Docklands News

London's property price growth is stagnating at 0.7% - making it the worst performing area of the UK. Many sellers are slashing prices due to prolonged listings and rising supply, particularly in prime areas. Speculation surrounding a potential new property tax in the autumn Budget has left buyers hesitant, compounded by the abolition of the non-dom tax regime, which is driving away wealthy residents. Average house prices in prime central London have dropped significantly since 2014. Meanwhile, transaction levels are notably low, with properties often requiring substantial price reductions to attract buyers. But in some places, where reasonably priced homes continue to attract interest, there are still pockets of demand. Overall, the market's uncertainty is leading to a buyer's market, with many vendors opting to rent their properties instead. 

The Mail on Sunday (21/09/2025)  

A study by Nationwide examines how proximity to rail, underground, and tram services influences property buyers and renters in London, Manchester, and Glasgow. It highlights that over 80% of Londoners find access to transport crucial, with significant weekly usage, compared to around 60% in Manchester and Glasgow. Homebuyers in London are reportedly paying an 8% premium for properties within 500 metres of a station, about £42,700 more than those 1,500 metres away. Greater Manchester and Glasgow also observe similar trends, albeit at lower premiums. The pandemic has shifted housing preferences, but there is evidence of a gradual return to pre-COVID commuting levels. Additionally, research shows many older homeowners have delayed moving plans due to market conditions. 

Daily Mail (23/09/2025)   The Daily Telegraph (23/09/2025)   The Guardian (23/09/2025)   The Standard (23/09/2025)  

A new report by Skipton Building Society and Oxford Economics warns that 98% of young adults living with parents cannot afford a home locally, locking 5m people out of ownership. Skipton’s CEO Stuart Haire calls this a "stark" generational crisis with major social and economic consequences. While Labour has pledged 1.5m new homes, Haire argues the problem is "more complicated" than building alone, citing infrastructure, safety, and regulation. Construction remains sluggish, with housing starts collapsing. He urges property tax reform, especially on stamp duty, to ease barriers for first-time buyers and revive housing-driven economic growth. 

City AM (25/09/2025)   The Times (25/09/2025)  

Britain's home-buying process is "antiquated," causing over 500,000 failed transactions annually, costing movers £560m and the wider economy £950m, according to Santander. One in three deals collapses, often due to gazumping, delays, or survey issues, with average losses of £1,240. The system, rooted in the 1925 Law of Property Act, relies on paper-based, slow, and complex processes. Conveyancing faces staff shortages, rising regulation, and undervaluation, exacerbating delays. Experts call for greater digitisation, upfront information, standardised documents, and a centralised property system, while stressing that technology cannot replace professional judgment. Reform could improve efficiency, reduce failures, and modernise a process largely unchanged since the pre-digital era, benefiting buyers, sellers, and the economy. 

The Times (25/09/2025)  

Official figures show that house prices increased by 2.8% in the year to July, marking a slowdown on the 3.6% recorded in June. Office for National Statistics data shows that average property prices in England were up 2.7% year-on-year, hitting £292,000. The typical price rose 2% to £209,000 in Wales, while a 3.3% increase took the average in Scotland to £192,000. Meanwhile, average UK rents increased 5.7% to £1,348 per month in August, with slower rises across all regions. Experts attribute the cooling housing market to weaker demand, high mortgage costs, and inflation pressures. Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at AJ Bell, noted that "markets are hedging their bets on the potential for one final interest rate cut in 2025," with this expected to dampen activity in the housing market as mortgages remain higher. Looking across 317 local authorities in England and Wales shows that 9.1% of homes were affordable to those who worked there in 2024. The most affordable local authority in London was Tower Hamlets, with a ratio of 9.4; all other areas in London had ratios of 12 or higher, with Kensington and Chelsea the highest at 35.5.

City AM (18/09/2025)   Daily Mail (18/09/2025)   Mortgage Finance Gazette (18/09/2025)   The Independent (18/09/2025)   The Standard (18/09/2025)  

Buying agent Jo Eccles expects London house prices to remain largely flat over the next year, with turnkey properties outperforming due to buyer reluctance to renovate. She warns landlords are exiting the market because of rising costs and regulation, affecting rental supply. Eccles advises investing in well-managed areas, futureproofing purchases, and using neutral experts in transactions. First-time buyers benefit from strategic choices, while buy-to-let yields remain low compared with alternatives like government bonds. 

The Mail on Sunday (14/09/2025)