UK Property News

Following the Government's acceptance of recommendations by the Office of Fair Trading, Halifax welcomes proposals for the statutory regulation of the sale and rentback industry by the Financial Services Authority (FSA).

The National Landlords Association (NLA), representing 20,000 landlords across the United Kingdom, is warning landlords about the huge repair bills they face if their tenants do not know what to do in a winter property emergency.

Following recent Government announcements to scrap planning permission for loft conversions, homeowners who are feeling the pinch of the credit crunch may now find it easier to improve rather than move, thereby adding value to their property in the process.

Quality can be described as a high degree of excellence and thanks to Miller Homes' award-winning site managers that is just what you can expect from your new home.

George Wimpey West London is packaging up an amazing display of deals to help customers save thousands of pounds if they reserve a brand new home during November. The leading housebuilder is offering a fantastic 4.99% mortgage rate fixed for two years, will double each purchaser's deposit of up to 5% of the price of their home and pay their stamp duty.

There were 279,281 empty private homes in England in April 2007, 9% lower than the 308,438 recorded in April 2003, according to the Halifax.

Barratt North Midlands changed the fortunes of a number of first time buyers across Nottingham, Derby and Mansfield last week after a hugely successful first time buyer's event resulted in over ten sales across three developments. Set up to explain the benefits of the First Time Buyers' Initiative (FTBI) run by national regeneration agency English Partnership's, the event was held across three developments in the region: Barratt's Park Mews development in Arnold, City Point in Derby and Friars Park in Edwinstowe.

The British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) has called on the Government to work closely with the insurance industry to protect households and businesses across the UK from flooding.

A survey of first time buyers has found that 70% are still saving for their first home, with over 88% believing the housing market will pick up again within the year, despite the current state of the market.

NHBC new house-building statistics show that the number of applications from house builders to start new homes in the UK fell by more than half during the third quarter of this year.

Members of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) reported that the housing market in September still provided challenging times for its members but that the re-emergence of first time buyers may be the first sign that the recent Government intervention is beginning to work.

Buying new not only means your home is considered more secure, but according to Bryant Homes, you can save around 25%* on your home insurance premiums as a result.

Commenting on the governments' announcement on the framework to protect homeowners, James Rowlands RICS policy officer said:

The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), the residential sales arm of the National Federation of Property Professionals (NFOPP), is pleased with the Government's announcement today which has unveiled new court protocols which will help make repossessions a last resort.

mydeposits.co.uk, a Government-approved tenancy deposit protection scheme, is concerned that the rising number of overseas students may not be aware of deposit protection rules.

With hikes in energy prices becoming an increasing concern, homeowners need to be more savvy than ever when it comes to energy saving in the home and cutting down on running costs. George Wimpey has teamed up with the Energy Saving Trust to offer homeowners tips when it comes to keeping their energy bills down.

With the UK experiencing a reported economic downturn in recent months and the difficulties involved with trying to secure a mortgage deterring hundreds of househunters from buying a brand new home, it's no wonder consumers are being cautious when looking for a new property.

Miller Homes East Midlands is hoping to take the fear out of buying a new home this Halloween, by inviting potential homebuyers to its spook-tacular late night open evening at Harrow Place, Knighton.

The National Landlords Association (NLA) and the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) which represent over 23,500 landlords and letting agent offices, have joined together to roundly condemn any practices which ridicule and humiliate tenants.

The National Landlords Association (NLA), the leading representative body for private-residential landlords, remains committed to further raising standards among landlords operating in the sale and rent back sector.

Andrea Rozario, Director General, SHIP (Safe Home Income Plans), comments on the OFT's report into the sale and rent back sector: "We are not surprised by the OFT's findings, and SHIP backs their call for regulation.

The sale and rent back sector needs statutory regulation with better protection for consumers, according to an OFT market study.

Nearly a quarter of rural dwellers believe that young people will not be able to afford to live in the countryside, according to a survey commissioned by rural insurer NFU Mutual.

Statistics released today conclusively show that Home Information Packs speed up the time between Connells being instructed to sell a property and exchange of contracts by an average of six days.

Donna Werbner, Property Expert at money website Fool.co.uk, says: