News

Commercial bridging finance has been around in the UK for decades, but how it’s used in 2026 looks very different to even five years ago. It’s no longer something borrowers turn to only when the banks have said no. For many business owners and property investors, bridging finance is now a planned, short-term tool – […]

In 2026, commercial finance is very different from what many UK businesses were used to just five years ago. Traditional bank lending is still important, but for many businesses, it is no longer the default or fastest way to get money. Tighter risk models, a sector-specific appetite, and slower underwriting mean that specialist and flexible […]

Going into 2026, the UK commercial property market is in a much calmer place than it was a few years ago. The big swings and uncertainty have eased, and the focus has shifted. Investors, lenders, and business owners aren’t chasing rapid growth anymore – they’re looking for deals that make sense, generate reliable income, and […]

By 2026, the UK commercial mortgage market has moved into a more disciplined and transparent phase. Lenders are still active, but the emphasis has shifted firmly towards quality, structure and evidence. For borrowers and investors, understanding what lenders look for, rather than what headlines suggest, is critical when approaching funding discussions with a commercial mortgage […]

Commercial mortgages are very different from residential mortgages. Commercial lenders take a closer look at risk as loan values tend to be higher. Repayment structures are often more flexible. Because of this, understanding your approximate monthly repayments early on is essential. A commercial mortgage calculator UK helps business owners, landlords, and property investors estimate monthly […]

You’ll hear homeowners talk about debt consolidation all the time – usually as a way to tidy up a few personal loans or credit cards. But for business owners and property investors, the idea means something completely different. In the world of UK commercial finance, consolidating debt isn’t really about “making life simpler.” It’s about […]

The commercial property market is heading into a very different landscape as 2026 approaches. Prices are shifting again, lenders are being far more selective and demand is changing across offices, retail units, and industrial spaces. All of this affects how easy it is to borrow – and what that borrowing will cost. Whether you’re thinking […]

The UK commercial property market is shifting fast, and investors are increasingly looking beyond the usual office and retail spaces. Demand is rising for “alternative” asset classes – things like data centres, self-storage facilities, cold-chain logistics, and modular warehouses. These sectors are booming because businesses are changing the way they operate: more tech, more e-commerce, […]

The Interests Coverage Ratios (ICRs) are currently one of the biggest problems for professional landlords in the UK buy-to-let mortgage market. Many property investors are finding that their portfolios don’t meet the rental coverage requirements on standard terms as lenders make it harder to qualify and rental policies’ stress tests get harder. However, tight ICRs […]

In the UK property market, bridging loans are the most popular short-term funding options. These fast loans give investors, developers, landlords, and homeowners who need money quickly, access to capital, flexible lending requirements and important help. But even with these benefits, reports from the industry say that one out of every seven bridging finance deals […]

The UK property market is seeing more and more serviced accommodation businesses pop up – from small hotels, short-stay lets to holiday lets. But securing finance for these properties isn’t simple. Unlike a regular buy-to-let, where the rent is steady each month, income for a serviced accommodation mortgage can swing throughout the year. Because of […]

Second charge mortgage lending gives property investors, developers, and business owners a practical way to tap into the equity in a property without disturbing their main mortgage. Instead of replacing the first charge loan, they can simply add a second charge loan to raise extra funds. People often use this option to help finance a […]

For some people who want to buy a home, bad credit may seem like an impossible barrier to getting a mortgage. The financial world is changing in 2026. More and more people are getting a mortgage with adverse credit if they can show they have a plan for getting back on track and are financially […]

In the UK property market, HMOs (houses in multiple occupation) are a popular choice for investment strategy. By renting out individual rooms to multiple tenants, instead of the traditional single let model, landlords make more money than regular buy-to-let properties. Also, HMO mortgage lenders have to be extra cautions when considering applications since there are […]

It used to be against the law to make buildings energy-efficient, but now property investors see it as a good investment. Landlords and property developers in the UK want to raise a property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. This will not only help the environment, but it will also help them secure better loan terms, […]

Since the UK economy is changing so rapidly, businesses need to make sure they have enough cash on hand at all times. Because prices are going up, interest rates are going up, and it’s harder to get credit, businesses need to keep their cash-flow healthy more than ever. More and more people are using sale-and-leaseback […]

The economy of the UK has changed a lot in the last few years. Some of these changes are due to the economy, while others are due to big policy changes made by the government. The Levelling-Up agenda is one of the most important changes. It is a national plan to make sure that all […]

For any HMO mortgage lender, one of the most important things to look at is the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR). Anyone looking for an HMO mortgage in the UK needs to know how lenders calculate the coverage, consider all costs, and put their forecast through a stress test. In some complicated HMO financing arrangements, […]

In 2025, experts will look at one of the most thorough and radical changes to the rules ever for the UK buy-to-let market. The Rental Reform Bill (also known as the Renters’ Rights Bill) will change the laws about renting, evicting people, and raising rents in important ways. This will affect how property investors decide […]

The market for British expat mortgages and expatriate mortgages in the UK has changed a lot over recent years. More British people living abroad want to buy commercial property back home because the economy is changing, there are new rules and investors’ priorities are changing. Lenders are also being more careful about risk, which has […]

In the UK, investing in property has always been a great way to build wealth over time. But recent changes to the rules and limits on lending have made things a little harder for landlords who are interested in HMOs or serviced accommodations. Here, we break down the main problems with getting an HMO mortgage […]

When buying or renting property in the UK, energy efficiency is now one of the most important things to think about. The government wants to make the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) standards stricter. As a result, commercial property owners and investors are thinking about how to pay for, refinance, and protect their assets in the […]

In today’s world, running a business means making smart choices about how to use money and other resources available at your disposal. Using equipment leasing is one of the smartest ways to make that happen. Companies don’t have to spend a lot of money all at once to buy new equipment, vehicles, or technology. Instead, […]

At some point, every business in the UK, no matter how big or small, will have to deal with the problem of cash-flow. When there are cash flow problems, unpaid bills, or the need for investments, funding must be found. Invoice financing and traditional business loans are two of the most common options. Both can […]

Developers and investors who want to build or redevelop property need property development finance. It helps pay for land, buildings, and other costs that go along with them. A lot of people want to make development plans, but it’s not always easy to get the money they need. When deciding whether or not to approve […]

Most businesses should refinance their business loans. It helps you get a new loan to pay off an old one, hopefully at a lower interest rate. But when is it a good idea? In this blog, we’ll talk about the best reasons to refinance and how to find out if it’s a good idea for […]

Many businesses in the UK see their net income go up and down with the seasons. For example, a retailer might depend on holiday sales, while a manufacturer might see demand go up and down. Because income is seasonal, it’s important to have good financial plans in place to keep the business running and help […]

When developing property in the UK, smart and timely refinancing is often the best way to make the most money. In this case, commercial development exit loans or “finish and exit finance” have become very important. Developers use these loans to free up equity, lower borrowing costs, and get ready for the next project cycle. […]

When structured correctly, owner-occupied commercial mortgages can have a big effect on a business’s financial health, especially if it is set up to be as tax-efficient as possible. Most business owners in the UK think about ways to lower their liability while growing their business and protecting their assets. This guide will clearly explain how […]

Commercial property developers need quick and flexible financing so they can take advantage of new opportunities or complete deals that need to be done quickly. Developers have traditionally had a hard time getting this kind of funding in the past. Over the years, fixed-term bridging loans have become a popular way to get money quickly […]

In 2025, timing is everything. When you bid on a commercial property at auction, buy machinery to grow your business or get short-term funding to keep things running, the freedom to act quickly can be the difference between taking advantage of an opportunity and missing out. Bridging finance has become an important way for businesses […]

Small and medium-sized businesses across the UK often need to invest in new equipment just to keep up. Whether you’re in manufacturing, transport, tech or something else entirely, the right tools can boost efficiency and unlock your company’s full potential. However, buying equipment outright is expensive, and for many businesses, simply not realistic. In today’s […]

Getting the funds you need or missing out on them can be the difference between business success and failure. It’s essential to find the right financial solution if you want to grow your business, buy new equipment or machinery or build some essential cash flow. This is when the services of a commercial finance broker […]

Short-term business asset finance in the UK typically includes funding products paid back over a 12-month time period. They may include business lines of credit, short-term loans, invoice financing, or merchant cash advances. Unlike long-term loans employed to fund equipment or real estate purchases, short-term finance is designed to pay for short-term operating requirements or […]

After years of hard work, retirement is a time to focus on peace, security and enjoying holidays. However, how would you feel if your pension could also provide you with an opportunity to generate additional income? Did you know that your pension can be a powerful resource for starting a business and generating income by […]

Today’s property market has become so competitive that as soon as a new property investment opportunity appears, it can slip out of your hands almost immediately. If you’ve experienced this on several occasions, you’ll know just how important it is to act quickly when you do get the chance to invest. In 2025, whether you’re […]

Maintaining an efficient flow of capital in business is quite challenging. If you are a mid-size manufacturer, the owner of a growing logistics firm, or an operator of multiple branches, you are probably aware of how difficult it is to keep operations running smoothly. And more than half of the difficulty comes from capital flow. […]

So, you researched the property, attended the auction and had the winning bid – congratulations, you’ve now secured your dream property! Now the biggest challenge is that you don’t have the funds to pay for it. At times like these, instead of having the property in your hands, you only get stress. Losing a good […]

Securing a mortgage for a multi-unit commercial property can be a complex process that requires careful planning. Buyers often need to meet specific criteria such as a sizeable deposit, good credit history, and clear business plans to qualify for funding. Lenders usually expect a minimum deposit of 25% of the property’s value when considering a […]

Many businesses and property investors face strict scrutiny when applying for commercial loans. Lenders want to know if the borrower can reliably pay back what they owe. The Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) is a key measure that shows if a business has enough income to cover its loan payments. Understanding DSCR helps both borrowers […]

When buying commercial property, understanding the difference between freehold and leasehold ownership is crucial for securing the right mortgage. Freehold ownership means you own both the building and the land outright, giving you complete control over the property without time limitations. Leasehold, however, grants you ownership of the property for a fixed period while the […]

Planning a business expansion or property purchase can feel like navigating a maze. The costs, interest rates and repayment terms often create confusion for business owners trying to make smart financial choices. A commercial loan calculator helps cut through this complexity by providing clear numbers. Using a commercial loan calculator allows you to see exactly […]

Commercial mortgage rates have shifted significantly in recent times, with current offerings from UK lenders ranging between 6.19% and 14% per annum. This wide range reflects the variety of options available to businesses seeking property financing in today’s market. Understanding these rates is crucial for making informed decisions about commercial property investments and securing the […]

Planning to buy a property for your business? A commercial mortgage calculator can help you make informed decisions about your financial commitments. This simple tool allows you to work out monthly payments, compare interest rates and see the overall cost of commercial mortgage finance. Commercial mortgage calculators enable businesses to calculate potential repayments for different […]

Purchasing commercial property can be a smart investment, but the way you structure your mortgage affects both your tax efficiency and long-term profits. Commercial investment mortgages offer various tax benefits that savvy investors can leverage to maximise returns. Property investors can significantly reduce their taxable income by properly structuring commercial mortgages, claiming interest payments as […]

Interest-only commercial mortgages offer property investors a unique financing option that many find attractive in today’s competitive real estate market. With these mortgages, borrowers pay only the interest portion of the loan during a specified period, resulting in lower monthly payments compared to traditional capital repayment mortgages. This financial arrangement can significantly improve cash flow, […]

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are a popular investment choice for landlords looking to maximise rental yields. These properties house three or more unrelated tenants who share facilities like kitchens and bathrooms, creating higher income potential compared to standard buy-to-let properties. When financing an HMO, landlords typically need a 15-25% deposit, and must navigate special […]

In today’s connected world, trade finance serves as a vital tool for businesses looking to grow beyond their borders. It helps companies manage the risks and costs of international trade, making global expansion more accessible. Trade finance helps businesses overcome financial barriers, providing them with the resources needed to engage in cross-border transactions and drive […]

Growing a business often requires new equipment, but buying everything outright can drain your startup capital. Equipment financing offers a smart alternative that helps companies get the tools they need without emptying their accounts. This approach allows businesses to spread costs over time while putting new equipment to work immediately. Equipment financing provides flexibility through […]

Growing a business often requires additional capital, and commercial loans offer a viable path to secure the necessary funds. These loans can provide the financial boost needed for expansion, equipment purchases, property acquisition, or managing cash flow during growth phases. Understanding how to navigate the commercial loan process is crucial for business owners looking to […]

Businesses often face challenges with debt management that can impact their bottom line. Refinancing commercial debt offers a strategic approach to restructure existing loans and potentially improve financial health. This process involves replacing current debt obligations with new ones that have more favourable terms. Refinancing can significantly reduce business costs through lower interest rates, extended […]

Commercial buy-to-let mortgages help property investors purchase buildings for business tenants to rent. These specialised loans work differently from residential buy-to-let mortgages and require careful consideration before making an investment decision. Commercial BTL mortgages need a deposit of at least 20-25% of the property value, with better interest rates available for larger deposits. Many landlords […]

When choosing a commercial property, one factor stands above all others: location. The right spot can transform an average building into a thriving business hub, while even the finest property might struggle in a poor location. A prime location near high population areas and strong economic centres raises property values by 20-30% compared to similar […]

Refinancing a commercial property can be a smart financial move for many business owners and investors. It involves taking out a new mortgage to replace the existing one, often with more favourable terms. This process can bring several benefits, such as lower interest rates, improved cash flow, or the ability to access equity for other […]

Commercial mortgage calculators help business owners estimate monthly payments for property loans. These tools let you input loan amounts, interest rates, and terms to see potential costs. By using a commercial mortgage calculator, you can make better decisions about financing a business property. Commercial mortgages differ from residential loans. They often have higher interest rates […]

Green mortgages are gaining popularity in the commercial real estate sector. These loans offer better terms to property owners who invest in energy-efficient buildings or make eco-friendly upgrades. Lenders now provide over 60 green mortgage products in the UK, up from just four in 2019. This surge reflects growing interest in sustainable finance and environmentally […]

Mezzanine financing bridges the gap between senior debt and equity in a company’s capital structure. It offers businesses a flexible way to raise funds for growth, acquisitions, or specific projects. Mezzanine financing combines elements of debt and equity, typically ranking below senior debt but above common equity in terms of repayment priority. This type of […]

Commercial property finance is a vital tool for investors and businesses looking to acquire or develop real estate assets. This type of funding allows buyers to purchase office buildings, retail spaces, warehouses, and other non-residential properties. Commercial property finance options include mortgages, bridging loans, and development finance, each tailored to specific needs and circumstances. The […]

Small business owners in the UK often seek financial support to start or grow their ventures. While the term “SBA loan” is commonly used in the United States, the UK has its own government-backed lending programmes for entrepreneurs. The closest equivalent to an SBA loan in the UK is the Start Up Loan scheme, which […]

Working capital loans are a vital financial tool for businesses of all sizes. These loans provide the necessary funds to cover everyday expenses and keep operations running smoothly. Working capital loans help companies bridge cash flow gaps, pay suppliers, meet payroll, and take advantage of growth opportunities. Many businesses face ups and downs in their […]

Owner-occupied commercial mortgages are loans designed for businesses looking to purchase property for their own use. These mortgages allow companies to buy premises where they can operate, rather than renting or leasing space from others. Lenders typically offer up to 75% of the property’s value, requiring a 25% deposit from the borrower. These loans differ […]

Getting a commercial mortgage can be a big step for your business. The process involves gathering important documents to show lenders you’re a good bet. These papers prove your financial health and business plans. To apply for a commercial mortgage, you’ll need to submit details about your business, financial records, and property information. This includes […]

Commercial mortgages play a vital role in helping business owners secure properties for their operations or investments. These loans work differently from residential mortgages and have unique requirements. A commercial mortgage is a secured loan that uses a property as collateral, typically requiring a 20-40% deposit and a solid business plan. Many business owners have […]

Business acquisition financing opens doors to new growth opportunities for companies looking to expand. This type of funding allows firms to purchase existing businesses, adding new products, markets, or capabilities. Acquisition financing can fuel rapid growth by letting companies tap into established customer bases and revenue streams. Buying another business can be a smart way […]

Interest rates play a crucial role in the world of commercial mortgages. They affect how much businesses pay to borrow money for buying or refinancing properties. When rates go up, loan payments increase. When rates drop, borrowing becomes cheaper. Changes in interest rates can have a big impact on the commercial property market. Higher rates […]

Getting a commercial mortgage can be tricky. Many business owners face challenges when applying. But with the right approach, you can boost your chances of success. To improve your commercial mortgage application, focus on key areas like your credit score, down payment, and business plan. A good credit score shows lenders you’re reliable. A larger […]

Many people believe false ideas about commercial mortgages. These myths can stop business owners from getting the funding they need. Let’s clear up some common misunderstandings. Commercial mortgages are not just for the rich. Anyone with a solid business plan can apply. Banks look at the business’s income and growth potential, not just the owner’s […]

Investing in commercial property can be a smart way to grow wealth and diversify a portfolio. The right mortgage is key to maximising returns on these investments. Commercial property investment mortgages are loans designed specifically for buying or refinancing properties meant to generate income. A commercial investment mortgage typically requires a larger deposit than a […]

Getting a commercial mortgage can seem complex, but it’s a vital step for many businesses and investors. The process involves several key stages, from initial application to final approval. Commercial mortgages differ from residential loans in their underwriting process and criteria. Lenders look closely at the property’s value and the borrower’s business financials. They often […]

Commercial mortgage brokers play a vital role in helping businesses secure financing for property purchases and development projects. These experts have deep knowledge of market trends and access to a wide network of lenders. By tapping into a broker’s connections, businesses can often find better deals and more favourable terms on commercial mortgages. A skilled […]

Bridging loans offer swift financial solutions for businesses facing time-sensitive opportunities or temporary cash flow challenges. These short-term loans provide a crucial lifeline for commercial ventures, enabling them to seize lucrative deals or navigate financial gaps with confidence. Bridging loans can be approved and funded much faster than traditional financing options, often within days rather […]

Asset-based lending provides businesses with a powerful tool for growth and expansion. This financing method allows companies to use their assets as collateral to secure loans. Unlike traditional loans, asset-based lending focuses on the value of a company’s assets rather than its credit history or cash flow. Asset-based lending enables businesses to unlock the value […]

Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business. Yet many companies struggle with unpaid invoices and slow-paying customers. Invoice financing offers a solution to this common problem. It allows businesses to access cash quickly by using their unpaid invoices as collateral. Invoice financing turns unpaid invoices into immediate funds, giving businesses a cash flow boost […]

The UK commercial mortgage market is experiencing significant shifts in 2024. Lending values have decreased compared to previous years, with gross mortgage advances falling to £51.6 billion in the latest quarter. This marks the lowest level since 2020 and represents a 12% drop from the same period last year. Despite this decline, new mortgage commitments […]

Commercial mortgages are specialised loans for purchasing or refinancing business properties. These loans differ from residential mortgages in key ways. Commercial mortgages typically cover up to 70% of a property’s value and can have terms lasting up to 25 years. This short video details all of the variables you need to consider when looking to […]

Expert Guidance for Property Investment Growing your business often requires significant capital, and a commercial mortgage can provide the funds needed for expansion. Many business owners find the process of securing such a mortgage complex and time-consuming. This is where a commercial mortgage broker steps in. Commercial mortgage brokers are experts in the lending industry. […]

This video explains the role of a Commercial Finance Broker in the UK, the type of clients they work with and also the types of funding they secure for their clients. As well as working with Homeowners, Property Investors and Developers to provide things such as Bridging Loans and Development Finance, a Commercial Finance Broker […]

Navigating the world of commercial property finance can be a complex and daunting task. As the demand for commercial real estate financing grows, so do the challenges that investors face in securing the necessary funds. Among the most pressing issues are difficulty in qualifying for loans, intricate application processes, and the ever-present need for thorough […]

A perfect storm of soaring demand and limited supply of homes has pushed rents to unprecedented levels, according to the latest Goodlord Rental Index. Contact us today to speak with a specialist Commercial Mortgages Broker to discuss how we can assist you. The average cost of renting a property in England surged by 7.5% year-on-year, shattering previous records […]

A Guide for Property Investors Commercial mortgages are specialised loans for purchasing or refinancing business properties. These loans differ from residential mortgages in key ways. Commercial mortgages typically cover up to 70% of a property’s value and can have terms lasting up to 25 years. Business owners and investors use commercial mortgages for various purposes. […]

The UK housing market is anticipated to experience a buoyant autumn, driven by a potential interest rate cut and enhanced political stability, experts suggest. Contact us today to speak with a specialist Commercial Mortgages Broker to discuss how we can assist you. Lower mortgage rates, resulting from a likely loosening of monetary policy by the Bank of England, […]

The housing market in England and Wales is showing signs of recovery, according to new data from e.surv. Contact us today to speak with a specialist Commercial Mortgages Broker to discuss how we can assist you. The average sale price of a home climbed nearly £1,500 (0.4%) to £360,175 in June, the strongest performance for almost a year. […]

Expert Tips and Strategies Securing the best rates on commercial mortgages in the UK requires a bit of research and preparation. Understanding current market conditions and knowing the factors that affect mortgage rates is crucial. By comparing offers from multiple lenders, ensuring a strong credit profile, and considering a substantial deposit, one can significantly improve […]

Boost Your Business Success For businesses looking to secure or refinance property in the UK, the benefits of using a commercial mortgage broker are numerous. These brokers have extensive knowledge of various loan types and lenders. A commercial mortgage broker will help you find the best product option tailored to your business needs and goals. […]

UK HOME prices rose for a second straight month in April, according to official data, suggesting the housing market is stabilising after a dip last year. Contact us today to speak with a specialist Commercial Mortgages Broker to discuss how we can assist you. The average price of a home rose to £281,000 (S$482,970), a 1.1 per cent […]

With the UK general election on the horizon, many are speculating about its potential effects on various sectors, with the property market being a significant area of interest. Historically, elections tend to bring a degree of uncertainty, and this one is no different. Contact us today to speak with a specialist Commercial Mortgages Broker to discuss how we […]

Navigating the UK commercial mortgage market can seem like a daunting task for first-time borrowers. Yet, understanding the key steps and requirements can simplify this process significantly. Securing a commercial mortgage involves knowing your financial standing, exploring available lenders, and being aware of the specific documentation required.

The first-time buyer market has proven resilient this year, despite historic headwinds, analysis from Yorkshire Building Society has revealed. Contact us today to speak with a specialist Commercial Mortgages Broker to discuss how we can assist you. In partnership with business consultancy CACI, the society’s research found that first-time buyers make up a higher proportion of the home […]

The year is 2024 and for UK homeowners, navigating the mortgage landscape can feel like a tightrope walk. Interest rates are fluctuating, fixed-rate deals remain competitive, but a potential glimmer of hope shines through: tracker mortgages. For the uninitiated, tracker mortgages mirror the Bank of England’s base rate, meaning your interest rate adjusts accordingly. So, […]

The UK’s housing market is increasing driven by older, affluent individuals already firmly entrenched in home ownership, in the latest sign that younger generations are being squeezed out. The cost-of-living crisis, skyrocketing interest rates and stubbornly high house prices have made it increasingly hard for younger generations to move up the housing ladder, research from […]

These are challenging times for businesses in Scotland. The effects of high inflation, supply chain disruption, and increasing energy prices are all leading SMEs to turn to more flexible forms of finance. Lenders can play their part and offer tailored solutions to support SMEs trying to thrive in difficult conditions. In response to this, Shawbrook […]

Introduction Commercial mortgages are powerful financial tools that provide businesses with the means to acquire or refinance properties used for commercial purposes. Understanding the concept of commercial mortgages, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, is crucial for entrepreneurs looking to invest in real estate or expand their existing operations. In this post, we will […]

The latest research by London lettings and estate agent, Benham and Reeves shows that the W1K postcode of Westminster sits top of the table as the nation’s priciest so far in 2023. Since the start of the year, the average home sold in the postcode has gone for a staggering £8m. Westminster also accounts for […]

With cash being crucial to business survival and growth, SMEs need to access cash through alternative funding solutions to continue to enable them to adapt, innovate and grow. Invoice finance is one of the most effective ways for businesses to improve cash flow and sustain growth in today’s uncertain climate. As SMEs face up to […]

James Quinn, founder of GB Home Surveys, looks at the measures the Bank of England has taken to tame inflation and its effect on the property market. It is undeniable that the last 12 months have been incredibly difficult for families and businesses across the UK. From soaring energy food prices brought by the ongoing […]

Carter Jonas predicts that 2023 will be an exceptional year for the prime central London (PCL) market following a recent spike in the number of cash buyers registering to purchase property in the heart of the capital. Most recently, the Marylebone and Mayfair office has seen all cash buyers, many of whom are dollar buyers […]

Whether you’re planning to expand your business with new premises or equipment or to invest in recruitment or marketing, you may be considering taking out a business loan. To help you decide whether a business loan is the right finance option for you, here we take a look at what they are, what you’ll need […]

Annual house price growth has slowed, and the latest monthly figures show a fall, according to Nationwide. It follows the Bank of England’s decision to increase interest rates to 3%, meaning higher mortgage costs for many. Further rate rises are expected. What is happening to house prices?In the last two years, prices rose steeply – […]

RICS report says rise in repossessions will add to supply while soaring interest rates price buyers out of market. Homeowners will struggle to make mortgage repayments and repossessions will rise next year as soaring interest rates and falling prices mark the end of the UK’s 13-year housing market boom, according to a sobering report from […]

As costs and inflation rise to record levels, small and medium-sized businesses across the UK are urgently calling for Britain’s new Prime Minister, Liz Truss, and her cabinet to provide them with more support. A poll of 250 British SME leaders reveals an incredible 92% think the Government must do more to support small and […]

The number of house sales in August was 7.6% higher than in the same month in 2021, HMRC has revealed. The data shows that house sales were also 1.7% higher than in July. The figures are provisional seasonally adjusted estimates of the UK’s residential transactions and in August there were 104,980 properties sold. However, HMRC […]

The number of sites being developed for new homes increased 15% in the second quarter of the year compared to the corresponding period in 2021, the latest data shows. Figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal a sharp rise in housebuilding starts in April to June of this year, with 51,730 homes under construction. […]

The BoE said CHAPS will be closed on 19th September, in line with its normal bank holiday arrangements. CHAPS handled around 174,000 payments each day, in the year to February 2021, with an average payment value of £2.1m. That works out at around £367bn each working day. Contact us today to speak with a specialist Commercial […]

Research by property purchasing specialist, HBB Solutions, reveals that properties which are slow to sell command an average price of up to -17% below England’s overall average house price with the biggest slow-seller markets found in London and the South East. Despite England’s housing market running red hot since 2020, some homes are still lingering […]

Mortgage borrowing rules have been eased after the Bank of England scrapped an affordability test. The “stress test” forced lenders to calculate whether potential borrowers would be able to cope if interest rates climbed by up to 3%. Removing the test may help some potential borrowers get loans, such as the self-employed or freelance workers. […]

The UK property market proved to be resilient during the global pandemic and the biggest impact that had been witnessed was a sudden drop in enquiries – during the initial lockdown. It appeared to affect a particular section of the housing market, with a decline in queries from international buyers (unwilling to travel internationally) and […]

Consumer confidence in the housing market shows little change despite the cost of living crisis, according to OnTheMarket. The property website reports that high levels of buyer and seller sentiment continued unabated in March, with the proportion of active purchasers and vendors confident that they can purchase or sell within three months unchanged from February. […]

Demand for secured lending for house purchases lifted in the first quarter of the year and is expected to jump over the next three months, according to a Bank of England report. Banks and building societies reported a net balance of 6 when asked how demand had changed, swinging from -34.8 in the final quarter […]

Demand will outstrip supply as house prices continue to rise, according to a local property expert. Keith Moseley, the owner of X-Press Legal Services Staffordshire and West Midlands, predicts another lively year in the sector. However, he says, it’s not all bad news, with these factors supporting a resilient market, complemented by the continuation of […]

Great news for our customers looking for a Shariah Compliant Mortgage! Effective today, we are pleased to be able to offer low deposit Shariah Compliant Mortgages. We are excited to be working with a Shariah Compliant Lender who have now launched a 95% Loan to Value (LTV) Home Purchase Plan products available to UK resident […]

Commercial property offers significantly higher yields than residential, though the latter is far more popular with investors, analysis by London lettings and estate agent Benham and Reeves has found. Across the UK commercial property investment offers average annual yields of 10.7%, compared to just 3.4% for residential. The best commercial property yields are found in […]

June 30th marks the end of the Stamp Duty Holiday at the current £500,000 threshold, with it set to stagger back to the normal rates before the final deadline at the end of September. But what will the end of the Stamp Duty Holiday mean for the property market, and when is the best time […]

Buy to Let – Since the onset of COVID-19, investors have turned away from many of the asset classes whose presumed security and capacity for long-term value creation were once thought unimpeachable. With international lockdowns accelerating existing trends towards flexible working practices and e-commerce, investors have seen billions wiped off the value of commercial property […]

House prices have seen record rises between March 2020 and 2021, according to new data from the Office for National Statistics. In spite of worries about the economy and the housing market since the onset of the global pandemic, property prices in Kent and the UK more broadly have remained strong. Overall, our county has […]

Paragon Bank has launched a range of buy-to-let mortgages with lower interest rates for energy efficient properties. The 80% LTV mortgages charge a market-leading 3.99% interest, fixed for five years, exclusively for rental properties which earn an energy performance certificate (EPC) of A to C. The loans can be used for the purchase and remortgages […]

CIA Landlord has revealed its annual ranking of the best UK cities to buy to let for 2021, with some areas proving to be more profitable than others. The analysis is based on the average property price, mortgage cost, average rent income, and the monthly costs of being a landlord to calculate the monthly profit. […]

London firm Urbanist Architecture has seen a 65% increase in enquiries for homes in the countryside since Q4 2019, research from architecture and planning firm Urbanist Architecture has found. With the UK population confined to their homes for the majority of 2020, lockdown has caused an increasing number of city dwellers to rethink their current […]

Homes in the West Midlands are going for as much as £30,000 more than their asking prices as the housing market in the region booms after the coronavirus lockdown. Nationally, the cost of a house in the UK rose by a little over £3,000 last month as the property market hit new highs – with […]

UK homeowners have typically spent just over £4,000 on renovating their properties since the lockdown began in March, the Renovation Nation Report from money.co.uk has revealed. Garden upgrades (34%) top a list for the most popular lockdown renovation projects, closely followed by the living room (23%), bedroom (22%) and kitchen (22%). Almost a quarter (24%) […]

Residential property transactions were up 16% on a monthly basis in May as the UK eased its way out of lockdown. HMRC figures revealed that there were 48,450 residential transactions during the month, but that is still 49.6% lower than in May 2019. Non -residential property transactions stood at 5,880, 42.2% lower than May 2019 […]

Sterling rose against the dollar on Monday, as plans to ease coronavirus lockdowns in the UK and signs the economy may bounce back due to pent-up demand kept the currency just below the $1.27 touched late last week. Analysts warned, however, that Brexit remains a risk for the pound – which has rallied for seven […]

Moneyfacts UK Mortgage Trends Treasury Report data, not yet published, reveals that there are glimmers of hope emerging for the Buy to Let mortgage market, following the significant initial impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. In welcome news to many landlords, the choice in products has increased, and some higher loan-to-value (LTV) average rates have reduced. […]

New research has identified Liverpool as one of the best places in the UK for buy-to-let investors, with yields as high as 10.30%. The findings are from analysis by Mojo Mortgages using the UK Land Registry, Zoopla, On The Market and property data portal, PropertyData.co.uk in a bid to find where the current investment hotspots […]

Shropshire Council has announced plans to to build 1,000 new houses, including 400 council homes, over the next five years. Following decisions made at a full council meeting in February, the authority’s housing company, Cornovii Developments Limited, will have access to a rolling loan facility of £35 million, on top of a £14m loan previously […]

Most sellers already on the market, and those with a sale already agreed, are continuing with their plans to move once it is deemed safe enough, Rightmove’s House Price Index has found. Despite the lockdown total stock for sale has only fallen by 2.6% since the lockdown. Rightmove said there weren’t enough properties coming to […]

Apache Capital Partners and Harrison Street, an alternative real asset investment firm, are to fund a landmark build-to-rent development in central Edinburgh that will be delivered and operated for the long term by Moda Living. The £215 million scheme, known as Springside, will include 476 new homes alongside 48 existing full-leased studio and one two-bedroom […]

NEARLY 250 new homes could be built to the south of the East Coast Mainline in Dunbar. A section of land at Hallhill North, to the west of the town’s Lochend campus of Dunbar Primary School, has been earmarked for development by Taylor Wimpey East Scotland and Hallhill Developments Ltd. The scheme, if approved, would […]

UK banks have now lent £453m through the government’s coronavirus business loans scheme as it picks up following an overhaul, although a large number of firms are still struggling to access the cash they need. The Treasury said today that more than 2,500 loans for business had been approved as of yesterday via the coronavirus […]

In the past decade Harlow in Essex has recorded the highest house price growth, CashLady analysis of Land Registry data has found. Over the period prices have risen by 74.92% in Harlow, followed by Southend-on-Sea (74.85%), Watford (74.75%), Thurrock (73.20%) and Cambridge (73.03%). In December 2019 prices in Harlow averaged at £290,068, up from £165,829 […]

Nationwide has extended its repayment holidays to cover buy-to-let mortgages. The Housing Secretary and Prime Minister have both outlined plans to protect landlords and tenants against the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Henry Jordan, Nationwide’s director of mortgages, said: “As the UK’s second largest buy-to-let mortgage provider we feel it is important to extend protection […]

Despite the flood risk and problems across the UK now and over the last decade, it seems to not have affected property price growth in flood risk areas. Research by GetAgent, using house price data for the areas marked as the most at risk in England by the Environment Agency, shows that in the last […]

One in four properties are listed as an Airbnb in some parts of the country, amid concerns the short-term lets are deepening the UK’s housing crisis. In Edinburgh Old Town there were 29 active listings for every 100 properties, while in the north-west Skye, there were 25 listings for every 100 properties. The analysis by […]

Commercial Finance Network, a leading whole of market commercial finance broker with UK-wide presence, is moving its operations to a new office location that’s better suited to accommodate the firm’s rapid growth. Our latest office move, from White Hart Street in the High Wycombe Town Centre, to Basepoint in the Cressex Business Park; comes on […]

Balance Sheet Lending: How Do These Loans Work? Understanding what balance sheet lending is and the benefits it offers small business owners and entrepreneurs will help determine if a balance sheet loan is right for you. Here’s an in-depth look at how it works and how it compares to other funding solutions. Are you considering […]

Despite some dovish-sounding language from Bank of England officials over recent days, we think it’s still too early to be pencilling in rate cuts. We take a look at what all of this means for the pound and UK rates. Don’t over-interpret Governor Carney’s comments Amid a temporary lull in Brexit turbulence, the Bank of […]

Property predictions for 2020 are in with a key focus on house prices, first-time buyers and Brexit. Combining data from last year, the property experts at Good Move have predicted what we are likely to see take place this year based on a number of factors. Whether you’re planning on buying your first home or […]

A SPRINT finish final quarter saw commercial property investment volume in Northern Ireland complete at £215.1 million last year – 19 per cent above 2018 though 4 per cent below the ten-year average, according to new research from Lambert Smith Hampton. Its Investment Transactions bulletin showed that despite an outstanding final quarter with volume of […]

The price of a home in the UK has more than trebled since the turn of the century, new research has revealed. The average UK price in 1999 was £91,199 and has now risen to £279,997, representing an increase of over 200 per cent. In Scotland, prices have risen by 173 per cent, from £68,959 […]

Working with a commercial finance broker has many benefits other than the ones that are obvious. Here’s why and how it can save you a great deal of time, money and hassle. The commercial finance sector has long been a mystery to most businesses that have wanted to borrow money from time to time. The […]

Building the homes and infrastructure this country needs has to be a key priority for the new government to help drive the economy forward. This is the view of Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders, but is a sentiment echoed by many. Berry commented: “The government needs to back the nation’s […]

As we await the result of the ­pre-Christmas general election and what changes this may or may not bring to the position of Scotland in the UK and Europe, it feels like something of a renaissance is afoot. Although the overall level of confidence in the economy remains fragile, the news is not all doom […]

A decision on whether 400 homes could be built on land near to Nuneaton’s largest tip will be made in the New Year. New plans have been submitted to Nuneaton and Bedworth Council to build a mini housing estate on land off Tuttle Hill. A target decision date of February 14, 2020 has been set […]

Commercial Finance Network, a leading whole-of-market Commercial Finance Broker, has recently been granted full membership to the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB). The NACFB is counted as the most prestigious and renowned commercial finance association in the UK. This membership comes as a recognition of the transparent and responsible broking and lending practices […]

The U.K real estate could rebound over the next half a decade According to Savills, the average UK property prices are expected to jump by 15.3% Savills warns that the growth will be slower due to higher taxes and rising interest rates The UK real estate could be headed for a major bounce back in […]

Landlords are fearful the buy-to-let sector will be used as a political football in the upcoming election, with politicians competing with pledges that could “end the market”. A number of mortgage brokers said they have been contacted by their landlord clients with concerns about a Labour majority government and its potential ‘right to buy’ scheme. […]

Running a business, of any size and nature, eventually boils down to how well you can handle the numbers. There are, of course, the important calculations about growth and reinvestment, but, as far as the day to day operations are concerned, it’s all about managing the cashflow. Larger businesses have it slightly easier in this […]

Buyers spent a total of £2.06 billion on super prime properties in London in the year to May 2019. This was marginally higher than a figure of £2.05 billion in the previous 12 months, according to super prime sales market insight report for Winter 2019 from international real estate firm Knight Frank. The market for […]

Many landlords are employed in business or professions; private renting is an additional income, perhaps to provide an income in older age, so I am fully aware that many have successful additional careers. But if the main income source was from a business they were running themselves, would they survive if they used the same […]

London continued to attract more foreign direct investment than any other UK city last year, prompting calls for a wider distribution of funds across the country. The capital attracted 73 per cent of the total 624 projects secured in 2018, according to research by EY and the Centre for Towns. The level of investment into […]

Prospective buyers have been deterred from purchasing new-build homes in the UK because they are “unattractive” and “devoid of character”. Roughly half of homebuyers and property investors believe new-builds are usually unattractive, while 63 per cent consider them to lack distinctive features, according to a new survey. Two-thirds of potential buyers criticised the style of […]

London home buyers are willing to pay almost 10 per cent more on a house in order to live closer to a station, according to Nationwide. The building society found Londoners are willing to pay a whopping 9.4 per cent premium for a house located 500 metres away from a station. That amounts to approximately […]

Warmer, cheaper, more affordable homes is something we all want, and this could be a reality as Eildon Housing look at future house building and its impact on the environment. They are investing millions of pounds as part of their strategy to make sure everyone has access to somewhere they can call home. The need […]

Liverpool has seen the highest drop in house price value since 2008 in England and Wales, according to the latest research by GetAgent. GetAgent investigated Middle Layer Super Output Areas (MSOAs) and compared the average house price change for these areas since the financial crisis. Using MSOA area codes, the research revealed that the 023 […]

Older people are staying in their homes longer and locking younger buyers out of family properties or homeownership all together. Economic uncertainty has depressed buying and selling activity among existing homeowners, Nationwide Building Society said, and potential first time buyers are feeling the consequences. The mortgage lender said homeowners aged 55 to 64 have been […]

It’s bad enough to have bad credit – don’t make it worse. Take the right steps today and boost your chances of getting approved for an adverse credit mortgage from our panel of specialist lenders. Managing your expenses is an art. It’s never too easy to keep doing all the right things when it comes […]

If you run an SME, you probably are familiar with these all too well. But it’s easier to overcome these finance hurdles than you think! First of all, let us begin by admitting and acknowledging the harsh reality. The UK economy has been through a constant grind of speculation, debate and uncertainty over the past […]

UK interest rates: key figures Date set Rate Current bas rate 2 May 2019 0.75% Highest base rate 15 November 1979 17% Lowest base rate 4 August 2016 0.25% Who sets UK interest rates? The UK interest rates are set by Bank of England’s (BoE) monetary policy committee (MPC) by means of a vote. Mark Carney is the governor […]

Finding the right sort of property to rent can be a bewlidering time for many when faced with the choice of buy-to-let or build-to-rent or some other jargon-filled combination. However new research suggests the build-to-rent market will emerge victor and soon account for a third of the private rental market. But many believe the government’s […]

On 4th June 2019 the Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”) published final rules for peer-to-peer (or P2P) lending platforms. The new rules are the result of the FCA’s consultation that launched in July 2018, with the FCA stating that the new rules are designed to help better protect investors and allow firms and fundraisers to operate […]

Land could come under ‘common ownership’, inheritance tax could be abolished and the buy-to-let market could be tightened under housing proposals floated by the Labour party yesterday (June 3). In a paper entitled Land for the Many, written by a group of academics, economists and land experts for the Labour leadership, and published by the Labour […]

A public consultation on plans to limit the number of shared houses across Brighton and Hove starts on Monday (3 June). Brighton and Hove City Council is looking at whether to require owners of even smaller shared houses to have to seek planning permission. At the moment, they can rely on “premitted development rights” to […]

Recent research has shown that buy to let investors can improve their rental yields by ensuring that WIFI connectivity in the property is good. The research from real estate connectivity certifications provider WiredScore and the HomeOwners Alliance has found that two-thirds of residential developers can rent properties with good connectivity services at a higher price […]

Tunbridge Wells town would be better protected from large scale new house building if the council proposal goes ahead to put 6,800 homes at Tudeley and Paddock Wood. The controversial proposal for the tiny village in the heart of the countryside and the small town were officially unveiled this week to parish councils. Residents were […]

A PLAN to convert a city bed and breakfast into a 13-bed house of multiple occupation (HMO) looks set to be approved. The application would see Wyatt Guest House in Barbourne Road transformed into the apartments with a number of shared facilities. The guest house, which sits in the Shrubbery Avenue conservation area and is […]

Neighbours objected and the council said no – but seven more Brighton properties can be used as shared houses after planning permission was granted on appeal. All seven are in wards where Brighton and Hove City Council restricts the conversion of family homes into houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). And all seven are in wards […]

A rogue landlord has been fined over £7,000 after Luton Borough Council uncovered an illegal house of multiple occupation (HMO) in the town centre On Wednesday, March 20, Prestige Luton Ltd, of Britannia House, Leagrave Road, pleaded guilty at Luton Magistrates Court to charges of managing an HMO at 135 Wellington Street and breaching regulations […]

A social housing provider has unveiled plans for new developments in Wrexham County Borough. Clwyd Alyn says it is set to create 380 affordable, sustainable homes for local people across the region costing around £63 million. The developments have been financed with £37 million of Welsh Government funding secured in partnership with local authorities, together […]

Customer expectations are rapidly changing and a new wave of start-ups are transforming financial services around the world. Is the UK mortgage market in danger of falling behind? And what can the UK mortgage sector learn from those at the cutting-edge, and what technologies could it realistically adopt over the next few years? Dock9 recently […]

Brexit is the great big British nightmare of the past two years that we can’t seem to be able to wake up from. The ongoing nightmare has been an endless question mark for the entire world. What is more terrifying is that fact that even in the end game of Brexit, when we are still […]

A Community Benefit Society working to end the housing crisis by providing affordable and emergency housing to people who need it most is launching the second round of its secure property-based financing arrangement. Providing an “ethical alternative to buy-to-let”, Reap from Equfund sees ethically minded investors lend their money to provide decent, safe, and affordable housing for people at […]

Tomorrow marks the 10-year anniversary of the Bank of England cutting interest rates to 0.5%. And during that time, savers have collectively missed out on at least £188bn – the equivalent of £7,101 per household, according to investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown. Sarah Coles, personal finance analyst at the firm, said: “We’ve lived through a miserable decade for savers. The Bank […]

More than two in three (68%) small business owners have put plans in place to grow their business over the next three months, and even 59% those that fear they will struggle to survive in an uncertain year are working on positive plans to turn their business around, according to new research from Hitachi Capital […]

The number of first-time buyers reached a new high last year – with the catalyst being Help to Buy, the scheme that helps purchasers of new-build homes only. According to trade body UK Finance, there were 370,000 new first-time buyer mortgages completed last year, some 1.9% higher than in 2017. This is the highest number […]

Modular has long been hailed as a solution to a housing crisis that has left workers in England and Wales needing to fork out eight times their annual income to buy a house, according to ONS data published in 2018. The homes are quick to assemble and are cost-efficient, they are built to last and they […]

Britain is heading for the worst house building decade since World War Two. Despite Government efforts to boost house building, completions in England between 2010 and 2019 are set to average out at around 130,000 per year. This is well short of the 147,000 achieved in the 2000s or the 150,000 of the 1990s, and […]

There were less buy to let investors registering to buy property in 2018 according to new data released by estate agent Haart. The number of landlords registering to buy property with the agent fell by 36 per cent year-on-year in November when compared to November 2017. London recorded the biggest fall in property investors registering, […]

Growing concerns about the number of homeless people in Coventry are being tackled in a new five-year plan developed by the city council. From 2013/14 to 2017/18 just over 5,000 approached the council because they were homeless or threatened with homelessness. The main reasons for homelessness included a family relationship breakdown (29 per cent), end of […]

Social housing is low cost rented housing and low cost home ownership for people who may not be able to access the private market. It includes council housing and homes provided by housing associations. In this piece we’ll be focusing on rented accommodation available in the social housing sector. Housing is a devolved issue so the […]

Government plans to protect tenants from poor living conditions through the expansion of mandatory HMO licensing look set to fall way short of their ambition. Figures obtained by Simple Landlords Insurance reveal the majority of local authorities don’t know how many unlicensed HMOs are in their area – let alone where they are – leaving them […]

Nottingham postcode NG1 is offering the highest rental yields in England, report from credit eligibility and comparison firm TotallyMoney has found. Nottingham properties provide a yield of 11.99%, with an average asking price of £152,631 and monthly rental value of £1,525. Other postcodes with strong yields include L7 in Liverpool (9.79%), TS1 in Cleveland (9.45%) […]

Every investor wants to be sure they’re making the right decision with their next investment, and location plays a big part in the success of any property venture. Certain areas of the UK are more prosperous than others when it comes to the housing market, with more opportunities and potential found up North compared to […]

Millennial couples are delaying having children and “putting their lives on hold” because of the sky-high cost of housing, “shocking” figures show. Young couples are two times more likely than 35-54-year-olds to delay having children in a bid to get onto the property ladder, according to numbers crunched by mortgage broker Trussle. The analysis also […]

Lending to British consumers slowed again last month to its weakest rate in more than three years, but there was a pick-up in the housing market with a jump in mortgage approvals, Bank of England data showed on Thursday. The BoE figures showed the annual growth rate in unsecured consumer lending fell to 7.5 percent […]

One in ten rental properties being advertised on Zoopla explicitly exclude anyone who is claiming benefits, research claims. Analysis by the National Housing Federation (NHF) of 85,912 properties listed for rent across England on Zoopla this year found 8,710 that openly said “No DSS” or similar. Separately, Shelter has conducted a mystery shopping exercise on […]

The trade body for the mortgage sector has warned that buy-to-let purchase lending is set to come in at below its forecasts for 2018. UK Finance had predicted £12bn of buy-to-let lending for house purchase this year, but Jackie Bennett, director of mortgages, has warned this is heading for around £9bn. Speaking at UK Finance’s […]

Commercial mortgages are the mortgages that are acquired on different commercial properties. These properties can include shops, office buildings, industrial buildings, factories, apartment complexes, and other such buildings. Simply put it is the loan that you secure on a property that you own but it is not your residence and is being used for some […]

There are many benefits to being a young adult – better health, more freedom, and almost-endless career options. But being able to purchase your own home and moving out from under your parent’s wings is becoming increasingly difficult for many. Over the last two decades, UK home ownership figures have revealed that approximately 40% of young […]

Winning a government grant can be a real boon for SMEs looking for funding, technology or expertise. In this post, we will discuss everything an SME needs to know about such grants. Running a successful business is all about pre-empting, overcoming – and, at times – walking around hurdles. These hurdles come in every shape […]

Financing a start-up can be challenging. In this post, we explore the various ways – from start-up loans to crowdfunding – in which you can go about overcoming this challenge. The world has seen unprecedented innovation in the last 30 years. By many estimates, these years account for more path-breaking, paradigm-shift-inducing inventions, innovations and ideas […]

Southend tops the buy to let property investment market for rental yields according to recent research. New analysis from Private Finance reveals Southend-on-Sea is the UK’s number one buy to let hotspot for investment, offering average rental yields of 6.6 per cent once mortgage costs are taken into account. The analysis – which calculates rental […]

The Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation Order 2018 came into effect on 1 October, changing which residential properties will be categorised as houses in multiple occupation (HMO) for mandatory licensing purposes. From now on, properties occupied by five or more people, forming two or more separate households, will be classified as HMOs. The Residential Landlords Association […]

Almost one in five houses bought last year in Herefordshire were purchased as second homes or properties to rent out, figures show. According to HMRC data, second home buyers – including property investors and landlords buying houses to rent out – were undeterred by new taxes on extra properties. A second home is defined by […]

The British Property Federation (BPF) has launched a Technology and Innovation programme for the UK commercial property sector – to support the sector in its digital transformation – following the Government’s challenge to all sectors of the economy to improve productivity and deliver growth. The programme is launched with the publication of a new report […]

EA reports on key takeaways from our inaugural Building Sustainable Towns & Cities conference, with the housing crisis arguably the biggest conundrum facing UK government aside from Brexit. With the battle to deliver the government’s ambitious housing target of 300,000 new homes per year – and with consideration of environmental impacts, climate resilience and net gains […]

In partnership with Barclays Bank, the UK government has announced a ten-figure loan to help support small and medium-sized property developers to build close to the 300,000 new homes per year targets suggest the UK needs. Summary: UK government and Barclays Bank have announced a new £1 billion loan to support British property developers in […]

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued an extremely concerning report on the worldwide housing market. The IMF believes that house prices in some of the world’s largest economies could be overvalued by an average of 12%. When you consider the average price of a UK property this equates to a potential “overvaluation” of almost […]

Nationwide this morning reported the biggest monthly drop in house prices since July 2012. The lender said that the average house price is currently standing at £214,745 this month, down 0.5%  from £217,010 in July. The fall brought annual house price inflation down to 2%, and Nationwide said it expects house prices to finish this […]

As it stands 69% of the UK’s housing equity is owned by over-55 year olds, The Intermediary Mortgage Lenders report, ‘developments in later life lending to an ageing population’, has found. The number of over-65 homeowners has risen 52% in the last 20 years while the over-65 population in general has risen just 28%, with […]

Winchester is home to the most vulnerable rental market as tax changes magnify the threats to landlords, Gatehouse Bank has found. Tax changes including the second home surcharge and tapering of mortgage interest relief have constrained the buy-to-let market in recent years, resulting in an environment where yield alone can no longer be the primary […]

Mortgage lending mainly revolves around the risk associated with the borrower but what about the property – not just the bricks and mortar but the land it is built on and the air the occupants breathe? Should lenders be paying more attention to environmental risk? Robin Wells, head of sales & marketing at Future Climate […]

The column inches written about the dysfunctional British housing market are legion. Too few homes, at too high a price, built for too few people. Two years ago, the Farmer Report commissioned by the Government concluded that the British construction industry, using a medical analogy, was a dying patient. Fast forward to today, it still lies on its […]

Britain is moving towards a “German housing model” with a greater percentage of the population renting, a study has claimed – with two thirds of renters saying they have no intention of purchasing a property. The report found that people increasingly said they did not want to be tied down to living in a specific […]

Controversial plans to build up to 72 new houses in the historic Yorkshire village of Spofforth have been deferred despite Harrogate Borough Council planning officers recommending approval. In edgy and hearfelt exchanges at a planning committee meeting (June 12), the 11-strong committee persistently resisted pressure from planning officers who claimed there was no good reason […]

Homelessness in Britain could be eradicated within 10 years with the correct measures in place, according to a report. Government policies needed to end homelessness have been set out in a report by charity Crisis called Everybody In: How To End Homelessness In Great Britain. The plan has been endorsed by experts in the US, Canada and Finland, […]

UK house prices are 106 times higher than they were when England won the World Cup in 1966, according to research from online mortgage broker Trussle. Average house prices have gone up from £2,006 to £211,000, the company found, while wages have risen at around a third of the rate, moving from £798 to £26,500. […]

A record number of landlords are now exiting the market, letting agents say. The ARLA Propertymark Private Rented Sector Report shows that the number of landlords exiting the market rose to five per branch in April, up from four in March, the highest since the data started being recorded in 2015. The figure had risen for […]

Investing in real estate within the UK has long been a favourite of both British and international investors. The moderate political climate and general stability that the UK sees has given rise to a traditionally safe and secure property market in which to place your money. While the market can naturally go up and down, […]

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has released figures that show where homes are being built including those on flood risk zones and potentially contaminated land. Its figures for 2016-17 show that more homes were built on flood risk areas and the green belt. More than one in ten (11%) of new […]

Altering a commercial property – such as a former office, a shop with flat above, a pub or even an old library – into a residential property, may sound ambitious, especially if you’ve never done it before. But this has proved a popular property investment strategy for many savvy investors for some time now. In […]

WORK has commenced on a major development of a nine-storey grade A office building which it is claimed will transform the centre of Belfast’s business district. The £70 million Merchant Square development on Wellington Place, due to complete by the autumn of next year, will create 227,000 sq ft of retail and office space and […]

London boroughs were among the worst performing areas for rental growth last year, with Kensington and Chelsea taking the wooden spoon. According to research from buy-to-let mortgage lender Landbay, six of the bottom ten ‘rental fallers’ over the past year were all in London, including Kensington and Chelsea , Kingston upon Thames, Hammersmith and Fulham, […]

LAND has been designated for nearly 100 properties in Largs Glen near Noddleburn Meadow – despite flooding concerns raised by two councillors. The council has earmarked space for 95 houses at the furthest end of Largs Glen beyond the as-yet unbuilt, Phase II at Noddsdale Meadow. Local elected members are divided on the issue, with SNP councillor Alan Hillopposing the […]

Since the Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme was launched on 1 April 2013, a total of 158,883 properties have been bought with an equity loan up to the end of 2017. The latest government figures show that the total value of these loans was £8.27 billion, with the value of the properties sold under […]

London is the worst place in the UK to buy a home for first-time buyers, according to price comparison website Money Super Market’s First Time Buyer Index. The inaugural survey analysed 35 UK cities against key criteria for first-time buyers, including the cost of a one-bedroom property, crime statistics, job opportunities and average salary in […]

Crowdfunding was previously only an approach for start-ups to get up on their feet, but the method is now showing potential for established companies to shift their strategy and encourage positive and profitable change. Lauren Razavi analyses the potential of crowdfunding as both a disruptive threat and an opportunity for established companies. Crowdfunding has been […]

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has released a short analysis illustrating the individual relationships between some important housing market pressures and house prices. The report is not intended to be exhaustive and has limitations, but uses relationships estimated from the affordability model in the 2007 and 2008 reports by the National Housing […]

The number of UK buy-to-let investors in the market reached 2.5 million in the latest tax year, an increase of 5% year-on-year, research by London estate agent ludlowthompson has found. The number of investors in the market increased by 27% in the past five years, up from 1.97 million in 2011. Stephen Ludlow, chairman at […]

Official figures show that hundreds of houses and flats on the Isle of Wight have been standing empty for at least half a year. The charity, Empty Homes Agency, said it was concerned official statistics might underestimate the scale of the problem. Hundreds of houses and flats on the Isle of Wight have been standing […]

The South East Home Truths 2017-18 report by the National Housing Federation estimates that the average home now costs almost £395,000 in the Brighton and Hove City Council area. This is 14 times the typical local salary, the report said, making home ownership impossible for many. The report also said • The cost of renting privately […]

The size of the social housing sector has been decreasing over time. The proportion of the population living in social housing in Great Britain halved between the early 1980s and early 2010s, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies. The IFS puts this down to two key developments: the introduction of Right to Buy in 1980, which […]

The average first-time buyer is now seven years older than in 1960 and needs to save around £20,000 to be able to buy a home, a study has found. Researchers who polled 2,000 adults found a huge difference in the profile of someone buying their first home through the generations. Today, first-time buyers will be […]

Glasgow can boast the most buoyant housing market in Scotland and some of the quickest sales turnaround times in the UK, according to property experts. The healthy state of the market has been put down to a series of property hot-spots and the continued “gentrification” of the east end of the city. Glasgow is said […]

Residents in a Chelmsford village have criticised property developers after they relaunched an application to build more than 100 homes and expand a primary school. Bellway Homes has submitted new plans to build on a greenbelt site at the bottom of Aragon Road in Great Leighs. The application also outlines proposals to expand Great Leighs Primary School […]

The number of houses in Scotland worth at least £1 million is increasing nearly twice as fast as the UK average, according to new research which shows thousands more Scots have become so-called ‘property millionaires’ over the past 18 months. There are now more than 11,000 homes across the nation valued at least £1m, an […]

Complaints from residents living the Dales area of Liverpool have “reduced significantly” following the introduction of a ban on ‘To Let’ signs according to a new report. Liverpool City Council first introduced a ban on visible advertising for rental properties in 2015 amid worries the boards were having a negative impact on the sustainability of […]

Plans to start building 500 new homes at Connaught Barracks in Dover have been boosted, with work expected to begin this year. Connaught Barracks is a former Ministry of Defence site of 55 hectares acquired by the Homes and Community Agency, now known as Homes England, in 2008. With a Land Trust owned Napoleonic fort Fort Burgoyne at its […]

Plans to build 71 new flats with just 19 parking spaces in the centre of Tonbridge have been unveiled. F Estates, which specialises in affordable rented property development, wants to extend the existing block at The Bank House on Medway Wharf Road. But some residents have come out against the plans saying the “overcrowding” would […]

A decision on plans to build 600 homes in Shrewsbury has been put off for a second time over issues with access. Members of Shropshire Council’s central planning committee deferred the plans from Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon Homes to build the development at Weir Hill, at a meeting yesterday. Objectors to the proposed housing development […]

THE north’s commercial property market is enjoying a period of renaissance, with investors currently banking some of the highest rates of return of any other region in the UK or Dublin, research from real estate firm CBRE has revealed. The launch of its 2018 outlook in the Waterfront Hall also heard that a £100 million […]

Up to 59 homes could be built on three vacant sites across a Nottinghamshire town. If plans are given the go-ahead by Mansfield District Council’s planning committee, homes could be built on Westfield Lane, Colston Road and Sherwood Close. Three separate planning applications were submitted to the council this month for a mix of houses, apartments and bungalows. All […]

A Crawley buy to let property investor has been fined after being found guilty of illegal eviction, having discarded his tenants possessions and changed the locks of her rental property. Mitesh Patel, 44, of Chanctonbury Way, Southgate, Crawley, was fined £1,700 for his offence. He had dumped the possessions of his tenants, a couple he […]

Funding for a multi-million pound bridge that will support the development of hundreds of new homes has been approved. The new pedestrian and cycle access overpass will be installed over the A46, connecting the former RAF Newton site – where 550 new homes are proposed – with a plot of land also proposed for new […]

House price growth looks set to judder to a halt in 2018 or at best manage a small below-inflation rise, as the twin spectres of Brexit and rising interest rates put the brakes on the property market. Following what some have called a lacklustre year, homeowners and those looking to sell in the coming months have been […]

A former pub site and a row of shops with flats could be turned into 20 new homes, plans have revealed. The former Harvester site off Old Farm Road and a row of shops and flats in Knights Close, Top Valley, could make way for a mixture of houses and houses. A document submitted to […]

Developers have revealed plan to build 970 new houses and a primary school on the edge of York. National housebuilder Redrow has drawn up proposals for the north east of the city, near Huntington, on a site bounded by Monks Cross Link Road to the east and North Lane to the north. The development would […]

Ambitious new plans could see 1,700 new homes brought to Birmingham’s Southside district. Manchester property group MCR has submitted a £275 million urban village scheme to council planners that would see more than 1,000 new homes on the vacant Monaco House site on Bristol Street. Meanwhile housebuilder Barratt Homes is proposing 778 new apartments and […]

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has decided to hold base rate at 0.5 per cent, a month after its first rise in a decade. Interest rates are the primary monetary lever that the governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, can pull to bring down inflation if it is deemed too […]

Landlords and agents are being increasingly caught out by having to license small shared properties as Houses in Multiple Occupation – only for landlords to be told that they are in breach of their mortgage conditions and are not covered by insurance. Properties that now rank as HMOs requiring licences could be as small as […]

Plans have been put forward to demolish a house in Telford to make way for more than 80 new homes. Shropshire Homes want to knock down the home in Wellington Road, Muxton, to build the estate of 85 homes, which will include affordable housing. It would form part of a huge development of 665 homes […]

A private buy to let investor has been told he must pay almost £6,500 for renting four properties in Nottingham without a license. Rogue landlord Dilip Gohil was prosecuted after his failure to acquire the correct licensing for his houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). This was in spite of the fact that each property boasted […]

Larry Elliott suggests five steps to fix the housing market (Britain’s broken housing market – and how to fix it, 9 October) which include Kate Barker’s idea of “acquiring” large sites abutting urban areas at a modest premium to their existing use. That would effectively part-nationalise development value and might help supply, although the Tories wouldn’t […]

Two Bath private landlords have been told that they must pay more than £16,000 due to their failure to obtain the correct House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing. Elizabeth Vowles, 48, and Hayley Book, 55, both from Weston pleaded guilty at Bath Magistrates’ Court to their licensing failure, deemed an offence under the Housing Act […]

Shropshire Council is reviewing its local plan, moving it forward by ten years. The plan is now set to be presented to cabinet on October 18. Although almost 19,000 homes are already set to be built in the county, the plan says a further 10,000 will be needed by 2036. Adrian Cooper, planning policy manager […]

The UK’s official statistics agency has added to the pressure on the Bank of England over whether to raise interest rates as soon as next month after admitting it underestimated the pace of rising labour costs. The Office for National Statistics said on Monday it made a mistake in its original calculations for the growth in unit labour costs, […]