In Property News This Week:

• House Prices See Modest Growth: The Home Front’s new "House Price Index of Indexes" cuts through the noise of conflicting market data.
• 100% Mortgages Are Back: A potential return to pre-2008 lending practices—what could this mean for buyers?
• Rental Pressures Mount: UK rents continue to climb, putting added strain on tenants.

Russell is joined this week by Marc von Grundherr of Benham & Reeves, who offers deep insights into both the London and global property markets. He describes London as more than just a place to live—calling it a “trophy asset” and a stable, long-term investment. The conversation also explores rent control policies, with a closer look at the unintended consequences seen in Scotland and Berlin.

And in his Diary of a First-Time Buyer, Gareth and his partner are racing toward exchange within three weeks. Their plan? Secure the property, complete some key renovations, and only then make the big move.

For answers to your property questions, email: [email protected]

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In property news this week:

• The Bank of England cuts base rates to 4.25%, offering relief to mortgage holders and optimism to homebuyers—what does this mean for you?
• Knight Frank boosts its UK house price forecast for 2025 to an increase of 3.5%, thanks to improving interest rate conditions
• Sadiq Khan plans to build on parts of London’s Greenbelt to tackle the capital’s deepening housing crisis

Russell is joined this week by conveyancing power duo Lorraine Richardson and Stuart Forsdike, and it’s a deep dive into what really happens between “offer accepted” and “here are the keys.” They talk about covenants, easements, and why it’s neverjust a paperwork exercise. From boundaries to bizarre planning issues, they break down why you need a good conveyancer — and what happens when you don’t.

Plus, they answer the crucial question: what can buyers and sellers actually do to speed up the process and reduce the risk of a fall-through?

And in his Diary of a First-Time Buyer, Gareth Butters is finally getting some answers from Hackney Council... but after a long wait, it turns out the searches are missing some key info. So, flood reports or indemnity insurance — what’s the safer bet?

If you’ve got any property questions you’d like answered on the show, get in touch: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In property news this week:

• Homeowners over 60 now hold an astonishing £2.89 trillion in net housing wealth
• March stamp duty receipts jumped 63% year-on-year, hitting £1.4 billion
• Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire tops the list as the UK’s most expensive rental postcode – with tenants paying 358% above the national average

Russell is joined this week by Lynda Clark from First Time Buyer Magazine to ask: is it still possible to get on the property ladder without a miracle? They talk through the pros and cons of shared ownership, why new builds are often the easiest way in, and how first-time buyers can avoid common mistakes. Plus, how much difference does skipping a daily coffee habit really make when you’re saving for a deposit?

And in his Diary of a First-Time Buyer, Gareth Butters has been studying his surveyor’s report — and now he’s discovered Hackney Council’s average search time is longer than he expected!

If you have any property questions you need answered on the programme, send them to: [email protected]

[00:04:20] – Buying is now cheaper than renting

[00:05:57] – High rents make saving almost impossible

[00:08:14] – Why new builds are ideal for first-time buyers

[00:10:29] – Huge demand, not enough homes

[00:13:38] – Your first home won’t be your last

[00:14:23] – Always speak to a mortgage advisor first

[00:20:41] – Stamp duty is easy to forget

[00:27:06] – The Bank of Mum and Dad is booming

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 In property news this week:

• April mortgage news – lenders now offering 7 x your income (with caveats)
• Sub 4% mortgages now available
• The HMO (houses in multiple occupation) market is worth £78bn

Russell has an exclusive story this week, about one of the major UK property portals. Nigel Lewis from TheNegotiator.co.uk joins him to discuss this and other property news.

And in his "Diary of a First-Time Buyer," Gareth Butters has been studying his surveyor's report!

If you have any property questions you need answered on the programme, send them to: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In property news this week:

• Property transactions were up 50% in March, according to Barclays
• Mortgage rates are going down plus advice on looking out for fees
• The meaning of mortgage "affordability" is changing

One of England's only private islands is on the market, Russell talks to the agents Ed Casson and Simon Pelling about the 380 acres that could be yours for £25m

Plus Nicholas Court from Court & Co Estate Agents with advice for buyers and sellers across the country

And in his "Diary of a First-Time Buyer," Gareth Butters discovers how what happens in Washington is affecting his house purchase in London.

If you have any property questions you need answered on the programme, send them to: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In property news this week:

The latest house price data — are prices going up or down?

Daniel Clarke is a buying agent, but what does a buying agent do? Is he an estate agent – or not – and what's the difference? Daniel explains the ins and outs of searching for a home, the difference between "off" and “on-the-market” properties, and what a "pocket listing," means.

In his "Diary of a First-Time Buyer," Gareth Butters is looking for a home in Islington, North London. Hear his latest update as he negotiates the highs and lows of home-buying. This week, it’s all about the money!

If you have any property questions you need answered on the programme, send them to: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In property news this week:

· The latest data on private rents and an update on the Renters’ Rights Bill

· How many new homes have been built so far this year?

· Landlords beware—especially if you live in Salford, where some have been fined £45,250

Paula Higgins is the founder and CEO of Homeowners Alliance. In this episode, why Brits are obsessed with owning property, and why homeownership is decreasing. Plus, some thoughts on affordability for first-time buyers

Is it better to buy or rent now, financially, and what are the pros and cons of both options? Also, why landlords are selling up and how this could be good news for first-time buyers. In his “Diary of a First-Time Buyer,” Gareth Butters is looking for a home in Islington, North London. Hear his latest update as he negotiates the highs and lows of home-buying.

If you have any property questions you need answered on the programme, send them to: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In property news this week:

·       There’s no sign of a drop in demand for mortgage approvals.

·       The latest house price data from Nationwide, one of the largest lenders in the UK.

·       Everything you need to know about the changes in Stamp Duty, as of April 1st.

Oli Reid is the CEO of Living Redefined. With over 150,000 people in temporary accommodation, what does the government need to do to solve the problem, and where is the money going to come from?

In a wide-ranging conversation, Russell and Oli discuss Britain’s housing crisis and the huge challenges facing the government.

Plus, Gareth Butters is a first-time buyer, looking for a home in Islington, North London. Follow his journey through the cutthroat world of property viewings and appointments as he negotiates the highs and lows of home-buying in his "Diary of a First-Time Buyer."

If you have any property questions you need answered on the programme, send them to: [email protected]

04:23 What do we mean by social housing?

06:53 How many people are living in temporary accommodation in the UK?

08:21 Is there enough social housing in the UK, and how many people are on waiting lists?

17:08 How will the social housing problem be fixed, and where will the money come from?

21:02 The number of empty homes in Britain, and who owns them?

25:50 The Diary of a First-Time Buyer – Has Gareth found his dream home yet?

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In property news this week:

• The latest UK government statistics on housing affordability
• Halifax and Nationwide have released the latest house price index
• Renting a one-bedroom flat is now unaffordable across half of England for key workers

Ben Madden is a director of estate agents, Fine and Country. First-time buyers have rarely had it so good, claims Russ. Does Ben agree? How do estate agents really make their money and is there an argument that they should be charging higher fees? The estate agency fee is on average less than 1% of sale price, lower than most countries in the world. Russell and Ben discuss whether estate agents get a raw deal and whether the estate agency model needs fixing. Plus, are specialist buying agents worthwhile when you're searching for a home? Ben provides some fascinating insights into how estate agents work and how you can work with them to sell your property or find your dream home.

Gareth Butters is a first-time buyer, looking for a home in Islington, North London. Follow his journey through the cutthroat world of property viewings and appointments as he negotiates the highs and lows of home-buying in his first "Diary of a First-Time Buyer."

01:16 Houses are more affordable, according to the latest data

02:35 How long does it take on average to buy and complete on a property?

06:15 Why do estate agents get such a hard time from the media and public?

12:02 What does an estate agent do, exactly, for their fee?

18:37 How long does it take on average to buy a property?

24:18 What is a buying agent and how do they work?

28:00 How should estate agents improve their reputation in the UK?

30:27 First-time buyers have rarely had it so good, does Ben agree?

34:28 The diary of a first-time buyer with Gareth Butters

Get in touch if you have any questions: [email protected]

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