Your weekend roundup of top news, views and features

Long-term empty homes total tops 300,000

Chris Hodgkinson, of the House Buyer Bureau, says we need to make better use of the existing housing stock.

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New interest-free loan scheme for first-time buyers set up

Scottish Housing Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville says the First Homes Fund will offer first-time buyers £10,000 towards a deposit.

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Landlord income up 23% but arrears are significant

Managing risk and the right portfolio structures are vital in keeping rental properties profitable, says LegalforLandlords’ Sim Sekhon.

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Simplify Right to Rent guidance, urges Propertymark

Agents need clearer guidance and practical tools to help them comply with Right to Rent rules.

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HOUSE PRICE ANALYSIS: Why tenure and timing matter to city property prices

Kate Faulkner reviews new analysis of tenure and moving patterns, which offers another perspective on why property prices can vary between cities.

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AWARDS ENTRY TIPS: Evidence to include in your award entry

Metrics, testimonials, screenshots, retention figures, workflows and reviews - the best entries for The Negotiator Awards should combine storytelling with substantiated results.

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INTERVIEW: The Negotiator Awards judges reveal the secrets to standing out

Storytelling and strategy is what we’re looking for. The Judges tell Charlotte Flake what impresses and what disappoints when it comes to submissions for The Negotiator Awards.

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ENTRY GUIDANCE: The good, the bad and the award-worthy

From impressive growth stats to unsupported claims and missing evidence, here’s how the judges sort the wheat from the chaff at The Negotiator Awards.

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House prices drop annually for first time in three years

The latest Lloyds House Price Index suggests sellers are reluctant to accept lower offers, so the market is slower.

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Property Tribunal cases already rising since Renters’ Rights Act

Tenants are using their rights to challenge landlords but Savills’ Lucian Cook queries if courts can cope.

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BLOG: The sale of OpenRent - a watershed moment

Adam Walker says the OpenRent deal highlights the changing dynamics of the lettings market, with regulation creating new opportunities.

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Estate agency chief reveals big AI rollout for branches

Boss of TPFG, which operates dozens of estate agency brands across the UK including Martin & Co, says tech is designed to both save costs and increase turnover for franchisees.

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One in four landlords in rent arrears

“Most renters are continuing to meet their housing costs, but many household budgets remain stretched," explains Bethan Cooke, director of Pegasus Insight.

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Landlord register to launch in December

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook says the rollout of a national landlord registration service will empower tenants.

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Rightmove calls on agents to help bust property market myths

The portal’s Director of Agency Partnerships Christian Balshen says the work of estate agents is often underestimated.

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Agents turn on rivals accused of unrealistic valuations

GetAgent's Colby Short says vendors share some of the blame for prioritising price over service when choosing an estate agent.

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Awards entries deadline extended by one week

This is the final call for entries to The Negotiator Awards, which closes for entry on 21st September – your last chance to give your business and team the ultimate boost for success in 2027. Nominate your company and staff – 35 categories to challenge for. Click to choose the best for you. Start your bid for glory this weekend.

Click here to read Awards entries deadline extended by one week.