Author: Benjamin

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Angela Rayner Angela Rayner could have housing removed from her portfolio of issues she is responsible for, according to Sky News. On the latest episode of Politics at Sam and Anne’s, the duo discuss rumours that the deputy prime minister could have her role downgraded in an upcoming government reshuffle. It follows a report that suggested Rayner wants to tax savers, according to a secret memo leaked to The Telegraph. Sky News’ deputy political editor Sam Coates said he was “told by a very senior figure in Angela Rayner’s department”…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Concerns around the leasehold system, stamp duty, and the buying and selling process have risen fastest over the past decade, contributing to a worsening picture for homebuyers and aspiring first time buyers, according to a new report. The HomeOwners Alliance research, which has been tracking UK housing concerns for the past 10 years, issues that were significant in 2015 continue to plague the market in 2025. However, the analysis highlights a sharp increase in the proportion of UK adults rating specific issues as very or somewhat serious problems between 2015…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: There were more than 100,000 price reductions in April with a total of nearly 388,000 so far this year, data from analytics company TwentyEA has revealed. The numbers are the largest seen by the company with reductions currently tracking 20.6% higher than YoY. TwentyEA, part of the TwentyCi group, found that although the volume of price reductions has increased, this appears to be related to the increased volume of properties for sale. So far in 2025, 38.0% of concluded listings had at least one price reduction and in 2024, this…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Gail Roberts Gail Roberts, owner of Whitegates West Derby and Whitegates Huyton, has opened a third Whitegates office in Prescot, 24 years after becoming one of the brand’s first franchisees. Roberts has worked for Whitegates for 36 years, working her way up from office junior, and in 2001 when the West Derby office became available, she was one of the first senior managers to take on a franchise. Roberts commented: “In 2015 I acquired the Whitegates Huyton office, and used my industry experience in sales, lettings and financial services to develop both businesses until they both become market…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Little-known Gable Mortgages has become the second lender in a week to offer homebuyers an opportunity to borrow 100% of the property’s value. It follows April Mortgages’ launch of a similar 100% product last week. According to Gable’s website, its products are aimed at ‘generation rent’ who can manage to pay their rent – which may be higher than a mortgage on a similar property – but struggle to save a deposit. The lender has two products available -a standard mortgage, and one that is specific to new-build buyers acquiring…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: A former estate agent who worked in London is fighting to keep her properties in London, including a mansion in Regent’s Park, reported to be worth in the region of £19m, owing to unpaid mortgage debts. Deborah Fiorentino, 63, formerly of estate agency Spyer and Partners, is being sued by Banque Havilland, a Luxembourg private bank, over claims she owes more than £10m. After that marriage ended, she wed divorce solicitor Raymond Tooth, known as “Jaws”, who represented high-profile clients including Irina Abramovich in her divorce from Roman Abramovich and…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Moveli, the fast growing self-employed estate agency, has announced that it is now also listing property prices in Bitcoin (BTC) on its website, making it one of the first estate agencies in the United Kingdom to do so. This move allows potential buyers and crypto-enthusiasts alike to view the value of listed properties in BTC, reflecting real-time cryptocurrency exchange rates. While transactions will still be completed in GBP, this new feature offers an engaging and modern lens through which to view property values. “Whether you’re a BTC advocate or just…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: The Castledene Group in the North-East has announced that it has re-branded to Casa Group. With 11 branches stretching from North Yorkshire to Northumberland, the company, founded in 2008, is one of the largest estate agents in the region. Casa, meaning home in several languages, was chosen as the ideal name for the estate agency group, which continues to expand its services across the region, with dedicated teams across several locations specialising in residential sales, plus lettings and property management. Adele Wright, managing director of Casa Group, said:…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Ralph Sayer bolsters senior team with double hire Louise McLaren (left) and Kimberley Mackay Ralph Sayer, the Edinburgh-based solicitors and estate agents, has announced the appointment of two senior members of staff. Kimberley Mackay has joined as a partner to head up a new private client division of the business, while the team has been further bolstered with the arrival of Louise McLaren as legal director. Mackay began her career with Georgesons in Wick, Caithness and joins from Edinburgh legal firm Gillespie Macandrew where she was an associate, having previously…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Paul Smith Spicerhaart has signed some unusual recruits – 10 avatars which will be used to share the company’s property expertise and market insight. The company commissioned AI video technology leader Synthesia to put together a bespoke package including hyper-realistic avatars and advanced content generation tools. The avatars will front a range of video content, from insightful local market updates for customers, to comprehensive training modules for the Spicerhaart Academy Training Centre. The estate agency group, which recently unveiled its new video app, is using the avatars to free up…