020 7538 0102
8th July 2016
MPs have begun an inquiry into the UK's housebuilding industry, questioning why supply cannot keep up with demand and calling on the chief executives of major developers to give evidence on the industry's capacity to build after the recent publication of poor construction figures. The Communities and Local Government committee will also seek evidence from ministers, representatives of industry bodies, local authorities and housing associations. Committee chair Clive Betts MP said he will examine the decline of small and medium-sized developers and look closely at the skills shortages, planning delays and finance issues hampering the industry.
City AM (06/07/2016)
8th July 2016
House prices cooled in the run-up to the EU referendum in June, according to Halifax, as uncertainty took hold and buyers lost confidence. The rate of annual house price growth in the UK was 8.4%, down on May's rate of 9.2%, and its lowest level since July 2015. The 8.4% rate of growth was slightly better than the 7.8% growth forecast by economists. The price of the average home in the UK rose by 1.3% between May and June, or by £2,708, to hit £216,823, up from 0.6% the previous month, according to the index..
The Daily Telegraph (08/07/2016)
1st July 2016
Galliard Homes has released the final phase of its Wapping Riverside development, with the last 10 apartments at the converted tea and coffee warehouse now on sale. The Grade II listed five-storey Victorian building, located on Wapping High Street in a designated Conservation Area, houses a total of 31 luxury apartments, all benefiting from balconies and a landscaped rooftop terrace with lounge areas looking out over the Thames. The development is next to Wapping Station on the Overground, and is a short step away from Shadwell DLR and the Underground at Tower Hill. Prices start at £1.3m for a two-bedroom apartment on a 99-year lease.
The Wharf (01/07/2016)
1st July 2016
An average of 12% of UK homeowners are less likely to sell in the next three years, according to a new survey by Plentific, with the figure rising to 18% amongst owners in London. 10% of respondents said they would rather improve their home than sell it.
City AM (29/06/2016)
1st July 2016
London’s deputy mayor for housing James Murray has tried to calm industry nerves amid fears the EU referendum result could slow down house-building long term, worsening the housing crisis. Mr Murray told the London Assembly that he hoped to boost confidence at a City Hall meeting with major developers and housing associations next week. He called for London to secure a "substantial" affordable housing settlement from government for new housing, and more control over property taxes and planning.
Evening Standard (29/06/2016)
1st July 2016
The Standard’s Sara Yates says any dips in house values following the Brexit vote could offer a boost for first-time buyers trying to get a foot on the capital's property ladder. She says a protracted cooling of prices could be the opportunity they’ve been waiting for, highlighting that mortgage rates are low, and unlike during 2008’s crisis, financing looks set to remain available.
Evening Standard (24/06/2016)