Price falls set to increase across UK’s biggest cities (PIE)
The annual rate of house price growth in London has reached a seven-year low and could be in negative territory by the middle of this year, research claims.
Law Society hits out at regulator’s ‘demolition’ of client protections (LSG)
The Law Society has voiced dismay over the ’demolition’ of client protections proposed by the regulator in its new consultation on client redress.
Huge new investment announced for Purplebricks (EAT)
Purplebricks has announced what it describes as “a strategic investment from Axel Springer, Europe’s leading digital publisher.”
Estate agent in first-class train carriage broadcasts details of property deals – and Jeremy Vine listens (PIE)
Who was the mysterious estate agent apparently travelling first class and who upset fellow passenger Jeremy Vine?
Government confirms new UK registry of foreign property owners will be created (PIE)
The Government is to introduce a new register of property ownership that will be the first of its kind in the world, set up to tackle corruption and money laundering.
HMRC wins ruling over scheme claiming to cut stamp duty on homes (EAT)
HM Revenue and Customs has won a key ruling concerning a tax avoidance scheme promoter which claimed to be able to cut stamp duty on property by up to 60 […]
SRA unveils sweeping reforms to indemnity insurance and compensation fund (LF)
The SRA has unveiled its second attempt to reduce the compulsory level of professional indemnity insurance to £500,000 – although conveyancers would have to secure £1m in cover.
SRA proposes to limit compensation fund and slash minimum PII cover (LSG)
These plans would effectively see the fund transformed into a ‘hardship’ pool for those wronged clients who are most in need.
Countrywide, Connells accused of pressuring buyers over in-house mortgages (EAT)
A magazine claims its investigations into the sales tactics of Countrywide and Connells suggest the two agency are “harming consumers, stopping them from getting the best deals and even causing […]
Property transactions slide again, but are the public to blame for not taking agent pricing advice? (PIE)
New Land Registry data shows an increasing decline in transactions.
Law firms appoint anti-money laundering chiefs as quango looms (LSG)
Law firms have responded positively to requirements to appoint executives to oversee anti-money laundering provisions.
‘First ever UK resi transaction undertaken through Blockchain’ – claim (EAT)
A Manchester-based property investment firm is claiming to be the first company in Britain to record an online exchange of a property using the Blockchain technology.