Nationwide’s latest survey, which was released this week, has shown that the average price of a home fell in July for only the second time in 2010. The 0.5 per cent fall has been partly attributed to concern in the economic outlook.

Plans being considered by the Coalition to increase stamp duty for homes with a poor energy rating have been slammed by property experts. The ‘Green Tax’ could add £850 to the cost of buying a new home and can only be recouped by the owners if they radically improve the rating within a year.

And finally, consumer confidence appears to be dwindling, as the latest Rightmove survey has shown that the number of Britons expecting higher house prices in a year’s time has decreased by 9 per cent, largely due to the strict measures being exercised by the Coalition.

UK house prices fall in July for only second time this year

The average price of a UK home fell 0.5pc to £169,347 in July, according to the latest figures from Nationwide Building Society released on Thursday.

Daily Telegraph, 29/07/10
Click here for more details

Hedge your bets with a mix-and-match deal

Mortgage hunters who hoped the summer might provide a definitive answer to the 'to fix or not to fix' question look set to be disappointed.

Daily Mail, 26/07/10
Click here for more details

Green tax could add £850 to cost of buying a home

A new green tax being considered by the government could add £850 to the cost of buying a typical home – and it would require the new owner to spend at least £15,000 on improvements before they would trigger a rebate.

The Guardian, 25/07/10
Click here for more details

Home values 'will fall 8% in next five years as inflation set to outstrip property price rises'

House prices will fall in real terms over the next five years as inflation outstrips meagre rises in value, experts have warned.

Daily Mail, 28/07/10
Click here for more details

Repossessions likely to rise as options run out for struggling homeowners

Homeowners are warned that a three-pronged attack could see the number of repossessions spiral.

The Independent, 25/07/10
Click here for more details

Tough times call for splitting a home in two

Homeowners are discovering the financial benefits of dividing parts of a large house into several separate properties.

The Independent, 25/07/10
Click here for more details

Confidence falls in higher house prices

The number of Britons who predict house prices will be higher in a year’s time has shrunk significantly amid the Government’s austerity measures, claims new research.

Daily Telegraph, 26/07/10
Click here for more details

Send this Newsletter to a friend