The Renters’ Rights Act 2025: What It Means for Landlords, Developers and Investors
Dec 2025
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 has now received Royal Assent, bringing major changes to the private rented sector. The Act has been described as one of the most significant reforms to the private rented sector for a generation and will introduce a more regulated and tenant-focused system, which will affect how landlords manage tenancies, plan disposals or redevelopment and meet compliance obligations. Crucially, the government has now confirmed a three-phase implementation timetable, with Phase 1 beginning in May 2026, which will have immediate practical implications for all landlords.
Water neutrality rollback opens the tap for property development
Oct 2025
The Government’s recent announcement rolling back water neutrality restrictions across north Sussex marks a major turning point for the region’s development pipeline.
Highlights from the Budget speech
Mar 2024
The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has given his latest Budget and outline of spending. It is expected to be the last Budget speech before the next general election this year.
Corporate & Commercial Employment Residential Property & Conveyancing
Are changes on the horizon for the housing market in 2024?
Feb 2024
After a stagnant couple of years due to rising inflation, cost of living and political unrest, the property market could finally be on the mend – or so it seems.
Rightmove released a report that highlighted an upward trend for the property market.
The number of new properties going up for sale is 15% higher than a year ago, with growth strongest in London and the North East of England, and the number of enquiries to estate agents were up 5% year-on-year in the first week of January.
Not all doom and gloom in the housing market?
Jul 2023
The Halifax House Price Index has been released for the month of June - however it has revealed a few surprising stats.
Today’s mini-budget summary
Sep 2022
The Chancellor’s mini-budget statement has been highly anticipated as people await to see how Kwasi Kwarteng’s first-ever budget speech will help ease the burden of the cost of living crisis.
Corporate & Commercial Employment Residential Property & Conveyancing
Hybrid Working – Key points for Employers
Mar 2022
Since the Coronavirus pandemic struck and the recovery began, it has become commonplace to allow employees to split their working time between their “normal” workplace i.e., the office and an agreed remote working location, normally their home. Specific arrangements will differ depending on the nature of an employee’s role and their duties.
Stamp Duty Holiday has finished, so why are house prices still climbing?
Nov 2021
According to recent figures by HMRC, there was a 25% increase in Stamp Duty receipts in the six months from April - October 2021, compared to the same period in 2019. While the flurry of activity in the market boosted the average house price in the UK, many were surprised that once the Stamp Duty holiday came to an end, prices didn't come down with it - but why?
Could the property market be turning back to towns and cities post-pandemic?
Jun 2021
According to a recent report by Savills the UK property market could be about to turn back towards city living.
Lessons learned from the SDLT cliff edge
May 2021
Earlier in the year, we wrote a blog about the thousands of people who faced missing out on the Stamp Duty holiday, resulting in an industry "cliff edge" with many sellers worried their buyers will pull out if they didn't complete in time. But, it seems since the Chancellor extended the holiday, there have been some lessons learned.
What has the pandemic done to the housing market?
Apr 2021
We've seen the numerous headlines about how the Stamp Duty holiday has spurred many people into moving house. But, it seems the benefits are more than just financial - and it seems many are trading up lifestyles as well as their homes.
Could the UK housing market see strong growth in coming years?
Mar 2021
Property prices have continued to climb during the pandemic and many industry experts are wondering if market conditions are sustainable post-Covid. Early signs show that despite a stall in 2021, there are brighter skies ahead.
The Spring Budget 2021: A Summary
Mar 2021
As the UK eagerly tuned in to the most anticipated Budget for a generation, many were left wondering what the Chancellor’s traditional “rabbit out of a hat” might contain - especially as several big measures had been announced beforehand.
Commerical Property Corporate & Commercial EmployLaw Employment Residential Property & Conveyancing
Speculation that the Stamp Duty Land Tax holiday/reduction could be extended
Feb 2021
Ahead of next week’s Budget, it looks like the Chancellor has answered calls to extend the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) holiday deadline for three more months until the end of June, according to an interview the Times has published with Mr Sunak.
What does the latest lockdown mean for house moves?
Jan 2021
As we enter the third national lockdown and tighter restrictions see the closure of schools and non-essential businesses, where does that leave the housing market?
We are open
Jan 2021
During these uncertain times, it is good to know you can count on us.
Even after the recent Government announcement of another national lockdown we remain open for business and are here to help you.
Commerical Property Corporate & Commercial Corporate Recovery & Restructuring Dispute Resolution EmployLaw Employment Family International Services International Services for Business Notarial Services Planning Private Client Residential Property & Conveyancing
Watch out for sting in the tail for shared ownership with family members
Nov 2020
Before going into shared ownership with any family members, just make sure you are not setting yourself a trap for later on - as one family nearly found out.
House moves still permitted in second lockdown
Nov 2020
Following the prime minister’s announcement on 31st October that the UK will be entering a second full national lockdown, further details have now been released which still permits certain activities, including house moves.
Making the most of property incentives? Don’t wait!
Oct 2020
Time is running out for those who are planning to purchase new properties and take advantage of the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) reductions applicable until the end of March 2021.
Lockdown has seen people upgrade to property more suited to work-life balance
Oct 2020
According to Rightmove, properties worth £1million are selling more quickly. For once, it is not rising prices that are forcing more properties into this bracket - but instead it is in pursuit of a better lifestyle.
House prices are finally building
Feb 2020
According to the latest figures by the building society, Nationwide, house prices in the UK rose at their fastest annual rate for 14 months in January 2020. However, if it is due to continue, experts say a lot depends on how quickly uncertainty about the UK’s future trading relationships will last – as well as the outlook for global growth if the economy is to remain strong.
Leaseholders call for scrapping marriage value
Jan 2020
If you own a leasehold property, chances are when you purchased, you were also granted a period of time remaining on the lease. If that time period is about to expire, or you have less than 80 years remaining on the lease, you might want to watch out for an added cost that is really putting a sting into the leaseholder.
UK rents that are raising the roof
Nov 2019
According to recent statistics by Zoopla, renting a home in the UK has become much more affordable. With many still struggling to get on the housing ladder, and renting becoming the no-choice option, where in the country can you get the most for your money?
London property prices falling fastest
Aug 2019
If you thought you never stood a chance of moving up in the London property market, now could be your chance. According to the latest data from the Land Registry, some homes in London are falling faster than anywhere else in the UK – although still remain higher than the national average.
Property Prices continue downward decline
Apr 2019
Whilst Brexit uncertainty rages on, property prices are continuing their time in the spotlight. As prices and demand continue to stagnate, what is next for the UK property market?
Brexit's EU Property Boom
Apr 2019
Whilst the housing market continues to struggle in the UK, it looks as though the number of buyers of property abroad is still in good shape.
Hold on to your house – summer could be the best time to sell
Mar 2019
According to Land Registry data, selling your home at certain times of the year could be key to achieving a high selling price.
Brexit continues to hold housing market to ransom
Mar 2019
As the war on Brexit rages on, there has seemingly been a knock-on effect on the housing market – according to industry experts.
Housing crisis hits hard for under 35s
Feb 2019
According to new research by Civitas, around one million more adults in the UK are living with their parents compared to two decades ago. It looks as though more people will be relying on the bank of mum and dad for a little bit longer.
Could Property Market re-build in 2019?
Feb 2019
Here at Downs, we quite often keep an eye on house prices and their effect on the local economy. Whilst there has been a cloud over the growth of house prices, could there be better things on the horizon for 2019?
Building Brexit uncertainty in the property market
Jan 2019
As the Brexit debate rages on in Parliament, it seems there are still some problems to be resolved a bit closer to home. Property prices have been named as one of the biggest concerns surrounding Brexit, and, as a number of property experts come forward expressing concern, what can homeowners come to expect?
Feast or Famine in the house price market?
Jan 2019
All eyes will no doubt be on the property market this year as Brexit starts to get underway. However it would appear that UK house prices actually grew at an annual pace of 0.5% in December – although this is the slowest rate in nearly 5 years.
House prices continue to flat line
Nov 2018
According to stats from the Nationwide Building Society, house prices rose at their slowest annual rate for five years, due in part to a sustained period of economic uncertainty.
