Docklands News

House prices in the UK have reached a record high, according to Halifax, hitting an average of £299,331. Property prices were up by 0.3% month-on-month in August, marking the third consecutive month of increases. On an annual basis, prices were up 2.2% on August 2024. First-time buyer property values saw a slight decrease to £237,577, potentially linked to stamp duty adjustments. Regional performance is mixed, with Northern Ireland (8.1% annual growth) and Scotland (4.9%) leading, while the South West experienced a 0.8% price fall. London remains the most expensive market, with growth of 0.8% and an average property value of £541,615. Amanda Bryden, head of mortgages at Halifax, said: "The story of the housing market in 2025 has been one of stability." She noted that since January, prices have risen by less than £600, "underlining how steady the market has been despite wider economic pressures." Halifax forecasts slow and steady price growth, citing improving affordability and lower interest rates, but notes that uncertainty over potential budget tax changes could affect the market. 

Daily Mail (06/09/2025)   The Daily Telegraph (06/09/2025)   The Guardian (06/09/2025)   The Standard (06/09/2025)  

Britain’s housing market has slowed sharply amid speculation that Rachel Reeves may scrap stamp duty and council tax in favour of an annual property tax. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) reported falling buyer inquiries, fewer agreed sales, and initial price declines, with East Anglia and southwest England hardest hit. Estate agents say negative media coverage is unsettling buyers and sellers alike, with new instructions also down. Overall, agents expect subdued activity until after November’s budget, though some forecast modest price recovery within a year. Affordability remains a challenge: just 12% of UK homes are priced under £150,000, with Croydon, Sunderland and Aberdeen among the few entry points for budget-conscious buyers. 

Daily Mail (11/09/2025)   The Standard (11/09/2025)   The Times (11/09/2025)  

New data shows a decline in housebuilding in several UK council areas, particularly in Greater London. Islington Council reported a 90.2% drop in newly completed homes. Other areas like Hounslow, Luton, Harlow, and Slough also faced significant reductions. The Independent says the trend poses a challenge to the Labour Party's goal of constructing 1.5m new homes by 2029. The Office for National Statistics revealed over 1m planning permissions remain unbuilt in England. The Housing Secretary's office attributed the crisis to the previous Conservative government's removal of mandatory housing targets, and aims to expedite development. 

The Independent (10/09/2025)  

Despite major obstacles such as rising house prices - which increased to an average of £271,079 in August - and mortgage payments that consume 44% of first-time buyers' salaries, Millennials and Gen Z remain strongly committed to homeownership. Research from fintech Revolut found more than 35% of Gen Z and 40% of Millennials consider property the most effective way to grow wealth. Older generations, by contrast, while holding significant mortgage-free property assets, are less likely to see homeownership as the sole route to financial security, favouring diversified strategies such as cash savings (25%) and stock market investments (24%). The research also shows Millennials are 20% more likely to hold their investments through market downturns, reflecting the importance of early and diversified investing, according to Revolut UK chief executive Yana Shkrebenkova. 

City AM (09/09/2025)  

The 332-unit One Thames Quay development on the Isle of Dogs, formerly known as 225 Marsh Wall, is now complete. Designed by Make, with Design Delivery Unit as executive architects, it is part of the regeneration of South Quay. All the apartments are dual-aspect. Shared amenities include a gym, games room, two lounges and outdoor play areas, as well as a roof terrace with panoramic views. Renewable energy is generated by air source heat pumps on the roof to power its heating and colling via an ambient loop system. Half of the site is given over to landscaping and public open space. There is also a floor of start-up office space for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Architects' Journal (02/09/2025)  

UK house prices unexpectedly fell in August, with Nationwide reporting a 0.1% decline to an average of £271,079. Economists had predicted a 0.2% rise, but instead prices slipped for the fourth time in six months, leaving values 0.4% lower over the summer despite a brief gain in July. Annual house price inflation slowed to 2.1%, down from 2.4% in July and over 4% earlier in the year. Nationwide’s chief economist Robert Gardner said affordability pressures remain intense, with first-time buyers now spending about 35% of their take-home pay on mortgage repayments, compared to a long-run average of 30%. Higher living costs and stubbornly elevated mortgage rates continue to squeeze demand. Analysts expect subdued growth in the housing market through the remainder of the year, unless wage growth and gradual interest rate cuts ease affordability pressures. 

BBC News (02/09/2025)   Daily Mail (02/09/2025)   The Daily Telegraph (02/09/2025)   The Standard (02/09/2025)