Expert views
Commentary submitted by David Fell in their own words.
Back to profile‘New era’ for private renters as stronger rights and protections come into force
There are now more renters in their 30s and 40s, often with children at school, who value staying in the same home long-term.
‘Positive signal’ as more mortgage lenders join this week’s rate cuts flurry
This pivot has given lenders breathing room to make rate reductions and pass savings onto borrowers, first-time buyers in particular.
Average fixed mortgage rates edge down but ‘too soon’ to signal a turning point
If rates do begin to drop, lenders will get increasingly busy as borrowers look for another product at a more competitive rate.
Survey suggests planning processes ‘not the cause’ of slow housing delivery
A rising number of sites with planning permission are no longer profitable to develop.
Landlords and tenants ‘face rising costs from mortgage mayhem’
If interest rates remain materially elevated, there is a risk that we will see a second round of elevated rental growth.
‘Most and least affordable’ parts of Britain for first-time buyers revealed
If sustained, the recent uplift in mortgage rates is likely to provide a further drag on both affordability.
Housing market ‘struggling for momentum amid global uncertainty’
Around 65% of mortgage products currently on the market saw pricing increase between January and March, rising by an average of 0.18%.
Plans to cap ground rents ‘could bring estimated £8.7bn windfall for landlords’
More first-time buyers means that most purchasers of new leasehold homes today require a mortgage.
Taylor Wimpey cautions over another earnings drop in 2026 in tough market
2025 was another tough year for many housebuilders, giving the government a growing headache regarding its 1.5 million homes target.
One in three students have thought about dropping out due to rent costs – survey
Most students have seen rents rise faster than inflation, with average prices up 31 per cent over the last five years.
Zoopla seeing strongest February in decade for new property listings
Twenty per cent of homes sold this month had been on the market for more than six months.
Average £2,000 headache for home buyers from collapsing property chains – survey
Lengthening transaction times are creating particular frustration for buyers.