Interest rates aren’t as influential as you think February 28, 2024 Andy Haldane’s criticisms of the Bank of England’s persistence with higher rates are misguided. Just as near-zero rates following the financial crisis were hardly a stimulus to growth, the more recent actions of the MPC can’t be said to be ‘crushing the economy’, says Paul Ormerod Criticising the Bank of England has become fashionable in [...]
Why the ‘mood music’ surrounding the housing market outside London has changed February 27, 2024 An influx of new residents into Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, Edinburgh and Glasgow helped the housing market remain resilient during 2023, according to a new report.
Regulator finds ‘fundamental concerns’ in housebuilding market after year-long investigation February 26, 2024 The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published its final report on the housebuilding market in Great Britain today, and it makes for daming reading for the sector.
Mortgage rates are going back UP – but where will they end up? February 23, 2024 A number of mortgage lenders are raising their costs again in a move which will “bring further tears to the eyes of the general public”.
Who is buying London’s mansions? 60 per cent go to wealthy buyers from four countries February 23, 2024 The super-prime market in London is booming. More mansions in the capital are being sold, for higher prices, to an increasingly international base. In 2023, sales of super-luxury new-build London apartments rose by 137 per cent to an average of £4,306 per square foot, according to Beauchamp Estates. Supply of luxury houses has also been boosted by an influx [...]
UK consumer confidence falls in February as technical recession is a bummer for Brits February 23, 2024 UK consumer confidence fell two points in February as reports of a technical recession dampened hopes.
Property lender Together toasts £50m profits as hopeful house-buyers told to stay positive as rates fall February 22, 2024 High interest rates on mortgages helped property lender Together post profits of almost £50m during the final three months of 2023, according to new figures.
Lloyds, HSBC, Barclays and Natwest post record £44bn profits from global interest rate hikes February 22, 2024 The UK's biggest banks notched their highest combined annual profits ever last year as interest rate hikes around the world gave lenders gaping margins.
Morgan Sindall: Construction giant enjoys ‘record’ year, hopes for lower rates to boost industry February 22, 2024 The company reported £4.1bn in revenue for the full year up to 31 December 23, up from £3.6bn in the previous year.
First time buyers: Homes in London 26 per cent cheaper but affordability remains an issue February 22, 2024 First time buyers in London are spending 26 per cent below the UK market average, but the majority of buyers are struggling with affordability. According to a new report by Zoopla, the average cost of a first time property in London is £399k, which is around £140k cheaper than a typical home would cost in [...]