Recent Posts
News•Feb 27, 2026
Former Housing Secretaries to Give Evidence on Leasehold Reform
Former housing secretaries Angela Rayner and Lord Michael Gove will appear before the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee on 3 March to give evidence on the Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill. The session will also hear leasehold campaigners, the Residential Freehold Association and other industry witnesses. Lawmakers aim to strengthen leaseholder rights by capping ground rents, advancing Law Commission recommendations on enfranchisement, and tackling "fleecehold" charges. TIME Investments declined a live appearance, while Grosvenor Property submitted written evidence for future sessions.
By Property Industry Eye
News•Feb 25, 2026
Spicerhaart’s Expanding Partnership Model Wins Backing From Agents
Spicerhaart’s haart Partnership Scheme is expanding nationally, backed by agents who cite increased autonomy, profitability and work‑life balance. Testimonials from Jack Pollock, Roger Jackson and Janette Churchill illustrate how the model blends self‑employment flexibility with corporate resources such as tech,...
By Property Industry Eye
News•Feb 25, 2026
Conveyancing Costs Surge – What’s Driving the Jump?
The Property Solvers study reveals conveyancing fees in the UK climbing well above inflation, with freehold sale costs hitting £1,317 in 2026—a 10.6% rise year‑on‑year. Leasehold and remortgage fees also posted double‑digit increases, outpacing the 3% CPI. Regulatory, AML, and...
By Property Industry Eye
News•Feb 25, 2026
Homeowners Gain Equity, Entry-Level Buyers Still Struggle
UK homeowners have amassed roughly £677 bn of equity since the 2008 crisis, driving the average loan‑to‑value ratio down to 59%, well below the 70% peak in 2012. By 2024, only 42% of private homes retain a mortgage, indicating a shift...
By Property Industry Eye
News•Feb 24, 2026
EYE NEWSFLASH: Zoopla Acquires Rival Property Portal
Zoopla has completed the acquisition of newhomesforsale.co.uk, a specialist portal that works with more than 200 property developers and markets around 2,500 new‑build projects, connecting over one million prospective buyers each year. The deal, whose financial terms were not disclosed,...
By Property Industry Eye
News•Feb 24, 2026
Letting Agents and Landlords Seek Insurance Ahead of Renters’ Rights Act
Goodlord's analysis shows a 41% surge in rental‑insurance demand between September and December 2025 after the Renters’ Rights Bill received Royal Assent. A survey of 234 letting agents and landlords found 76% are now more likely to purchase protection insurance...
By Property Industry Eye
News•Feb 24, 2026
Crackdown on Rogue Landlords as Licensing Expanded
Newcastle City Council has extended its selective licensing scheme in Byker Old Town and the Greater High Cross area until September 2031, requiring private landlords to pay a £1,000 licence and meet strict property‑condition and tenant‑management standards. The programme, now in...
By Property Industry Eye
Deals•Feb 24, 2026
Zoopla Acquires newhomesforsale.co.uk to Boost New‑build Home Marketing
Zoopla announced the acquisition of newhomesforsale.co.uk, a platform serving over 200 property developers and marketing around 2,500 new‑build developments. The undisclosed‑value deal gives Zoopla full ownership while allowing the target to operate as a standalone brand, enhancing Zoopla’s AI‑driven new‑homes...
Property Industry Eye
News•Feb 23, 2026
Knight Frank Takeover by Rival Firm Approved
Sherry FitzGerald has received Competition and Consumer Protection Commission approval to acquire Knight Frank’s Irish operations, including HT Meagher O’Reilly Ltd and its new‑homes arm. The regulator concluded the deal will not substantially lessen competition in Ireland’s property market. Sherry FitzGerald, which runs...
By Property Industry Eye
News•Feb 23, 2026
Rising Stamp Duty Receipts Show Levy Needs ‘Urgent Refresh’
Stamp Duty Land Tax receipts jumped 6% in January to £899 million, and annual collections rose 18% to £15.4 billion, driven by the 2024 reduction of the nil‑rate band to £125,000. The lower threshold now captures many transactions that were previously exempt,...
By Property Industry Eye
Deals•Feb 23, 2026
Sherry FitzGerald Secures Regulatory Approval to Acquire Knight Frank's Irish Business
Ireland’s largest estate agency, Sherry FitzGerald, has received Competition and Consumer Protection Commission approval to acquire Knight Frank’s Irish operations, which include HT Meagher O’Reilly Ltd and HT Meagher O’Reilly New Homes Ltd. The deal expands Sherry FitzGerald’s footprint across 105 offices and...
Property Industry Eye