Your weekend roundup of news, views and features

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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The Property Ombudsman expels three property businesses

Three businesses expelled for £1,000 of owed awards as Lesley Horton of The Property Ombudsman warns paying redress is not optional.

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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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Estate agent CRM software platforms embrace the AI revolution

CRMs are the absolute bedrock of your agency. Now AI is unlocking your dormant data with promising results, discovers Lisa Isaacs.

Click here to read Estate agent CRM software platforms embrace the AI revolution.

The Ombudsman Files – Goodwill property repair turns into grievance

The Property Ombudsman highlights the importance of contractor oversight, communication and complaint handling when a property repair goes wrong.

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Sir Charles Dunstone vows to continue backing Purplebricks as losses mount

The online agent has published its 2025 annual report, revealing the level of financial support required from the Carphone Warehouse founder.

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Scrap local licensing when national database launches, says Propertymark

Propertymark's Tim Thomas says the Government needs to ditch any local discretionary schemes once the landlord register is in place.

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BLOG: What the main AI platforms mean for estate agency marketing

Nelly Berova looks at how to reach customers via AI - and what you need to do to get your estate agency cited.

Click here to read BLOG: What the main AI platforms mean for estate agency marketing.

Awaab’s Law set to be extended to private landlords

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook says the Government is moving to extend Awaab’s Law to private landlords.

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Shadow Housing Secretary backs scrapping Renters’ Rights Act and Stamp Duty

Shadow Housing Secretary Katie Lam has made a series of controversial housing pledges at the Tory party conference.

Click here to read Shadow Housing Secretary backs scrapping Renters’ Rights Act and Stamp Duty.

BLOG: Why integrations are becoming a key part of the property CRM buying decision

Kerfuffle's Simon Whale explains why the ability to connect your existing PropTech stack should be high on the list when choosing a new property CRM.

Click here to read BLOG: Why integrations are becoming a key part of the property CRM buying decision.

Moving costs drop amid slower house price growth

Upfront moving costs have dropped but the longer-term picture is far less reassuring, says Rob Houghton, founder of Reallymoving.

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More flats selling at a loss amid leasehold and building safety concerns

Agents and vendors are facing struggles when it comes to selling flats across the country, says e.surv's Rob Owens.

Click here to read More flats selling at a loss amid leasehold and building safety concerns.

COMMENT: How will a faltering UK economy affect the property market?

Rising inflation, higher fuel costs and the prospect of another interest rate rise could see a resilient property market come under renewed pressure, says Kate Faulkner.

Click here to read COMMENT: How will a faltering UK economy affect the property market?.