John Healey replaces Reeves as chancellor: His views on property taxes
Former defence secretary John Healey has been announced as the new Chancellor of the Exchequer in Andy Burnham’s government, replacing Rachel Reeves. His first move has been to remove VAT from energy bills. “For too long, too many people have struggled with the cost of living,” he said. “Today’s energy tax cut will give families […]
The structural compliance problem conveyancers face
Conveyancers are still facing big fines for AML breaches. In fact, the majority of the decisions published by the Solicitors Regulation Authority in the first half of 2026 have referred to conveyancing, with penalties ranging from £1,800 to £32,000. The largest fine—£32,106—was handed to a Launceston-based law firm for multiple breaches related to source of […]
Rayner’s return: Andy Burnham appoints Angela Rayner as housing secretary
Angela Rayner has been appointed housing secretary in Andy Burnham’s cabinet, returning to the role she resigned from in September 2025 after admitting underpaying stamp duty on the purchase of an £800,000 flat. Rayner was cleared of any wrongdoing in May following an investigation by HMRC. The role was announced in a series of appointments […]
Mortgage demand softens in Q2 amid rate volatility, index shows
Mortgage demand softened in the second quarter of this year as affordability pressures were exacerbated by rising borrowing costs, the latest research suggests. The Stonebridge network’s quarterly Mortgage Market Index shows the average rate rose in the second quarter of this year to 4.97%. It was 4.74% in Q1 2025 and 4.31% in Q1 of […]
All new-builds should have Flood Performance Certificates, new research suggests
New research recommends introducing Flood Performance Certificates (FPCs) for all new-build properties. FPCs are similar in concept to Energy Performance Certificates, and are designed to provide a formal assessment of a property’s resilience to flooding. Research by Ardent Consulting Engineers, commissioned by Flood Re, highlights that the current planning system has no mechanism to track […]
GeoCerta is latest member of Conveyancing Information Executive
The recently launched environmental search provider GeoCerta has been announced as the latest member of search trade body The Conveyancing Information Executive (CIE), which represents property due diligence and search providers. Launched by former Groundsure CEO Dan Montagnani, GeoCerta describes itself as the “next generation of environmental search intelligence for conveyancers” and says its environmental […]