The article reports that some lenders are declining mortgage applications for flats where annual service charges exceed around 1% of the property’s value, citing concerns about resaleability and future affordability. It also highlights data showing service charges are rising for many leaseholders, with a significant proportion of flats now above this threshold.
The article describes a conveyancer’s experience acting for buyers who entered a modern method of auction purchase without fully understanding the implications. A dispute arose over a 56-day deadline and a threatened forfeiture of a reservation fee, alongside concerns that the title was not mortgageable due to missing documents relating to an unregistered leasehold interest.
EY-Parthenon reports that listed housebuilders issued eight profit warnings in the first half of 2026, matching the level last seen in the first half of 2008 and marking the highest first-half total since 2020. The article attributes pressure on the sector to higher costs, weaker consumer confidence, planning delays, regulatory complexity, environmental constraints and skills shortages, despite a longer-term demand outlook that remains positive.
The article reports reactions from the legal and property sectors to Andy Burnham’s accession as Labour leader and the formation of a new government. The Law Society is urging support for legal aid, court reform and regional legal growth, while property commentators are calling for continued reform of the home buying process and greater clarity on future property tax policy.
Propertymark has issued guidance for agents handling the sale of former rental properties and tenanted homes under the Renters Rights Act. It highlights the use of mandatory possession Ground 1A for genuine sales, the 12-month restriction on serving notice for new tenancies, and the need to avoid implying that vacant possession is guaranteed.
The article reports that former Bank of England Deputy Governor Sir John Gieve has backed the case for a Land Value Tax, arguing that existing property taxes such as Council Tax and Stamp Duty are outdated and distortive. It also notes that any reform would likely need to be phased in over three to five years, with potential implications for higher-value markets such as London and the South East.
Westmorland Farmshop & Co has secured funding from HSBC UK to support the £65m Tatton Services scheme on the M56 in Cheshire. The development, which includes a large amenity building, hotel and fuel station, was approved after a planning inquiry that considered Green Belt and grey belt issues.
The article examines how Andy Burnham’s housing approach, shaped by his record in Greater Manchester, may not translate well nationally. It argues that while planning reform, council housebuilding and devolved delivery could support supply, SME housebuilders are already under pressure from weak market conditions, viability constraints and planning delays.
The Property Ombudsman upheld a complaint against an estate agent for failing to disclose a competing buyer and the existence of a contract race. The buyers were awarded £790, matching the cost of a mortgage valuation survey they incurred without being properly informed of the risk.
The article reports criticism from the Conservatives of Andy Burnham’s proposed property tax reforms, including a land value tax and a flat annual levy to replace Council Tax and Stamp Duty. Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride argues the proposals would amount to a significant tax rise for family homes and would require regular valuation of millions of properties, creating uncertainty and disputes.
A 30-year masterplan has been unveiled for the 370-acre Old Trafford regeneration area in Manchester, centred on a planned new 100,000-capacity stadium and supported by proposals for 15,000 homes, employment space, infrastructure and parks. The scheme, designed by Allies and Morrison and others, sets out six character areas and indicates that land assembly may require compulsory purchase powers due to fragmented ownership.
