In this month’s Property Surveying Newsletter … we look at dubious at estate agency practices, examine the positives of buying a short-term home, and find out how local communities can hit back against second home takeovers
The Property Market Monthly Fact File
The property market fact file is a collection of data compiled each month by our Chartered Surveyors and the propertysurveying.co.uk team, reflecting survey data, statistics, trends and information from the property market. This provides a single place where anyone with an interest in UK property can find the information they need.
Estate agency sales methods under scrutiny
A recent undercover investigation has exposed questionable business practices at major property firms, raising serious concerns about whether estate agents are truly working in their clients’ best interests.
Property let owners exploiting business rates
A surge in holiday let registrations for business rates has exposed a significant tax loophole, potentially costing local authorities millions as second home owners circumvent new second home charges.
Self-employed artist battles council over second home classification
A council tax dispute has highlighted potential flaws in local authority assessment procedures, after an artist temporarily unable to occupy her newly purchased property received a £3,000 premium charge typically reserved for second home owners.
Historic manor restoration sparks development controversy
An entrepreneur’s ambitious plan to save a fire-damaged heritage property has ignited fierce opposition from local residents who fear environmental destruction in one of England’s most protected landscapes.
Shared ownership faces rising criticism
Shared ownership involves buying a percentage of a home while paying rent on the remainder, and accounts for around 250,000 households in England. However, what was promised as an affordable path to home ownership has instead become a source of mounting frustration.
Lessons from Britain’s emerging new towns
With ambitious plans for 1.5 million new homes by 2029, the government faces mounting pressure to deliver large-scale housing developments amid declining construction starts and completions. Current new town projects reveal both the potential and pitfalls of this approach.
Planning inspector reinforces local residency rules in coastal town
A significant victory for community preservation has emerged in a desirable Devon resort town, after a planning inspector rejected developer attempts to circumvent existing restrictions that prevent luxury apartments from becoming second homes.
Corruption probe threatens Milan’s property boom
A corruption investigation involving over 70 individuals, including the city’s mayor, has cast doubt over Milan’s remarkable real estate transformation, raising questions about the integrity of Italy’s property market.
And finally …
Doomed coastal property finds buyer despite erosion threat
A timber-framed chalet perched precariously near crumbling cliffs has successfully sold for almost £10,000, demonstrating the complex realities facing communities battling relentless coastal erosion.
Written by Independent Chartered Surveyors
of the UK wide network of Property Professionals
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