Welcome to our weekly update giving you the key stories, breaking news and topical analysis from the past week up to today, 20 July 2018.
Despite the government’s attempts to reverse the situation, renting is still on the rise and even more popular than ever for many, while some groups are calling for stamp duty to be scrapped for landlords buying up new-builds to help support the sector. As buy-to-let landlords continue to adapt to the changing market, the construction industry is also gathering momentum. Read on for seven key stories you might have missed this week…
1. Proportion of UK renters has doubled in 20 years – and here’s why
The latest English Housing Survey has just been released analysing the UK’s private rented sector, and the report has uncovered some interesting statistics about today’s tenants. To read the full story click here.
2. Why you should take house price news with a pinch of salt…
If you follow the property market, you’ll see a constant stream of new UK house price indices being released, often with contrasting results – but how accurate are they really? To read the full story click here.
3. Construction industry records strongest growth rate for seven months
For the third month in a row, the UK construction industry has strengthened with more activity and higher recruitment levels, marking a return of optimism in the sector. To read the full story click here.
4. Buy-to-let market isn’t shrinking, just changing say experts
Landlords across the country have been reassessing their options in the face of recent regulatory changes, but it’s more a case of adapting than leaving the market. To read the full story click here.
5. Leap in limited company landlords could be good news for Generation Rent
The number of buy-to-let landlords choosing to operate through a limited company is firmly on the rise, and they could offer cheaper rents, too. To read the full story click here.
6. Increased maximum borrowing levels for newly qualified professionals
Prospective buyers and homeowners who meet certain criteria could be tempted by a new mortgage offering higher borrowing amounts and LTV limits. To read the full story click here.
7. Could stamp duty levy be scrapped for landlords buying new-builds?
As the number of renters across the UK rises, we could be at risk of losing thousands of available homes because of government measures stifling the sector. To read the full story click here.
