Conveyancing Named ‘Slowest Part of Homebuying Process’
A Lyons Bowe survey of 1,000 UK homebuyers finds conveyancing is the slowest part of the purchase journey, with 65% of respondents naming it the biggest delay. More than 70% of deals take over 12 weeks from offer acceptance to completion, and 25% stretch beyond 16 weeks. Buyers also rate conveyancing as the most complex stage, citing extensive back‑and‑forth communication. The findings highlight systemic inefficiencies that frustrate purchasers and extend transaction timelines.
Regional Divide Highlighted as Buyer Demand Drops
Homebuyer demand in England slipped 1.6% in Q1 2026, falling to 42.4% overall. The decline masks a stark north‑south divide, with southern counties like Bristol and the City of London posting the steepest quarterly drops, while Midlands and northern regions such...
Miliband’s Solar Panels – Are Buyers Prepared to Pay More?
A heating‑company survey of 1,000 UK adults finds that 48% of buyers would pay an average 7.61% premium for homes equipped with solar panels, with millennials willing to add 10.46%. The willingness varies by region, peaking at 11.23% in Yorkshire...
Thinktank Proposes New ‘Starter Deposit’ Scheme for First-Time Buyers
The Resolution Foundation’s new report proposes a government‑funded “Starter Deposit” equity loan that would provide up to $3,800 toward a five‑percent down payment for priority first‑time buyers. It identifies roughly one million low‑ and middle‑income households that struggle to meet...
Propertymark Publishes Housing Manifestos Ahead of Scottish and Welsh Votes
Propertymark has published separate housing manifestos for Scotland and Wales ahead of the May 2026 elections. The Scottish 10‑point plan urges the next government to cut rents, boost supply, improve construction skills, and advance energy‑efficient housing without limiting availability. The...
Lomond Expands Into Liverpool with Homesure Acquisition
Lomond Group has acquired Liverpool‑based lettings and estate agency Homesure, adding a three‑office operation with a 30‑person team to its portfolio. Homesure currently manages more than 1,700 residential properties across Liverpool and surrounding areas. The deal keeps the Homesure brand...
Upsizers Are Back and Are Buying Bigger Homes
Upsizers reclaimed dominance in the UK housing market, accounting for 70.3% of all property moves in Q1 2026 – the strongest share since May 2021. Mortgage usage rose to 82.5%, the highest level in eight years, reflecting renewed borrower confidence as borrowing...