial watchdog is planning a major overhaul of mortgage market rules in a bid to support more Brits getting on the housing ladder. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said it aims to “rebalance risk” in the market to encourage innovation and allow a greater number of people to get access to finance. “Rebalancing [...]
First time buyer borrowing jumps a third in 2025 December 13, 2025 Borrowing by first time buyers has increased by just under a third year on year as access to finance loosened and Brits rushed to get on the housing ladder. Mortgage lenders forwarded a record £82.8bn of mortgage debt to 390,000 first time buyers in the year to September 2025, according to analysis by Savills, a [...]
City of London confirms major funding for housing upgrades December 12, 2025 The City of London has confirmed funding for upgrades to its housing stock across the Square Mile and six London boroughs. The Corporation, which manages 1,800 social rented homes as well as 900 leasehold properties across London, has allocated £152m from the City’s Fund to support the major works programme, which totals £211m. The decision [...]
Overseas ownership of UK property nosedives December 11, 2025 The number of UK properties owned by overseas investors has fallen dramatically since 2015 as the impact of Brexit and increased regulation dampen appetite. While the value of property assets held by overseas companies is at an all-time high – jumping 40 per cent, or £38.5bn, in three years – the volume of purchases has [...]
Huge development in the West End gets green light December 10, 2025 A huge new commercial project to redevelop 33 Cavendish Square, just off Oxford Street in the West End, has been granted planning permission by Westminster City Council. The redevelopment is set to deliver 800,000 sq ft of much-needed, grade A office space to the West End. John Bushell, principal at architects KPF, said he was [...]
City of London considers outside investment for housing projects December 9, 2025 The City of London is considering bringing in outside investors to help fund housing projects in the Square Mile. A partnership would be the first time the Square Mile has brought in outside investment for housing in the Corporation’s nearly 1000-year history. The Corporation, which manages 1,800 social rented homes as well as 900 leasehold [...]
Visa shifts European HQ to Canary Wharf December 5, 2025 Payments juggernaut Visa is set to switch its European headquarters to Canary Wharf – hot on the heels of banking behemoth JP Morgan. The move from its current spot in Paddington comes amid a major resurgence in the London financial hub after a number of big firms snapped up offices in the district. Visa will [...]
Profit rockets at Lord Alan Sugar’s property empire December 4, 2025 Profit at Lord Alan Sugar’s property empire has rocketed after the sale of two investments despite a “difficult” London market. Amshold has reported a pre-tax profit of £14.1m for the 12 months to 30 June, 2025, new accounts filed with Companies House show. The new total comes after the firm turned a pre-tax profit of [...]