Welcome to our weekly update giving you the key stories, breaking news and topical analysis from the past week up to today, 13 July 2018.
Brexit has been high on the agenda this week, with yet another reshuffle of the leadership of the Housing Ministry. Meanwhile the regions outside London continue to perform well, with the West Midlands leading the pack in many ways, and high street estate agents continue to struggle as online agencies strengthen their hold on the market share. Read on for seven key stories you might have missed this week…
1. Brexit resignations cause more upheaval in UK housing sector
The UK saw more political turmoil this week after two major cabinet resignations, and the housing industry is now faced with its 17th housing minister in 20 years. Click here to read the full story.
2. New smart construction initiative could see new-builds go up 50% faster
Last week at the Northern Powerhouse Summit in Newcastle, business and energy secretary Greg Clark announced a major new partnership between the government and the construction industry. Click here to read the full story.
3. Surge in build-to-rent sees London overtaken by UK regions
For the first time, the total number of build-to-rent homes across the UK’s regions has surpassed those in the capital – another sign that London’s property market heyday is over? Click here to read the full story.
4. This new tool could help UK landlords comply with licensing laws
The UK’s landlord and property licensing schemes can be confusing, but a new technology platform could make things much easier for landlords. Click here to read the full story.
5. Selling houses is evolving as online estate agents gain market share
As the UK housing market continues to shift and embrace new technology, online estate agents are becoming increasingly popular while many traditional agents are beginning to struggle. Click here to read the full story.
6. Can Bank of England really freeze UK house prices for five years?
House prices across the UK are continuing to rise despite a slight slowdown recently, and a new report has proposed a freeze on property prices to rebalance the economy. Click here to read the full story.
7. West Midlands top spot for house prices as Londoners head to Birmingham
The West Midlands now boasts the UK’s strongest house price rises, coupled with a massive increase in the number of people moving to Birmingham from London. Click here to read the full story.