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News Archive for 2025

Major EPC System Update Coming in two weeks: What Agents and Landlords Need to Know

A major update to the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) system is set to take effect in just over two weeks, marking the most significant changes in more than a decade.This overhaul is based on the updated Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure (RdSAP),the method used to assess a property's energy efficiency using a combination of measured data and assumptions about building construction and ...

UK Mortgage Lending Hits Four-Year High as Buyers Rush to Beat Stamp Duty Deadline

The UK property market saw a dramatic spike in mortgage lending in March, as buyers raced to complete purchases before changes to stamp duty took effect in April.According to the latest Bank of England data, mortgage borrowing soared by 290% during March, reaching £13 billion which is the highest level since June 2021.

 

This surge was driven by homeowners and first-time buyers eager to finalise their ...

Bank of England Holds Interest Rate Steady Amid Economic Uncertainty

The Bank of England has decided to keep its base interest rate at 4.5%, a move that comes as no surprise to most analysts. This cautious approach reflects the central bank's ongoing effort to navigate between persistent inflation and a sluggish UK economy.

Following a modest rate cut of 0.25% in February, the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has chosen to pause further changes for now. Since last August, ...

Landlord Licences Aimed at Eliminating Unsafe HMOs

A council in north London is pushing for stricter regulations to tackle issues with "rogue landlords" managing houses in multiple occupancy (HMOs). Brent Council has expressed concerns over the large number of HMOs in the borough that fail to meet standards, posing potential risks to residents.

 

To address this, the council intends to reinstate a licensing scheme that previously resulted in ...

FCA Considers Relaxing Mortgage Rules and Contactless Payment Limits to Boost Economy

Mortgage lending rules could be relaxed to enable more people to borrow for a home, as regulators explore ways to stimulate the economy.In a recent letter, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announced it would review the stringent rules introduced after the 2008 financial crisis, aiming to make borrowing more accessible.The review will likely examine the trade-off between safeguarding borrowers and easing access to home loans, a change ...