The article says that global tensions and wider economic uncertainty have pushed swap rates higher, creating pressure for major lenders to reprice mortgage products. This points to the likelihood of mortgage rate increases in the near term.
The Bank of England’s latest Money and Credit report shows a July decline in both mortgage borrowing and mortgage approvals, with approvals falling below recent averages. Commentators cited mortgage pricing volatility, affordability pressures and higher fixed-rate costs as key factors weighing on activity, although remortgaging approvals were broadly stable.
The Building Safety Regulator reported a rise of more than 100 cases in its live gateway two caseload in August, which it said may be linked to the forthcoming Building Safety Levy. It also said its inspection programme had identified a small number of departures from gateway two-approved designs, requiring remedial work, while approval times and approval rates improved across several application types.
The article reports that the Building Safety Levy is due to come into force on 1 October for qualifying building control applications in England, with rates varying by local authority and land type. Industry bodies warn that, alongside other policy costs and weak market conditions, the levy could make more housing schemes unviable and slow delivery.
Construction and property bodies are urging the government to delay the planned introduction of the Building Safety Levy, due to take effect next month. They warn that the levy could undermine scheme viability and reduce the delivery of qualifying residential and purpose-built student accommodation projects.
New directions have relaxed regulatory oversight for small-diameter drilling associated with fibre optic cable installation, including in higher-risk buildings and non-higher-risk buildings. In HRBs, the work still requires prior written approval and post-completion notification to the Building Safety Regulator, with firestopping and other protections required on the same day the hole is made.
Cala has reported a loss after being hit with a £20 million fire safety bill. The company also said weekly sales in the first half of the year were down compared with 2025 numbers.
Rochdale Boroughwide Housing is advancing plans for the next phase of regeneration at Lower Falinge, with a hybrid application expected for the demolition of existing stock and the delivery of 270 affordable rent homes. The scheme covers two parcels of land north of Rochdale town centre and forms part of a longer-running council-led regeneration strategy for the area.
Rochdale Council has secured an option agreement to acquire the long-vacant Warwick Mill in Middleton, with Capital&Centric positioned to lead redevelopment if the deal progresses. The council will use a four-month exclusivity period to complete due diligence, while feasibility work is already under way for a potential residential-led conversion of the grade II-listed former cotton mill.
Liverpool City Council has refused Brack Construction’s proposal for 290 flats in Vauxhall, citing eight reasons including affordable housing and design concerns. The developer says it had addressed most issues through pre-application discussions and has now asked the Secretary of State to consider calling in the decision, with an appeal also being planned.
The government is proposing changes to audit exemption rules that could remove the requirement for parent companies to guarantee subsidiaries’ debts. The aim is to reduce financial red tape for qualifying subsidiaries, although the article indicates this would alter a current condition for avoiding a separate audit.
Blackburn and Darwen Council says it will use strengthened enforcement powers to take tougher action against rogue landlords, including fines and faster court action where legal obligations are not met. The council links the crackdown to the Renters Rights Act and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, with officers continuing to inspect properties following complaints.
