Inheritance Tax raises £7 billion in 10 months
Inheritance tax receipts hit £7 billion in the ten months from April 2024 to January 2025, according to figures released by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) this morning. This is £700 million higher than the same ten months last year and continues the upward trajectory over the last two decades. HMRC raised £7.499 billion in…
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Decline in small house builders continues, warns FMB
New figures for planning applications in 2024, published by the Government today show worrying signs that, despite the push to boost house building rates, permissions granted to small sites of 9 units or fewer are down, demonstrating the smallest house builders are struggling to get homes delivered, warns the FMB. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the…
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Bank of England decision to maintain interest rates at 4.5% – Thoughts from the Industry
With the Bank of England decision to maintain interest rates at 4.5% here are some thoughts from the Industry Matt Smith, Rightmove’s mortgage expert: “Now that this expected interest rate hold is out of the way, all eyes are on May’s decision where the current forecast is a second cut of the year. Since the…
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Rightmove – Cheapest mortgage rate is now a 2-year fixed
The lowest available mortgage rate is now a 2-year fixed rate, for those with a 40% deposit. Commenting more widely on mortgage trends, Matt Smith, Rightmove’s mortgage expert says: “Average mortgage rates at the top-end of the market have fallen more quickly than for those with the smallest deposits over the past year. Someone with a…
Rightmove
Halifax House Price Index March 2025
Bigger homes driving house price growth as flats lag behind • UK property prices rose by +3.7% (£10,431) over the last year • Flats saw slowest growth in price (+3.2%) as easing interest rates allowed buyers to target larger properties • Detached properties have increased in value by more than £100,000 over the last five…
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First-time buyer mortgage sales at lowest level since 2013
Fewer first-time buyers in England’s most urban areas While the rate of first-time buyer mortgage sales has been falling in London, they have risen in more rural areas. On average, rural areas in England and Wales saw rates of first-time buyer mortgages rise by 9.7% between 2013 and 2023, while urban areas saw a 3.7%…
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DIY Due Diligence: Essential House Checks to Conduct Before You Buy!
Before making an offer on a house, conducting simple checks can save time and money. These checks help identify potential problems that may not be visible during a casual viewing. Performing DIY due diligence ensures that buyers are informed and can negotiate effectively. A thorough inspection of the property’s condition is essential. This may include…
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Halifax House Price Index March 2025 – Thoughts from the Industry
The latest Halifax data shows that bigger homes driving house price growth as flats lag behind. Here are some thoughts from the Industry. Toby Leek, President of NAEA Propertymark, the professional body for estate agents: “Not only are buyers looking to take advantage of easing interest rates to secure a bigger home, but other trends,…
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Flagstone offers top 5 expert tips for remortgaging to maximise value
As the UK mortgage landscape experiences significant shifts, Flagstone, one of the largest independent mortgage brokers in Essex, provides essential advice for homeowners considering remortgaging to secure optimal deals. From good preparation to monitoring market fluctuations and considering overpayments – the experts at Flagstone have compiled useful insights for those weighing up their options in…
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Eco-Friendly Materials for Sustainable Bathroom Renovations: 2025 Guide
As climate urgency intensifies in 2025, sustainable bathroom renovations have evolved beyond simple green choices to embrace cutting-edge materials, circular design principles, and hyper-local sourcing. Homeowners across Seattle and the Pacific Northwest are increasingly partnering with Seattle’s Premier Bath Renovations company to achieve renovations that not only look stunning but also reduce environmental impact, conserve…
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Renting Property: What Tenants Need to Know About Rights & Responsibilities in the UK
Renting a place sounds easy enough, right? You find a house or flat you like, sign the paperwork, hand over your deposit, and move in. Simple. But the truth is, there’s more to it. Whether it’s your first time renting or you’ve been a tenant for years, understanding your rights and responsibilities is key. It…
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Latest ONS first-time buyer mortgage sales report – Thoughts from the Industry
Following on from the ONS report where it shows first-time buyer mortgage sales at the lowest level since 2013. Here are some thoughts from the Industry. Toby Leek, President of NAEA Propertymark: “Many first-time buyers are being priced out of cities, especially throughout London where they have grown up or have a desire to nest…
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