Property News
Latest news, advice, and insights for UK property professionals
Warning Issued Over 'Friday Afternoon Fraud' Targeting UK Property Transactions
UK homebuyers and renters are being warned about 'Friday afternoon fraud', a scam involving fake emails that can lead to significant financial losses during property transactions.
HMRC to Carry Out In-Person Valuations for Mansion Tax
HMRC will send valuation agents to inspect properties for the new High Value Council Tax Surcharge, assessing if they meet the £2 million threshold for the mansion tax from April 2028.
HMRC to Inspect High Value Rental Properties from 2028
HMRC tax inspectors will visit high value rental properties, with the tax taking effect in 2028, according to Landlord Today.
HMRC Updates 20-Hour Guidance on Landlord Incorporation Relief
HMRC has clarified its guidance on the 20-hour test for landlord Incorporation Relief, confirming that spending fewer than 20 hours a week on property activities may still qualify as a business.
Landlords Face £9.87bn EPC Upgrade Bill as Royals Highlight Scale
King Charles and Prince William may face a £10m EPC upgrade bill, but the UK government expects private landlords to spend £9.87bn to meet proposed energy efficiency standards.
HMRC Issues New Claim Rules for Landlord Incorporation Relief
HMRC has published new guidance for landlords on claiming Section 162 Incorporation Relief for property business transfers from 6 April 2026. Claims are no longer automatic and must meet detailed requirements.
Missed Green Waste Bin Collection Raises Refund Question
A council missed a scheduled green waste bin collection despite extra payment, prompting questions about refunds.
BM Solutions and Halifax Announce Rate Reductions on Selected Products
BM Solutions and Halifax Intermediaries have announced rate reductions on selected mortgage products, effective from 24 August. Brokers must submit applications for existing BM Solutions products by 22 August.
Major Lenders Cut Mortgage Rates as Asking Prices Drop in August
HSBC, Gen H, and Nationwide have reduced mortgage rates, while Rightmove reports the steepest August drop in asking prices for eight years.
Major Lenders Cut Selected Mortgage Rates Amid Volatile Market
Nineteen lenders made mortgage rate changes this week, with most cutting selected fixed rates. The Moneyfacts average two- and five-year fixed rates edged down slightly.
IMLA Publishes Guide to Swap Rates and Fixed-Rate Mortgage Pricing
IMLA has released a guide explaining how swap rates influence fixed-rate mortgage pricing, following recent volatility in the UK mortgage market.
Majority of First-Time Buyers Rely on Living at Home to Save for Deposits
Savills research finds 63% of first-time buyers in 2025 lived rent-free with family to save for a deposit, with the trend most pronounced in London.