Docklands News

UK house prices were broadly flat in November, rising by just £138 month-on-month to a record £299,892, according to Halifax. Annual growth slowed sharply to 0.7%, the weakest since March 2024, reflecting a stable but subdued market shaped by budget uncertainty, high mortgage rates and softer employment. Affordability has improved to its best level since 2015, with mortgage costs as a share of income at a three-year low. Regional trends remain varied: Northern Ireland led the UK with 8.9% annual growth, followed by the North West at 3.2%. Scotland recorded 3.7% growth, Wales 1.9%. Prices fell in London and the East and South East of England, with London still the most expensive region at £539,766. Analysts expect more activity in early 2026, supported by falling interest rates and stable mortgage approvals. The new council tax surcharge on £2m+ homes is expected to have only limited market impact due to the small number of affected properties.

City AM (06/12/2025)   Daily Express (06/12/2025)   Daily Mail (06/12/2025)   The Guardian (06/12/2025)   The I (06/12/2025)   The Standard (06/12/2025)   The Times (06/12/2025)  

The construction sector experienced its most significant output decline in five and a half years, according to a recent S&P Global survey. The purchasing managers' index (PMI) fell to 39.4, indicating a sharp downturn across all sub-sectors, particularly housing, which dropped to 35.4. Investor confidence waned due to a lack of new projects and budget speculation. Thomas Pugh, chief economist at RSM, noted: "Pre-budget speculation about large tax rises was having a significant negative impact on business confidence." However, he added that sentiment should improve in the months ahead as confidence improves after the Budget. 

BBC News (05/12/2025)   City AM (05/12/2025)   The Guardian (05/12/2025)   The Standard (05/12/2025)   The Times (05/12/2025)  

According to Moneyfacts, the number of low-deposit mortgage options has reached its highest level since 2008, benefiting first-time buyers. As of December, there were 476 products for 5% deposits and 917 for 10% deposits. Average two-year fixed mortgage rates fell to 4.86%, while five-year rates dropped to 4.91%, marking the lowest since September 2022. Rachel Springall, a finance expert at Moneyfacts, explained: "The improvement in cost and product availability of mortgages paints a positive picture for borrowers as we edge towards the new year." Overall, 7,054 mortgage options were available in December, up from 6,918 in November. 

The Independent (09/12/2025)   The Mirror (09/12/2025)   The Standard (09/12/2025)  

A London Assembly report warns that the rapid growth of energy-intensive data centres is delaying new housing in the capital, exacerbating the city's housing crisis. Some developments in west London were temporarily stalled after the electricity grid reached full capacity, highlighting energy supply as a constraint on housing and economic growth. While data centres currently account for under 10% of the UK’s electricity demand, usage is expected to rise sharply by 2050, with over half of new centres planned in and around London. The committee recommended creating a separate planning category for data centres and called on long-term investment in the grid to support both housing and digital infrastructure. The government is exploring tailored solutions, including input from the AI Energy Council, while the Mayor is urged to adopt a dedicated data centre policy in the next London Plan.

BBC News (04/12/2025)  

The newly announced mansion tax is expected to have a limited effect on the UK housing market, according to Nationwide. The average house price rose 0.3% in November, reaching £272,998. The tax will apply to homes valued over £2m from April 2028, with a surcharge starting at £2,500. Robert Gardner, Nationwide's chief economist, said: "The high value council tax surcharge . . . will apply to less than 1% of properties in England." Despite a slowdown in annual growth to 1.8%, the housing market remains stable, supported by lower interest rates. 

Daily Mail (03/12/2025)   The Guardian (03/12/2025)   The Independent (03/12/2025)   The Times (03/12/2025)  

Homeowners in England have paid £63bn in stamp duty over the past decade, with nearly £25bn coming from London alone - more than 150% of the combined total paid in the Midlands and the North, according to analysis by Jefferies London. The South East accounted for a further £14.8bn, while the North East contributed just over £583m. Shadow housing secretary James Cleverly warned that the levy is stifling mobility in the housing market, arguing that urgent action is needed as transactions fall. 

The Times (04/12/2025)