The FCA has banned a former law firm manager from financial services after findings that he allowed more than £28 million of client money to be taken from client accounts without authorisation. The case follows SRA action against Kingly Solicitors, including a record fine, firm closure, and findings of forged statements, improper transfers and a remaining client money shortfall of around £10 million.
The article reports that, four months after the Renters Rights Act came into force, letting agents are seeing landlords become more cautious about tenant selection. The main drivers cited are reduced confidence in the courts, concerns about possession under the new regime, and the removal of Section 21, with many agents also reporting falling rental supply as landlords sell properties.
The article reports a rise in cannabis farm incidents and associated property damage, with insurers and fire services highlighting significant repair costs, vacancy periods and safety risks for landlords. It notes that organised criminal groups are increasingly using vacant commercial premises and disguising operations as legitimate businesses, making detection more difficult at the letting stage.
The article discusses the government’s proposal to require more upfront property information as part of home buying and selling reforms. It argues that the main benefit would be greater transparency and better-informed decisions, but only if the information is accurate, consistent, current and easy to understand.
Winkworth has warned that ongoing legal and advisory costs linked to High Court proceedings involving its chair and former chief executive are likely to reduce full-year 2026 profit before tax materially below market expectations. The interim results also show mixed trading, with lettings revenue up and sales revenue down, while the company says underlying performance remains resilient.
The article reports that fires caused by faulty electrical installations in England have reached a 16-year high, rising to 2,575 in the year ending March 2026 despite overall fire numbers falling. It highlights concerns about ageing or untested fixed wiring and argues that Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) are an important preventative measure, particularly in rented housing.
EIG’s latest Property Auction Insights shows the residential auction market expanding across most UK regions, with sales up in 12 of 13 regions in the first half of 2026. Flats are taking a larger share of auction activity, and the report highlights that lease terms, service charges, cladding, building safety issues and major works continue to influence buyer appetite and mortgageability.
BTG’s latest Red Flag Alert Index reports rising financial distress across the UK real estate and property services sector, with both critical and significant distress increasing year-on-year in Q2 2026. The article links the deterioration to planning delays, regulatory and policy pressures, high borrowing costs and wider economic uncertainty, with estate agencies and property management firms particularly affected.
HMRC has launched a targeted crackdown on payroll fraud in the construction sector, focusing on criminal umbrella companies and labour supply chains in Liverpool and Manchester. Legal commentators say contractors should strengthen due diligence because HMRC may pursue unpaid tax further up the chain where red flags should have been identified.
Development consent orders have been granted for the onshore transmission infrastructure supporting the Morgan and Morecambe offshore wind farms in Fylde. The scheme includes export cables, transition joint bays, two onshore substations and underground connections to the National Grid, despite local objections over the proposed Green Belt substation sites and the current absence of a developer for Morgan.
The guidance sets out how councils should conduct DBS checks for sponsors and household members involved in the Homes for Ukraine scheme. It covers timing, eligibility, identity verification, use of the DBS Update Service, and administrative steps needed to support safeguarding and funding processes.
Anwyl plans to appeal Denbighshire County Council’s refusal of a 59-home affordable housing scheme at Maes Farrelly in Rhyl, despite the application being recommended for approval by planning officers. The committee rejected the proposal on greenfield, settlement-boundary and highway-impact grounds, while the developer argues the scheme would help meet significant local affordable housing need.
