Change in Stamp Duty to promote energy efficiency?....................

Stamp duty in England may be changed to encourage people to make their homes more energy efficient. Energy minister Claire Perry told the BBC householders would face "carrots and sticks" to prompt them into saving on heating bills and carbon emissions. It may form part of a plan...


Young spend 3 times more on housing than Grandparents..............

Young people in Britain are spending three times more on housing than their grandparents did, according to the Resolution Foundation think tank. They also have to cope with less space and longer commutes to get to work. While their parents typically bought their own home in their...


Low interest rates keep repossessions down................

The number of homes seized by lenders due to owners falling behind on their mortgage repayments has fallen to a new low. Repossessions of homes in the UK fell from 1,900 in the first quarter of the year to 1,800 in April to June, according to lenders' trade body UK Finance...


Bank surprises on Interest rates......................

UK interest rates have been kept on hold at 0.25%, but in a surprise move three of the Bank of England's rate-setting committee backed a rate rise. The 5-3 vote by the Bank's policymakers was the closest for a rate rise since 2007, and comes with inflation close to a four...


Housing Minister loses his seat...............

Housing Minister Gavin Barwell has lost his Croydon Central seat to Labour in an astonishing turnaround in fortunes for the 45-year-old, who has only been Minister for Housing, Planning and Minister for London at the Department of Communities and Local Government for a year...


Buy-to-Let slump with Stamp Duty change.................

Mortgage activity in the UK buy-to-let sector has halved since the introduction of a stamp duty surcharge, figures show. Since April 2016, anyone buying a buy-to-let property or a second home has had to pay a 3% stamp duty surcharge. Some 71,100 loans were advanced for house...


Theresa may to call snap election.............

UK Prime Minister Theresa May has announced plans to call a snap general election on 8 June. She said Britain needed certainty, stability and strong leadership following the EU referendum. Explaining the decision, Mrs May said: "The country is coming together but Westminster...


The 2017 Budget at a glance........................

Philip Hammond has delivered his first Budget as chancellor. These are the key points of what he has said. Personal taxation ? The main rate of National Insurance contributions for the self-employed to increase from 9% to 10% in April 2018 and 11% in April 2019 ? The Class 4...


Bank leaves interest rates alone........again!.....

The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee has voted unanimously to maintain Bank Rate at 0.25% but is prepared to "respond, in either direction", to changes to the economic outlook to ensure a sustainable return of inflation to the 2% target. In the minutes...


Views across Clissold Park..............

Offers are being invited for one of the most interesting and desired houses locally. This is a charming, small, detached house in yellow brick with a low­pitched roof in slate. Running the full length of the front and looking onto Clissold Park, is a glass verandah supported...


How much is your property worth?............

 If you are thinking of moving in the New Year now is a great time to call for a free valuation. Not only can we give you an honest and accurate idea of what your property is worth, but we are also happy to advise you on any possible improvements or alterations that would be...