Docklands News

A report by property consultancy Molior estimates that London will see only 15,000 private homes under construction by January 2027, a drastic decline from the typical 60,000 to 65,000. Currently, around 40,000 homes are being built, but this number is expected to fall due to a lack of new projects and rising construction costs. The report also highlights weak sales rates across all markets. 

The Standard (15/10/2025)  

Leaseholders in Britain are struggling with skyrocketing service charges, making homes difficult to sell. Data from PropertyData shows average charges in London range from £10,000 to £20,000 annually. Michael Dent, director at PropertyData, noted that charges exceeding 2% of a property's asking price deter potential buyers. In some cases, charges have reached six figures. The average service charge in London is now £4,120 per year. 

Daily Mail (15/10/2025)  

The average age of first-time buyers in the UK has decreased from 32 to 31 over the past year, according to TSB's analysis of third-quarter data. London remains the area with the highest average age, at 33, while Wales and Scotland have the lowest, at 30. Meanwhile, a survey by Censuswide reveals that 17% of first-time buyers aim to be mortgage-free before 40. 

The Independent (15/10/2025)   The Standard (15/10/2025)  

Average mortgage rates have risen for the first time since February, with financial information service Moneyfacts recording a month-on-month increase of 0.02%. This took the rate on an average two-year deal to 4.98%, while the average five-year mortgage has risen to 5.02%. The increase comes with lenders anticipating tax rises in next month's Budget, with it suggested that stamp duty may be replaced with an annual property tax while a capital gains tax on sales of homes worth £1.5m or more has also been mooted. Rachel Springall from Moneyfacts said: "Borrowers may well be disappointed to see fixed mortgage rates on the rise," adding: "Volatile swap rates and a cautionary approach among lenders have led to an abrupt halt in consecutive monthly average rate falls."  

Daily Express (14/10/2025)   Daily Mail (14/10/2025)   The Independent (14/10/2025)   The Standard (14/10/2025)  

L&Q has launched The Nest, a new 476-home development on the Greenwich Peninsula comprising Manhattan studios and one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, with prices starting at £399,950 or £86,000 for a minimum shared ownership stake. The homes, which are set within two bronze-framed towers, the tallest reaching 29 storeys, alongside brick mansion buildings arranged around landscaped gardens, are just a two-minute ride from Canary Wharf on the Jubilee Line, eight minutes from London Bridge, and 13 minutes to Westminster. "Off-plan sales at Prime Point have already been well received and we expect strong demand for this latest release", said Claire Brenlund, L&Q sales and marketing director. "Residents will have everything they need right on their doorstep, with many enjoying spectacular views of the City and beyond – making this the perfect place for a mix of local people, city workers and professionals to call home".

This is Local London (08/10/2025)  

UK house prices have shown mixed signals, with Halifax reporting a 0.3% monthly fall in September, reversing August’s modest rise, and annual growth slowing to 1.3%, the weakest since April 2024. The typical property now costs £298,184, while first-time buyer homes average £236,811. The average London price rose 0.6%, to £543,497. Amanda Bryden, Halifax head of mortgages, said: "This slight monthly dip in house prices reflects a housing market that has remained broadly stable . . . many homes are available at a cost well below this headline figure." Analysts point to affordability pressures and uncertainty over the upcoming November Budget, with potential property taxes affecting buyer sentiment. 

City AM (08/10/2025)   The Daily Telegraph (08/10/2025)   The Guardian (08/10/2025)   The Standard (08/10/2025)