Docklands News

House prices in prime central London have risen for the first time since 2023, with LonRes reporting a 0.6% annual increase in February 2024, though still below pre-pandemic levels. Throughout 2024, property values in high-end areas like Kensington and Chelsea had declined significantly due to economic uncertainties and high buying costs. However, the market for homes priced over £5m has seen a surge in activity, with transactions up 13.8% from the previous year and new property listings increasing by 30%. Demand has been particularly strong in Mayfair, Bayswater, and Maida Vale, where new luxury developments have attracted buyers. A key driver of this growth has been the influx of US buyers, benefiting from favourable exchange rates and London's appeal as a stable investment. While the market shows signs of recovery, experts caution that rising supply and economic factors may limit future price growth.

The Standard (19/03/2025)  

Recent data from the Financial Conduct Authority indicates a rise in borrower confidence in the mortgage market. In the latest three-month period, only 280,000 borrowers locked into new mortgage deals, down from 377,000 previously. Pete Mugleston, managing director at Online Mortgage Advisor, noted: "The sharp drop in early mortgage deal lock-ins suggests a shift in borrower confidence, likely influenced by rate expectations." Despite this optimism, many households are still struggling with costs, leading to an increase in interest-only mortgages. The Bank of England reported that the outstanding value of residential mortgage loans reached a record high of £1.67bn, with new mortgage commitments surging by over 50% compared to last year. 

Sky News (15/03/2025)  

As average UK house prices continue to rise, many individuals are opting to co-buy properties to overcome affordability challenges. A survey revealed that 40% of adults aged 18 to 45 believe they may never own a home alone. Co-buying offers benefits such as pooling savings for a larger deposit and sharing costs. However, understanding the legal implications is crucial. Lisa Parker from L&C Mortgages emphasises the importance of discussing future plans, noting: “The main potential challenges are if one person wants to sell up or move out before the other". Buyers can choose between joint tenants or tenants in common arrangements, each with distinct ownership rights. Mark Harris from SPF Private Clients notes that joint tenants is common among married couples, while tenants in common is preferred by friends or siblings. 

The Observer (16/03/2025)  

During his first visit to the MIPIM property conference, the Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan acknowledged the urgent need for improved housing delivery in London, stating: “We have got to do better.” He highlighted a 88% drop in new affordable homes, with only 3,156 starts last year. Khan plans to tackle planning delays and is prepared to intervene in council decisions that hinder community interests. He emphasised the importance of foreign investment, noting: “Now's the time to invest in London,” as he engages with international investors. The Government aims to build 88,000 new homes annually, a target not met since 1934, and Khan believes that with the right support, London can overcome current challenges in the housing market. 

The Standard (12/03/2025)  

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has promised “swift action” on making mortgages more accessible, with the City watchdog set to launch a consultation on simplifying rules, as well as alternative approaches to stress testing. The FCA will look at options for making it easier to access options such as remortgaging with a new lender and reducing the term of a home loan. Nikhil Rathi, chief executive of the FCA, said: “We are taking swift action to support people in getting the keys to their own home.” He added: “Firms have the flexibility to help more people become homeowners and we want them to use it.” 

Daily Mail (08/03/2025)   Financial Times (08/03/2025)   The Independent (08/03/2025)   The Standard (08/03/2025)  

The number of planning permissions granted in England has reached its lowest level since 2014, with only 242,610 homes approved in 2024, a 2% decrease from the previous year. It means that to meet Labour's target of 370,000 permissions, a 53% increase is necessary. Neil Jefferson, chief executive of the Home Builders Federation, commented: "The latest planning figures show that housing supply in the short and medium term is at critical crisis levels." Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to deliver 1.5m new homes over five years, but both the Home Builders Federation and the National Housing Federation believe that current reforms alone will not suffice to achieve this goal. Critics argue that commercial housebuilders are intentionally slowing down construction to control supply and prices, while the industry contends that buyer demand limits building rates.

Financial Times (07/08/2025)   The Daily Telegraph (07/08/2025)   The Times (07/08/2025)