Your weekend roundup of news, views and features

Bank of England warns of 'softening' property market

Transaction numbers are down by more than 10% in some areas, the Bank's network of agents says.

Click here to read Bank of England warns of 'softening' property market.

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.

Click here to read New interest-free loan scheme for first-time buyers set up.

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.

Click here to read Landlord income up 23% but arrears are significant.

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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Leasehold property prices slide amid legal and financial concerns

Research suggests buyers are steering clear of leasehold flats due to tough lending criteria and delayed reforms.

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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.

Click here to read AWARDS ENTRY TIPS: Evidence to include in your award entry.

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.

Click here to read ENTRY GUIDANCE: The good, the bad and the award-worthy.

Rental supply falls for first time in three years, Zoopla reveals

A lack of supply rather than the Renters’ Rights Act is pushing rents back up, according to Zoopla’s Richard Donnell.

Click here to read Rental supply falls for first time in three years, Zoopla reveals.

Bank of England reveals latest interest rate decision – industry reaction

Agents comment on The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee's latest move amid rising inflation and continuing economic uncertainty.

Click here to read Bank of England reveals latest interest rate decision – industry reaction.

A new Help to Buy needs better buyer focus, former boss warns

Estate agents insist the market is still moving despite Land Registry data highlighting slowing house price growth.

Click here to read A new Help to Buy needs better buyer focus, former boss warns.

Property buyers waiting for Budget, major housebuilder warns

New Chancellor John Healey delivers his first Budget in October with speculation about possible increases in property taxation.

Click here to read Property buyers waiting for Budget, major housebuilder warns.

FEATURE: Residential conveyancers: 'We're working three years ahead of reforms'

Why wait for buying and selling reforms to become law? Residential conveyancers are already on a public education and implementation mission, says Lisa Isaacs.

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LSL returns robust first half results despite drop in transactions

Group Chief Executive Adam Castleton reports the company's diversified services has protected it from a slow housing market.

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Almost half of would-be property buyers hit pause button

New figures show many potential buyers are now waiting to see what the Budget next month contains.

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Durden & Hunt acquires Diggins & Co in South Essex expansion

The independent agency has acquired established local firm Diggins & Co, with 40% of the properties transferred already having agreed sales.

Click here to read Durden & Hunt acquires Diggins & Co in South Essex expansion.

Deadline to enter is midnight on Monday for The Negotiator Awards 2026

It's the final call for entries and updates to entries for the UK's leading awards programme for estate and letting agents and their suppliers.

To register, just start an entry in your chosen category. Click the link to begin the process. You'll then have until Friday to submit your entry.

Click here to read Deadline to enter is midnight on Monday for The Negotiator Awards 2026.