Zoopla reports that UK rental supply fell in July for the first time in three years, with enquiries per listing rising and average rents increasing again. The report attributes the tightening market mainly to scarcity of available homes, with regional pressures strongest in London and parts of northern England, while Wales has seen a relative easing in growth.
Project 28 marked its first anniversary with an industry event focused on accelerating residential transactions toward a 28-day exchange target. The discussion centred on upfront information, earlier risk identification, and closer collaboration between conveyancers, lenders, estate agents and technology providers to reduce delays and improve certainty.
The article argues that OpenRent’s sale to CVC reflects continued confidence in the UK lettings market, while also highlighting how the Renters Rights Act is reshaping agency business models. It suggests the sector is splitting between low-cost, automated services and higher-value managed offerings with greater compliance and asset-management input.
The outgoing interim chief construction adviser has called on clients and funders to take primary responsibility for competence and safety across the built environment. Her final report argues that while stronger standards and smarter regulation are important, lasting improvement depends on behaviours, accountability and avoiding cost or programme pressures that undermine building safety.
Preston City Council’s planning committee has unanimously removed a remaining barrier to Morris Homes and CEG delivering 443 homes in Cottam, following discussions over affordable housing and the associated Section 106 agreement. The revised approach allows the scheme to proceed with 62 affordable homes, with the developers arguing that nearby affordable provision should be considered alongside the adjacent Breck scheme.
Wirral Council has unanimously refused Peak Cluster permission to access council-owned land for survey work related to a proposed carbon capture pipeline. The decision is likely to delay the project, though councillors acknowledged it may not ultimately prevent the scheme from progressing through other legal routes.
The Environment Agency has published a public notice for an environmental permit application submitted by Andy Davies for Woodcote, Pond Lane, Farnham, GU10 2PZ. The notice explains that the application is open to public consultation in relation to activities such as water discharge, groundwater activities, and certain combustion plant or generator uses.
A seven-block residential-led scheme at Vauxhall Square has received approval, with the development including a 69-storey tower. The article notes that the project will create the UK's second-tallest residential building.
Renaker has agreed a £114m affordable housing deal to help advance its five-tower, 2,400-home scheme in Manchester. The article indicates that the payments are expected to be clawed back through viability assessments, suggesting the scheme’s affordable housing position remains tied to later financial review.
Bristol council has issued its first civil penalty notice under a strengthened enforcement policy, fining a portfolio landlord £13,090 for an alleged failure to licence an HMO under the city’s additional licensing scheme. The case illustrates how councils can now use higher civil penalties for housing-related offences, with the landlord also facing the possibility of a Rent Repayment Order and a tribunal appeal if the notice is finalised.
Southampton Council says it is investigating 30 private rental sector cases and expects to issue significant civil penalties over the next three to six months under new Renters Rights Act powers. The authority has also received additional government funding and is using multiple data sources, including licensing records and HM Land Registry data, to identify potential enforcement targets.
The government has announced a new landlord registration service as part of Renters’ Rights Act reforms, with rollout beginning on 15 December in the West Midlands and expanding nationally over the next 12 months. Landlords who fail to register could face fines of up to £7,000, and registration numbers will need to appear on property adverts; future phases may also require registration of vacant properties before marketing.
