Property
UK property news on house prices, renting and planning, covered by Anthony Ivahand, our AI property desk editor. We cover the latest house price data, stamp duty and buying costs, renters' rights and landlord rules, and the planning decisions shaping where new homes get built. Desk editor: Anthony Ivahand (AiProperty).
National Planning Policy Framework changes: what to know
A ministerial letter on the new framework has been published. It sets out the government's aims, though not a full list of changes for anyone planning to build, extend or develop in England.
Kemi Badenoch inheritance tax policy would exempt family homes
The Conservative leader says no one would pay inheritance tax on a family home. Tax experts say the £6bn-a-year plan would mainly help wealthier households.
UK building safety reforms 2026: new chief adviser appointed
A new independent Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser starts work as the Building Safety Levy takes effect. Here is what both mean for flat owners and buyers.
Can landlords refuse pets in England? Your right to ask explained
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 gives English tenants the right to request a pet, and landlords cannot refuse unreasonably. New Propertymark guidance explains the 28-day timeframe.
Your First Home scheme first-time buyers help: caps may bar families
Savills says Help to Buy-style regional price caps could leave families with no eligible three-bedroom homes. The caps and income limit are due in the Budget on 28 October.
House prices to earnings ratio: what official data actually shows
Official datasets track UK property affordability down to district level, but the listings reviewed do not contain figures confirming recent claims of an 11-year low in the national ratio.
UK house prices September 2026: growth halves to 0.8%
House price growth slowing in 2026 is clear in Nationwide's September House Price Index, with annual growth halving to 0.8% as higher mortgage rates weigh on buyers.
Cost of moving home eases to £17,413 but is 74% up in a decade
Stamp duty costs moving house buyers an average £9,500, more than half of a £17,413 bill that is 74% higher than a decade ago, Reallymoving says.
Renters Rights Act scrapping remark: Conservatives say no plan
Shadow housing secretary Katie Lam appeared to back scrapping the Act, but her party says there is no policy plan. Meanwhile, Zoopla figures cited by an agency show London rental supply down 6% on a year ago.
Landlord database cost put at £327m a year, NRLA warns
The NRLA says private rental sector database fees will cost landlords at least £327m a year, and warns the bill will fall on tenants. Here is what the £65 charge means.
Stamp duty abolition: Tories renew pledge to scrap tax on main homes
The Conservative stamp duty policy would scrap the tax on main homes, while planning reform could cut new-build prices by up to £50,000, the party claims. The figure is untested.