News Archive for 2025

The 2025 Autumn Budget Explained: What It Really Means for Buying, Selling, Remortgaging, Saving and Your Future

Autumn Budget 2025: key changes for home buyers & sellers, remortgages, cash ISAs (new £12k limit from 2027), savings tax rise, Triple Lock pension boost and inheritance tax rules explained

Written by: Administrator

House Burping: The Quick Trick to Beat Stale Smells and Mould This Winter

“House burping” inspired by the German practice StoBluften is a quick way to stop mould, damp and musty smells during winter. Instead of leaving windows ajar all day, you open several windows and doors wide for 5 -10 minutes to create a cross-breeze. This flushes out moisture-heavy air without cooling down your home. Doing it once or twice a day, especially after showers, cooking, or drying clothes indoors, can help prevent condensation and keep your home fresh and cosy.

Written by: Administrator

Interest Rates Cut to 4% – What It Means for You

The Bank of England has just reduced interest rates from 4.25% to 4%, marking the lowest level since March 2023. This decision will impact everything from your mortgage and savings to prices and pensions. Let’s break down what this actually means in real life.

Written by: Administrator

Big Changes Ahead for Commercial Rent Rules in England and Wales

The UK Government is planning to ban upward-only rent reviews in new commercial leases across England and Wales under the proposed English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. This reform aims to revitalize town centres and reduce long-term retail vacancies by making commercial rents more flexible.Under the new rules, landlords can still use fixed, stepped, index-linked, turnover-based, or market-reviewed rents provided the reviews allow both upward and downward adjustments. Existing leases with upward-only clauses will remain valid until they expire.While the move is intended to boost local economies, it has raised concerns among landlords, investors, and property professionals, particularly regarding the impact on property values and investment confidence. The proposal is expected to be debated in Parliament later this year.

Written by: Administrator

Major EPC System Update Coming in two weeks: What Agents and Landlords Need to Know

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) system will undergo major changes in mid-June with the adoption of an updated RdSAP method. These changes aim to improve accuracy, especially for flats and mid-terrace properties, and will place a stronger emphasis on documented proof of energy-saving improvements. Landlords and agents should prepare by gathering detailed records to avoid lower EPC scores.

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UK Mortgage Lending Hits Four-Year High as Buyers Rush to Beat Stamp Duty Deadline

UK mortgage lending hit a four-year high in March 2025 as buyers rushed to complete purchases before a stamp duty rise on 1 April. While borrowing spiked by 290%, new mortgage approvals fell for the third straight month, indicating potential cooling in future market activity. Lenders are now cutting rates and loosening criteria amid expectations of a Bank of England rate cut.

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Bank of England Holds Interest Rate Steady Amid Economic Uncertainty

The Bank of England has kept its base interest rate at 4.5%, choosing a cautious approach amid slow economic growth and rising inflation. After a small rate cut in February, the Bank is pausing further changes as it monitors both domestic and global economic conditions. Inflation reached 3% in January and may rise further, while GDP shrank slightly and wage growth remains high. Although more rate cuts are expected later this year, the Bank isn’t ready to act until inflation shows clearer signs of stabilizing.

Written by: TopMove Administrator

Landlord Licences Aimed at Eliminating Unsafe HMOs

Brent Council is proposing to reinstate a stricter HMO licensing scheme to tackle unsafe rental properties and improve management standards. The scheme would require landlords of smaller HMOs (with three or more tenants from different households) to obtain a licence, ensuring compliance with safety regulations. The council believes licensing is crucial for tenant welfare and seeks public feedback on the proposed changes.

Written by: Administrator Source: Top Move

FCA Considers Relaxing Mortgage Rules and Contactless Payment Limits to Boost Economy

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is reviewing strict mortgage lending rules introduced after the 2008 financial crisis, potentially making it easier for people to borrow for homes. It is also exploring the removal of the £100 cap on contactless card payments. These measures are part of broader efforts to stimulate economic growth, as requested by UK government leaders. The FCA will examine the balance between consumer protection and promoting economic activity.

Written by: Administrator Source: Top Move

FCA Considers Relaxing Mortgage Rules and Contactless Payment Limits to Boost Economy

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is reviewing strict mortgage lending rules introduced after the 2008 financial crisis, potentially making it easier for people to borrow for homes. It is also exploring the removal of the £100 cap on contactless card payments. These measures are part of broader efforts to stimulate economic growth, as requested by UK government leaders. The FCA will examine the balance between consumer protection and promoting economic activity.

Written by: Administrator Source: Top Move

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