BREAKING NEWS – 5 top stories 20/01/2021

Estate Agent Networking Breaking News

SDLT DEBATE IN PARLIAMENT – GOVERNMENT PUTS THE BRAKES ON

It would appear that there will NOT be a debate in parliament regarding extension to the Stamp Duty Debate, as no debates triggered by a petition of over 100,000 signatures are being debated in the house.

So, time for those who want to see action to contact their MP’s directly, or hope that Rishi the Chancellor will on the 3rd of March take pity on the 125,000 plus who are going to miss the deadline – and in some way tweak the system, expect more twists, and turns.

EXTENSION ON BAN OF REPOSSESSIONS UNTIL 1st APRIL

As reported on before, it has now been confirmed that due to Covid, repossessions will be halted until the 1st of April, unless the defaulting mortgagee accepts that the repossession should move ahead.

CONNELLS SUPPORTS ‘MIND’ THE MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY

In a sign of the times the rank and file of Connells has voted to donate to, and support Mind the mental health charity.

David Plumtree GCE, commented that the charity choice, ‘was the overwhelming consensus, as it is a cause that has really resonated with our workforce, especially at this time where current events have forced us to recognise any issues with the mental health of ourselves and those close to us’

ANOTHER UMBRELLA AGENCY MODEL ROLLS OUT

A new enterprise launches, The Agency (UK) the work of an experienced team, Stephanie Walker, Mark Bruce, and Andy Vass, based on the concept of having local agents working their patch, with proptech assisting their growth.

WILL 2022 SEE A SWATHE OF REPOSSESSIONS?

With the only certainty at present, being there is no certainty a study published last month shows a modelling where in 2022 repossessions could be TEN times the current annual level. https://www.ukfinance.org.uk/system/files/20201208-Mortgage-Market-Forecasts-2021-2022.pdf

Andrew Stanton

CEO & Founder Proptech-PR. Proptech Real Estate Influencer, Executive Editor of Estate Agent Networking. Leading PR consultancy in Proptech & Real Estate.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

ONS Private Rent and House Prices Index- May 2026

The latest ONS house price figures show that the sales market that is broadly flat. Average UK house prices were unchanged year-on-year at £268,000 in March 2026, with annual house price inflation slowing from 1.7% in February to 0.0% in March. Main points Average UK monthly private rents increased by 3.5%, to £1,381, in the…
Read More
Overseas Property

Cyprus in demand as international property inquiries spike

Interest in Cyprus has more than tripled since the start of March, while sales to non-EU buyers have spiked by more than a fifth Cyprus is the best option for residency by investment in a major EU Mediterranean country, after Spain closed its Golden Visa in April 2025 and Portugal closed the property route in…
Read More
Breaking News

Inflation falls to 2.8%

Industry response to the latest inflation figures and their impact on the housing market.   Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark “It is very welcome news to see inflation dip this month; however, today’s figures still sit some distance away from the Bank of England’s target rate of 2%. It remains important to consider continued overall…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

London gardens can add more than £205,000 in value

Ahead of this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, research by Enness Global has revealed that a garden can add more than £205,000 to the value of a London home, whilst Chelsea fittingly boasts the highest degree of garden availability for high-net-worth homebuyers in the current market. Enness Global has also revealed the top five trends currently…
Read More
Breaking News

RRA raises the cost of getting property management wrong

The latest insight from property management specialist, Rushbrook & Rathbone, suggests that the relatively modest cost of professional property management could help landlords avoid thousands of pounds in potential penalties and compliance failures as the rental sector becomes increasingly regulated under the Renters’ Rights Act.   Rushbrook & Rathbone analysed the average cost of a…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

The Future of Urban Real Estate: Trends and Predictions for 2026

Affordability pressures, hybrid work arrangements, and steep borrowing costs are heavy influences on urban real estate for 2026. We’re seeing an increase in mixed-use development and a renewed focus from investors on markets with a steady demand. Markets that can balance housing access, transportation, lifestyle amenities, and flexible workplaces will come out on top. Major…
Read More