https://www.theguardian.com/money/property Latest news and features from theguardian.com, the world's leading liberal voice en-gb Guardian News &amp; Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2026 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:55:53 GMT 2026-06-11T00:55:53Z en-gb Guardian News &amp; Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2026 https://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.png https://www.theguardian.com https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/jun/10/homeless-man-porch-rutland-gate <p>2-8A Rutland Gate had jewel-encrusted bathroom suites and gold wastepaper bins in its 45 rooms, but has lain empty for years. With many people desperate for secure housing, what does the abandonment of this palace tell us about the UK?</p><p>When it last changed hands, in 2020, 2-8A Rutland Gate was Britain’s most expensive house, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2023/apr/08/britain-most-expensive-house-rutland-gate-mansion-london-super-rich-buyer">selling for £210m</a>. The word “house” hardly does it justice; palace is probably more accurate. It is in Knightsbridge, one of the most glamorous parts of London, and has 45 rooms, four lifts, an indoor pool and 116 windows, 68 of which overlook Hyde Park.</p><p>But no one is enjoying those views. This palace has been empty&nbsp;for years.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/jun/10/homeless-man-porch-rutland-gate">Continue reading...</a> Life and style UK news Property Money Housing Communities Society Homelessness Poverty Social exclusion Housing market Social housing Wed, 10 Jun 2026 04:00:09 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/jun/10/homeless-man-porch-rutland-gate Photograph: David Levene/The Guardian Photograph: David Levene/The Guardian Photograph: David Levene/The Guardian Sam Wollaston 2026-06-10T04:00:09Z https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/jun/07/social-housing-119-years-waitlist-current-building-rate <p>Research shows generations of children in England will grow up homeless unless government addresses council housing debt, charity says</p><p>It would take more than a century to clear the social housing waiting lists in England at the government’s current speed of delivering new social homes, research by Shelter has shown.</p><p>The housing charity found that more than 1.3 million households are on a waiting list for a social home, but only 12,198 were built by councils, housing associations or private developers across England last year. This equates to an average of 110 households waiting for every new social home delivered, and it would take 119 years to clear the waiting lists if building continued at the same rate.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/jun/07/social-housing-119-years-waitlist-current-building-rate">Continue reading...</a> Social housing England Local government Labour Housing Communities Politics Society Homelessness Renting property Property Social exclusion Poverty Money UK news Sun, 07 Jun 2026 06:00:26 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/jun/07/social-housing-119-years-waitlist-current-building-rate Photograph: Kevin Walsh/Alamy Photograph: Kevin Walsh/Alamy Photograph: Kevin Walsh/Alamy Jessica Murray Social affairs correspondent 2026-06-07T06:00:26Z https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jun/05/uk-house-prices-fall-for-third-successive-month-amid-iran-war-uncertainty <p>Unexpected monthly drop of 0.1% in May leaves price of typical home at £298,806, says lender Halifax</p><p>UK house prices fell unexpectedly in May as rising mortgage rates fuelled by the war in Iran affected affordability and homebuyer demand.</p><p>The average price of a typical UK home fell by 0.1% in May to £298,806, the third consecutive monthly drop recorded by the lender Halifax. Analysts had been expecting a return to growth, with a consensus of a 0.1% rise forecast for May. The monthly drop followed falls of 0.1% in April and 0.5% in March.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jun/05/uk-house-prices-fall-for-third-successive-month-amid-iran-war-uncertainty">Continue reading...</a> Housing market House prices Property Business Money UK news Fri, 05 Jun 2026 07:27:51 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jun/05/uk-house-prices-fall-for-third-successive-month-amid-iran-war-uncertainty Photograph: Maureen McLean/Shutterstock Photograph: Maureen McLean/Shutterstock Photograph: Maureen McLean/Shutterstock Mark Sweney 2026-06-05T07:27:51Z https://www.theguardian.com/money/gallery/2026/jun/05/homes-for-sale-with-water-views-in-england-and-scotland-in-pictures <p>From a London houseboat with views of the River Thames to a property by a loch in the Inner Hebrides</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/gallery/2026/jun/05/homes-for-sale-with-water-views-in-england-and-scotland-in-pictures">Continue reading...</a> Property Money UK news England Scotland Fri, 05 Jun 2026 06:00:27 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/gallery/2026/jun/05/homes-for-sale-with-water-views-in-england-and-scotland-in-pictures Photograph: The Modern House Photograph: The Modern House Photograph: The Modern House Anna White 2026-06-05T06:00:27Z https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/jun/01/uk-house-prices-fall-interest-rates-nationwide-savills-iran-war <p>Nationwide finds typical price was £278,024 in May, as Savills says Iran war has ‘fundamentally changed’ outlook</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2026/jun/01/uk-house-prices-fall-middle-east-interest-rates-manufacturing-softbank-ai-boom-chipmakers-live-updates">Business live – latest updates</a></p></li></ul><p>House prices fell in the UK for the first time this year in May, as rising interest rates triggered by the war in Iran hurt homebuyer demand.</p><p>The price of the average UK home dropped 0.6% in May compared with the month before, according to the lender Nationwide.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/jun/01/uk-house-prices-fall-interest-rates-nationwide-savills-iran-war">Continue reading...</a> House prices Mortgage rates Mortgages Property Money Housing market Business UK news Mon, 01 Jun 2026 13:49:16 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/jun/01/uk-house-prices-fall-interest-rates-nationwide-savills-iran-war Photograph: Graham Prentice/Alamy Photograph: Graham Prentice/Alamy Photograph: Graham Prentice/Alamy Lauren Almeida 2026-06-01T13:49:16Z https://www.theguardian.com/money/gallery/2026/may/29/period-homes-with-stylish-extensions-for-sale-in-england-in-pictures <p>From a red-brick house with a tower-like extension in the city to a Victorian home with an industrial-style extension in the country</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/gallery/2026/may/29/period-homes-with-stylish-extensions-for-sale-in-england-in-pictures">Continue reading...</a> Property Money UK news Fri, 29 May 2026 06:00:42 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/gallery/2026/may/29/period-homes-with-stylish-extensions-for-sale-in-england-in-pictures Photograph: The Modern House Photograph: The Modern House Photograph: The Modern House Anna White 2026-05-29T06:00:42Z https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/may/29/britons-struggling-mortgage-since-iran-war-began <p>Whether first-time buyers, in between homes or refixing, people tell of impact of higher mortgage rates on housing</p><p>Prospects of cuts in UK interest rates in 2026, which were widely expected at the start of the year, were rapidly extinguished when <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/28/us-israel-launch-strikes-attack-iran-what-we-know-so-far-latest">the Iran war started</a> at the end of February. The renewed threat of inflation means the Bank of England is now expected to raise rates at least once this year, with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/apr/19/bank-bosses-meeting-rachel-reeves-impact-iran-war-uk-economy">mortgage costs</a> staying higher for longer.</p><p>The boss of Britain’s largest housebuilder said on Thursday it was the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/may/28/young-first-time-buyers-face-toughest-time-since-financial-crisis-says-uk-housebuilder">most challenging time to be a first-time buyer</a> since the 2008 financial crisis.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/may/29/britons-struggling-mortgage-since-iran-war-began">Continue reading...</a> Mortgage rates Housing market Mortgages Banks and building societies First-time buyers Money Real estate Property Business House prices Fri, 29 May 2026 05:00:41 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/may/29/britons-struggling-mortgage-since-iran-war-began Photograph: Dominic Lipinski/PA Photograph: Dominic Lipinski/PA Photograph: Dominic Lipinski/PA Jane Clinton 2026-05-29T05:00:41Z https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/may/28/young-first-time-buyers-face-toughest-time-since-financial-crisis-says-uk-housebuilder <p>Barratt Redrow boss says rising interest rates, higher student debt and squeeze on wages hitting property dream</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2026/may/28/uk-young-people-out-of-work-unemployment-first-time-buyers-financial-crisis-inflation-food-prices-business-latest-news-updates">Business live – latest updates</a></p></li></ul><p>The boss of Britain’s largest housebuilder has said it is the most challenging time to be a first-time buyer since the financial crisis, as the dream of home ownership moves increasingly out of reach for many young people.</p><p>A combination of rising interest rates, higher levels of student debt and the squeeze on wages is making it “challenging, very, very difficult” for young people to get on the housing ladder, according to David Thomas, the departing chief executive of Barratt Redrow.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/may/28/young-first-time-buyers-face-toughest-time-since-financial-crisis-says-uk-housebuilder">Continue reading...</a> First-time buyers Housing market Barratt Redrow Construction industry Business Barratt Developments Redrow House prices Property Real estate Money UK news Thu, 28 May 2026 10:09:39 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/may/28/young-first-time-buyers-face-toughest-time-since-financial-crisis-says-uk-housebuilder Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian Joanna Partridge 2026-05-28T10:09:39Z https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/may/24/renting-start-living-garden-renters-rights-act <p>Yes, I could worry about all the money I’ve ‘thrown away’ but, like my fellow renter the Princess of Wales, I’m digging in</p><p>It was cheering to read that William and Kate’s <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/uk/royal-family/article/kate-prince-william-lease-agreement-garden-hm0tddjvt">new lease for Forest Lodge in Windsor</a> stipulates that they must keep the grounds “clean and tidy” and “free from weeds”. Solidarity, comrades! How relatable. For I too am a renter, and know how it feels to live under the landlord’s cosh. My own tenancy agreement says something similar.</p><p>Not that the landlords have ever enforced it. They take what I might euphemistically call a “hands-off” approach, which I acknowledge is preferable to the alternative. I was outside weeding this very afternoon, not because I’m legally obliged to but because I have decided, after four years of letting it slide, to enjoy my garden again.</p><p>Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett is a Guardian columnist</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/may/24/renting-start-living-garden-renters-rights-act">Continue reading...</a> Renting property Prince William Catherine, Princess of Wales Housing Gardens Property Monarchy UK news Sun, 24 May 2026 09:00:53 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/may/24/renting-start-living-garden-renters-rights-act Photograph: amomentintime/Alamy Photograph: amomentintime/Alamy Photograph: amomentintime/Alamy Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett 2026-05-24T09:00:53Z https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/may/23/tracker-mortgages-interest-rate-deal-loan <p>The uncertain interest rate outlook is making tracker deals popular again. We<strong> </strong>look at the pros and cons of both types of loan</p><p>With some experts warning that we may have to brace ourselves for interest rate rises later this year, it might seem odd to suggest considering a tracker mortgage.</p><p>But, amid the economic chaos caused by the Iran war, for some people looking for a home loan or to remortgage, a tracker – where the rate you pay moves up or down in line with the Bank of England base rate – could be a good bet.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/may/23/tracker-mortgages-interest-rate-deal-loan">Continue reading...</a> Mortgages Mortgage rates Property Banks and building societies Money UK news Interest rates Bank of England Business Sat, 23 May 2026 06:00:20 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/may/23/tracker-mortgages-interest-rate-deal-loan Photograph: iWebbtravel/Alamy Photograph: iWebbtravel/Alamy Photograph: iWebbtravel/Alamy Rupert Jones 2026-05-23T06:00:20Z https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/may/22/horden-my-home-is-crying-out-for-change <p><strong>Robert Lodge</strong> calls for action to tackle the ‘housing spiral’ in the County Durham village where he grew up, but is now leaving at 18</p><p>As an 18-year-old who has grown up in Horden and lived on a street due to be knocked down because of a compulsory purchase order, the housing problem is a stark but unsurprising one that I’ve only seen&nbsp;get worse throughout my lifetime – especially after ownership of the homes went from housing associations to private landlords when I was a kid&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/may/18/what-property-auction-taught-me-uk-housing-crisis">A house for £1? What a day at a property auction taught me about the UK housing crisis, 18 May</a>).</p><p>I love where I am from so much, but it is an area crying out for change, and the amount of press attention that Horden gets shows it. I myself feel part of the problem as I am relocating to the saturated north-west to start a degree apprenticeship in Manchester – not because I wanted to move away, but I felt as if there wasn’t the same opportunity at home, although I will certainly move back.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/may/22/horden-my-home-is-crying-out-for-change">Continue reading...</a> Housing Communities Property Society North of England UK news Politics House prices Money Fri, 22 May 2026 16:55:31 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/may/22/horden-my-home-is-crying-out-for-change Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Guardian Staff 2026-05-22T16:55:31Z https://www.theguardian.com/money/gallery/2026/may/22/homes-for-sale-in-england-with-great-gardens-for-parties-in-pictures <p>From a farmhouse with a wildflower meadow to an award-winning London flat with a neat garden for al fresco dining</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/gallery/2026/may/22/homes-for-sale-in-england-with-great-gardens-for-parties-in-pictures">Continue reading...</a> Money Property Gardens Life and style UK news Fri, 22 May 2026 06:00:51 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/gallery/2026/may/22/homes-for-sale-in-england-with-great-gardens-for-parties-in-pictures Photograph: Inigo Photograph: Inigo Photograph: Inigo Anna White 2026-05-22T06:00:51Z https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/may/20/scrap-stamp-duty-and-council-tax-to-fix-london-housing-crisis-thinktank-says <p>Centre for London report finds levy on property wealth would free up homes, fund social housing and help renters save for deposits</p><p>Stamp duty should be scrapped and replaced with a new property wealth tax to fix London’s housing crisis, a leading thinktank has proposed.</p><p>A report on the capital’s property market suggests an annual tax to replace the levy paid when buying a property and council tax would encourage downsizing and raise funds for social housing. It would also help renters to save a house deposit.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/may/20/scrap-stamp-duty-and-council-tax-to-fix-london-housing-crisis-thinktank-says">Continue reading...</a> Housing market Business Stamp duty Council tax UK news London House prices Real estate Property Money Tax Family finances Social housing First-time buyers Housing Society Wed, 20 May 2026 06:00:28 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/may/20/scrap-stamp-duty-and-council-tax-to-fix-london-housing-crisis-thinktank-says Photograph: William Barton/Alamy Photograph: William Barton/Alamy Photograph: William Barton/Alamy Anna White 2026-05-20T06:00:28Z https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/may/18/what-property-auction-taught-me-uk-housing-crisis <p>Some of the homes have been repossessed, while others are being sold off by debt-laden housing associations. Who buys them – and who will end up living there?</p><p>Amid the high-stakes bustle of numbered paddles shooting up and gavels banging down, an unexpected voice calls desperately from the corner of the auction room. “That’s my house,” shouts the woman, watching her home of 20 years up for sale.</p><p>“I live there. You can tell the people who are bidding I’m not coming out of my house,” she continues.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/may/18/what-property-auction-taught-me-uk-housing-crisis">Continue reading...</a> Housing Communities County Durham Society UK news Property Mon, 18 May 2026 09:59:49 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/may/18/what-property-auction-taught-me-uk-housing-crisis Photograph: Jim Wileman/The Guardian Photograph: Jim Wileman/The Guardian Photograph: Jim Wileman/The Guardian Sammy Gecsoyler 2026-05-18T09:59:49Z https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/may/16/record-numbers-of-uk-renters-crowdfunding-to-cover-bills <p>Rent donations on GoFundMe up 60% since 2022, with 100,000 donors helping people keep a roof over their heads</p><p>A record number of people in the UK are turning to crowdfunding to cover rent and household bills, with GoFundMe reporting more rent-related fundraisers were created in April than in any month on record.</p><p>The platform said donations towards rent support had risen by 60% since 2022, with more than 100,000 people a month contributing to help others meet their housing costs.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/may/16/record-numbers-of-uk-renters-crowdfunding-to-cover-bills">Continue reading...</a> Social exclusion Crowdfunding Renting property Society Money UK news Property Technology Household bills Family finances Consumer affairs UK cost of living crisis Business Poverty Housing Disability Shared ownership World news Communities Mental health Sat, 16 May 2026 06:00:02 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/may/16/record-numbers-of-uk-renters-crowdfunding-to-cover-bills Photograph: Supplied Photograph: Supplied Photograph: Supplied Jessica Murray Social affairs correspondent 2026-05-16T06:00:02Z https://www.theguardian.com/money/gallery/2026/may/15/art-deco-modernist-flats-england-scotland-for-sale-in-pictures <p>From a converted art deco hotel in Glasgow to a brutalist apartment in London’s Barbican </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/gallery/2026/may/15/art-deco-modernist-flats-england-scotland-for-sale-in-pictures">Continue reading...</a> Property Money Architecture Culture UK news England Scotland Modernism Art and design Fri, 15 May 2026 06:00:28 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/gallery/2026/may/15/art-deco-modernist-flats-england-scotland-for-sale-in-pictures Photograph: Stow Brothers Photograph: Stow Brothers Photograph: Stow Brothers Anna White 2026-05-15T06:00:28Z https://www.theguardian.com/society/video/2026/may/14/why-do-we-keep-building-on-land-at-risk-of-flooding <p>A <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/feb/18/one-in-nine-new-homes-in-england-built-in-areas-of-flood-risk-study-shows">recent study by Aviva</a> found that one in nine new homes in England are being built on land at risk of flooding – often entirely within planning rules. Josh Toussaint-Strauss investigates how the system allows developers to profit while homeowners bear the cost</p><p></p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/check-long-term-flood-risk">Check your flood risk</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/get-flood-warnings">Sign up for flood warnings</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-flood-plan">Make a flood plan</a></p></li></ul> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/video/2026/may/14/why-do-we-keep-building-on-land-at-risk-of-flooding">Continue reading...</a> Housing Flooding Property Money Consumer affairs Construction industry Housing market Business UK news Thu, 14 May 2026 10:49:02 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/society/video/2026/may/14/why-do-we-keep-building-on-land-at-risk-of-flooding Photograph: Guardian Photograph: Guardian Photograph: Guardian Josh Toussaint-Strauss Joseph Pierce Ali Assaf Ryan Baxter 2026-05-14T10:49:02Z https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/may/14/housing-market-in-england-and-wales-weakening-due-to-iran-war-say-estate-agents <p>Homebuyers more cautious due to possible mortgage rate rises and higher inflation as sellers sit on properties</p><p>Fears of higher mortgage rates and rising inflation as a result of the Middle East conflict are leading to a subdued and downbeat housing market, according to estate agents.</p><p>Demand from potential homebuyers across England and Wales has shown a “noticeable softening” recently, according to a monthly survey of estate agents by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/may/14/housing-market-in-england-and-wales-weakening-due-to-iran-war-say-estate-agents">Continue reading...</a> Housing market House prices Real estate Business UK news Property Money Wed, 13 May 2026 23:01:10 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/may/14/housing-market-in-england-and-wales-weakening-due-to-iran-war-say-estate-agents Photograph: Mike Kemp/In Pictures/Getty Images Photograph: Mike Kemp/In Pictures/Getty Images Photograph: Mike Kemp/In Pictures/Getty Images Tom Knowles 2026-05-13T23:01:10Z https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/may/11/ippr-thinktank-double-lock-england-private-rent-cap-living-costs <p>Influential IPPR proposes capping rents at whichever is lower of consumer price inflation or wage growth</p><p>One of the thinktanks closest to the Labour government is urging ministers to introduce private sector rent controls in England, as the chancellor weighs up how to ease a surge in living costs caused by the Iran war.</p><p>The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has published a paper calling for a rent “double lock”, which would link rent increases to either wages or inflation, depending on which was lower.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/may/11/ippr-thinktank-double-lock-england-private-rent-cap-living-costs">Continue reading...</a> UK cost of living crisis US-Israel war on Iran Renting property Rachel Reeves Housing Property UK news England Labour Mon, 11 May 2026 10:07:15 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/may/11/ippr-thinktank-double-lock-england-private-rent-cap-living-costs Photograph: Anna Berkut/Alamy Photograph: Anna Berkut/Alamy Photograph: Anna Berkut/Alamy Kiran Stacey Policy editor 2026-05-11T10:07:15Z https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/may/10/renters-rights-act-could-worsen-court-delays-without-proper-funding <p>Investment in the courts and legal aid will be vital to deal with the expected increase in contested repossession cases, says <strong>Mark Evans </strong>of the Law Society of England and Wales</p><p>The new <a href="https://housinghub.campaign.gov.uk/renting-is-changing/">Renters’ Rights Act</a> is a step forward in ensuring that both tenants and landlords can access justice, but without proper investment it risks creating new court delays and injustices for both parties (<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/may/05/the-guardian-view-on-the-renters-rights-act-finally-protections-fit-for-the-modern-housing-market">The Guardian view on the Renters’ Rights Act: finally, protections fit for the modern housing market, 5 May</a>).</p><p>The end of “no fault” evictions in England is expected to lead to an increase in the number of contested repossession cases. If courts do not have the funding to handle the increase, delays will grow and leave many people in limbo, as we have recently seen with the <a href="https://www.lawcentres.org.uk/news/hillingdon-law-centre-temporary-closure-our-statement">closure of the Hillingdon Law Centre</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/may/10/renters-rights-act-could-worsen-court-delays-without-proper-funding">Continue reading...</a> Housing Renting property Property Communities Money Society Law UK news Legal aid Sun, 10 May 2026 15:54:50 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/may/10/renters-rights-act-could-worsen-court-delays-without-proper-funding Photograph: Johnny Greig/Alamy Photograph: Johnny Greig/Alamy Photograph: Johnny Greig/Alamy Guardian Staff 2026-05-10T15:54:50Z