Author: Benjamin

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Jon Hunt Jon Hunt, founder of Foxtons, has moved up the Rich List – The Sunday Times’s annual examination of the finances of Britain’s most affluent individuals and families. This year – the 37th edition – sees Hunt rank 114th richest person in the UK, up from 120 a year ago. Hunt, who sold Foxtons to City investment firm BC Partners for £375m in 2007, is now reputed to be worth just over £1.4bn. Hunt featured in the news recently after it emerged that his efforts to make major improvements to…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: There has been notable drop in the share of new homes sold off-plan, new figures show. Most regions have seen 10-20% falls in the share of new homes (flats and houses) sold off-plan since 2016, as investors continue to shy away from locking in purchases two or three years before they’re built due to the expectation that prices may not be higher by the time they’re complete. This is a reversal of 2016 trends, when investors were keen to lock in sales when prices were rising quickly. Hamptons’ annual off-plan…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Despite an improving interest rate outlook, asking prices this spring will need to reflect the wide choice on offer for buyers, according to Knight Frank. The estate agency nudged up its  2025 UK house price forecast to 3.5% from 2.5% last week, thanks in part to cheaper mortgage borrowing rates. Tom Bill, head of UK residential research at Knight Frank, said: “It was a marginal increase [in projected house price growth] considering how much the interest rate outlook has improved. Markets expect a bank rate of about 3.5% this time…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has warned that the government is failing to acknowledge the true state of the court system and its lack of readiness to handle possession cases following the end of Section 21 evictions. According to the latest data from the Ministry of Justice, the average time for landlords to regain possession of a property through the courts has increased yet again. In the first quarter of 2025, the average time between a landlord submitting a claim and regaining legitimate possession was over seven months (32.5…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: A new 100% loan-to-value (LTV) mortgage for buyers with no deposit has been launched.  The product, which is likely to prove highly popular with purchasers struggling to raise a significant deposit, has been launched by April Mortgages and is available on 10- and 15-year fixed terms.  Targeted at buyers with reliable incomes and good credit histories but no access to the widely used ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’, loans are available up to 4.49x income with no early repayment charges for moving and redeeming or redeeming from own funds.  Designed…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Knight Frank, which primarily focusses on the market in London here in the UK, has signed a new three-year deal with Zoopla. Knight Frank has a footprint in over 50 territories and 740 offices worldwide. In the UK, this translates to 62 residential offices in prime locations across England and Scotland. All of these offices will list their properties for rent and sale on Zoopla. Knight Frank, one of the founding members of OnTheMarket, set-up to challenge the likes of Zoopla, will continue to use the property website’s suite of products, including…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Hollywell Homes has opened a new branch in Worcester. The estate agency’s new office, located in St John’s, marks the company’s fourth anniversary. The new branch will offer the full range of the company’s services, including sales, lettings, land, and development. Adam Paske, founding director of the estate agent, said: “We’re thrilled to be opening in St John’s. “It’s a vibrant area with a strong sense of community, and we’re excited to bring our friendly, tailored approach to the local property market. “Our growth is a real testament to…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Fresh analysis shows an increasing number of people from the United States have been enquiring about homes for sale in the UK since the start of the year. The data, provided by Rightmove, shows that there has been an 19% hike in enquiries from the US to the UK compared to last year, and the highest number since 2017. The majority – 47% – of enquiries are looking at smaller 0-2 bedroom homes, suggesting investment or second home activity, rather than a permanent relocation. However, 32% are looking at more mass-market,…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Welcome to this week’s UK Property Market Stats Show of 2025, your go to weekly TV show on the UK Property Market. This week, I am joined by Simon Gates, as we delve into the key property market headlines for 18th week of 2025 ending on the 11th May 2025.     ✅ Listings (New Properties on the Market) 34.9k new listings this week (last week 42.6k) Last week was a Bank Holiday week – meaning many numbers are lower than normal. YTD 5% higher than Week 18 of 2024 YTD…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Bridget Chapman A petition calling for a cap on how much landlords can raise rent has reached more than 42,000 signatures in just one week. It was started by Bridget Chapman, of County Durham, with the support of campaign group Generation Rent, after her landlord increased her monthly rent by almost 20%, or £100. She said: “Right now, landlords can increase their tenants’ rent by whatever they want. Rents can, and do, suddenly go up. Sometimes by hundreds of pounds a month. Much faster than the cost of…