Propertymark says recent First-tier Tribunal decisions show that landlords and agents need robust, property-specific evidence to justify rent increases. The cases indicate that tribunals place greater weight on detailed comparisons, inspection evidence, and agreed rents than on advertised asking rents alone.
Propertymark is advising letting agents that rent increase proposals must be supported by robust evidence, accurate property descriptions and clear records of condition. Recent First-tier Tribunal decisions in several locations show that tribunals place greater weight on comparable evidence from completed lettings, detailed property characteristics and proof of inspection or repairs.
Landmark’s Q3 2026 market overview says the housing market in England and Wales remains subdued but steady, with healthy stock levels and asking-price reductions not translating into stronger buyer activity. Rising borrowing costs, wider uncertainty and speculation ahead of the Autumn Budget are contributing to lower SSTC volumes, weaker search orders and fewer completions year-on-year.
The redevelopment of the former Greater Manchester Police headquarters in Old Trafford has been revised upward to 1,400 homes, with a planning application expected this month and completion now forecast before the end of 2034. The scheme includes a 25% affordable housing commitment, but the report highlights viability pressure and suggests public sector funding support may be needed.
The article reports that nearly four in ten London flats resold at a nominal loss after being held for five to ten years, the highest proportion in Great Britain. It also notes that flat values remain under pressure in parts of the market, with building safety, cladding and service charges cited as factors influencing buyer, seller and lender behaviour.
The article argues that a new first-time buyer support scheme will have limited impact unless Stamp Duty is reformed. It says current tax settings are discouraging investors and developers, contributing to weaker market confidence and slowing the delivery of new homes.
The article argues that abolishing Stamp Duty Land Tax would not simply reduce buyer costs, but could create major short-term volatility in the residential property market and conveyancing system. It suggests that any reform would need a replacement tax and careful implementation to avoid surges in transactions, regional bottlenecks, and pressure on legal and data processes.
Hallam Land, part of Henry Boot, is preparing outline planning applications for two large housing schemes in Cheshire East, one in Crewe and one in Alsager, totalling 2,800 homes. The proposals include a mix of open market and affordable housing, with public consultation now underway until 20 October.
New repeat-sales analysis from e.surv Chartered Surveyors suggests that a significant share of flats, especially in London, are being resold at a nominal loss. The article links this weakness to leasehold issues, building safety concerns, cladding, service charges and higher borrowing costs, while noting that Scotland shows a narrower gap between flat and house performance.
Repeat-sales analysis from e.surv Chartered Surveyors indicates that a significant share of flats resold in London and parts of southern England over the past year changed hands below their previous recorded purchase price, with the weakness most pronounced in London. The article links this divergence between flats and houses to building safety concerns, cladding, service charges and higher borrowing costs, while noting that Scotland’s flat market has been comparatively resilient.
