Last week we heard about fresh developments from both Taylor Wimpey and Barratt Homes, which comes as a welcome reminder that not every property-based firm is being put off by the political instability that the UK has suffered for years now.
We also saw that more renters had to cope with rent hikes this year, apparently due to the tenant fees ban introduced on 1 June.
While this clearly isn’t something tenants would have welcomed, at least these costs are transparent thanks to the regulation.
The news that Southampton as well as Basingstoke & Deane are areas where second homeowners will buy more property (for investment or as a holiday home) in the next couple of years got a mixed reaction.
Some seemed surprised those areas are expected to be in demand, though one reader wrote in to point out that Eastleigh and Chandlers Ford just outside Southampton are both very desirable areas to buy.
And finally – I can ignore it no more – onto the General Election this Thursday.
I’m not arrogant enough to tell you which party to vote for, but I recommend checking out the summary I’ve written of the housing policies of the three main parties – Labour, the Lib Dems and the Conservatives – when making your decision.
While Brexit may take the headlines, and your attitude towards that should be an important factor in how you vote, the three parties all have distinct priorities when it comes to the housing market.
See you on the other side.
Ryan Bembridge
Editor
PropertyWire
