Welcome to our weekly update giving you the key stories, breaking news and topical analysis from the past week up to today, 23 March 2018.
This week we learned about the UK’s first blockchain property purchase in Manchester, what the latest trends are for buy-to-let landlords and property investors, and the best way to analyse the country’s housing market. Here are the top seven articles you might have missed…
1. UK’s first blockchain property purchase recorded in Manchester – 19 March
Property technology has taken another leap forwards after the UK’s first house was sold using a blockchain system, similar to that used in Bitcoin transactions, in Oldham, Manchester. To read the full story, click here.
2. Preston model: Guardian hosts event to look closer at city’s success – 19 March
The city of Preston has seen a remarkable turnaround over the past 10 years, from post-industrial depression to thriving community, which is inspiring innovation in neighbourhoods across the country. The Guardian’s latest event looks at how and why this happened. To read the full story, click here.
3. Traditional landlords ditching vanilla investments in favour of off-plan – 20 March
As the buy-to-let sector continues to be targeted by the government, with tax changes, increased lending scrutiny and new licensing laws, some landlords are reducing their portfolios or even leaving the sector – but swathes of savvy investors are switching to new opportunities in off-plan investments. To read the full story, click here.
4. Affordable mortgages benefit first-time buyers and home movers – 20 March
Mortgage payments often make up a relatively large chunk of any homeowner’s monthly outgoings, but right now they still account for less than they have historically – particularly in certain parts of the UK. To read the full story, click here.
5. 3 records that were broken in the Leeds property market last year… – 21 March
One of the major Northern Powerhouse players, Leeds ended last year on a high in terms of commercial property activity – and the residential investment property sector is set to boom in 2018. To read the full story, click here.
6. Global property investment hit record highs last year with 13% rise – 22 March
London still attracts more international property investment than anywhere else in the world, while global real estate investment figures soared to $1.62trn (£1.17trn) for the first time in 2017. To read the full story, click here.
7. Transactions rather than prices reveal truth behind UK housing market – 22 March
Property activity remains steady in the UK with transaction volumes changing very little in February compared to January and the previous year, while parts of the country have surpassed expectations. To read the full story, click here.
