Docklands News

The government plans to cut homebuying times by four weeks and shift some costs from buyers to sellers under new proposals. Proposed changes include requiring property sellers and estate agents to provide more information upfront, implementing earlier binding contracts, and setting new qualifications and standards for agents and conveyancers. Housing Secretary Steve Reed said that these reforms should simplify the buying process, potentially saving first-time buyers an average of £710 and cutting transaction time by one month. 

BBC News (06/10/2025)   Financial Times (06/10/2025)   The Daily Telegraph (06/10/2025)   The Standard (06/10/2025)  

Over 150 high-rise construction projects in the UK are stalled due to delays from the Building Safety Regulator, with over half in London. The Construction Plant-Hire Association (CPA) reports that crane fleets remain idle as developers await approvals. Steven Mudholland, CPA chief executive, said: "Everything's on a downward spiral." 

City AM (06/10/2025)  

Property prices in the UK rose by 0.5% month-on-month in September to £271,995, with annual growth at 2.2%, according to Nationwide. However, flat prices decreased by 0.3%, highlighting a disparity between property types. In London, house prices nudged up by 0.6% in the third quarter of the year compared with the previous three months, to an average of £527,694, However, Budget uncertainty has caused a slowdown in price increases, particularly among buyers at the top end of the market. 

Daily Mail (02/10/2025)   Financial Times (02/10/2025)   The Daily Telegraph (02/10/2025)   The Guardian (02/10/2025)  

London has maintained its position as the top city in the European Cities Growth Index (ECGI), according to LaSalle Investment Management's latest report. The capital's strong expected employment growth contributed to its ranking. Paris follows closely, boasting the highest human capital score. In the UK, the Manchester-Liverpool area and Bristol improved their rankings due to anticipated defence spending impacts. 

City AM (30/09/2025)  

London Mayor Sadiq Khan is considering reducing the affordable housing requirement for new developments. City Hall acknowledges that the capital faces a significant challenge, with the government estimating a need for 87,992 new homes annually from 2026. Councils are currently spending £5.5m a day on homelessness, mainly on temporary accommodation, up from £4.2m in 2023/24, underscoring the scale of the housing crisis. In 2024/25, only 3,991 affordable homes were started, with just 312 completed between April and June. 

The Standard (01/10/2025)  

UK house sales in August rose 2% year-on-year to an estimated 93,630, though this was 2% lower than July, following three months of consecutive increases, according to HMRC. Mortgage approvals for house purchases also fell slightly, from 65,161 in July to 64,680 in August, reflecting cautious buyer sentiment. Experts noted that while the market shows steady annual growth, economic uncertainty and high interest rates are prompting some homeowners to reconsider moving. Easing mortgage costs and softening house prices are helping to restore confidence, but upcoming events, including the November Budget and Bank of England decisions, will influence future transactions. Overall, analysts expect sales volumes to remain broadly in line with current levels. 

City AM (01/10/2025)   Daily Mail (01/10/2025)   The Independent (01/10/2025)   The Standard (01/10/2025)