How likely are property tax reforms in the Autumn budget? September 3, 2025 Rumours have been swirling in Westminster about a variety of property tax changes Rachel Reeves might introduce in this Autumn’s budget – or further down the line – in an attempt to plug a £40bn gap in the nation’s finances while overhauling a complex system of levies and charges. The Treasury is reportedly looking into [...]
Why have house prices run out of steam this summer? September 1, 2025 The average price of a UK home dipped in August for the fourth time in six months, in a sign that the property market is under real pressure. The average price of a house in the UK fell to £271,079, down 0.1 per cent from the month before – a surprise to market watchers, who [...]
The worrying bond market trend no one is talking about September 1, 2025 Spiking interest rates on the UK government’s borrowing costs have set off a fresh wave of commentary on the health of Britain’s economy. Ali Lyon explores why it is only long-dated bonds where tremors have been most pronounced, and why the U has plenty of company. What will you be doing in 30 years’ time? [...]
House sales rise in summer, but will property tax rumours kill confidence? August 29, 2025 The UK housing market has proved remarkably resilient this year despite significant pressures, with sales on track to match 2022 highs. The number of UK residential transactions in July was 95,580, four per cent higher than July 2024 and one per cent higher than June 2025, according to the latest data from HMRC. The market [...]
Reeves to consider national insurance on landlords’ rental income August 28, 2025 Rachel Reeves is considering a tax increase for UK landlords in this year’s Autumn budget as she attempts to fill a £40bn hole in the public finances. The Chancellor is examining proposals for applying national insurance (NI) to rental income in the hope of raising £2bn. Officials are drawing up options for tax rises in [...]
The silent majority wants more homes August 27, 2025 It’s far too easy for a vocal minority who’ve already got their foot on the housing ladder to pull it up after themselves. A representative planning system will unlock the new homes we need, says Simon Clarke For decades, Britain’s planning system has been run by the same cast of characters: the colonel guarding his [...]
Reeves’ punitive property tax will hurt London the most August 19, 2025 Labour’s mulled property tax could stall the housing market - and it's Londoners who will suffer most, writes Steven Mulholland.
Rental crisis in London worsens: ‘Payments border on the obscene’ August 18, 2025 Rents in London are taking up a larger portion of tenants’ earnings again after three years of improvements. Private renters on a median household income in the capital paid 41.6 per cent of their earnings on rent last year, up from 38 per cent in 2023 and the highest figure since 2021. The cost of [...]
Persimmon: Profit jumps as construction activity rises August 13, 2025 Persimmon has reported a double-digit rise in operating profit on increased construction volumes, despite ongoing affordability pressures. The housebuilder told markets this morning that private completions rose seven per cent to 3,987 homes, while total completions rose four per cent to 4,605. It is on track for completions of 11,000-11,500 homes for the full year. [...]
Bank of England interest rate cut offers modest boost for UK SMEs August 11, 2025 The Bank of England’s recent decision to reduce its base interest rate from 4.25 per cent to four per cent marks the first time borrowing costs have fallen to this level since March 2023, offering a modest reprieve for UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) after two years of elevated rates. According to new analysis [...]