Docklands News

Faced with rising rents and a daunting housing market, a growing number of young couples are choosing to buy property early in their relationships - often before marriage or even long-term commitment. A recent survey by Skipton Building Society found that 64% of couples now prioritise home ownership over tying the knot, driven by the financial benefits of splitting costs. While some see early joint purchases as practical and successful, others have struggled to untangle shared assets after breakups, even with legal agreements in place. The pressure to buy can bring emotional strain, with friends and families often voicing concern that relationships are being fast-tracked under economic duress. Legal experts warn that without deeds of trust or clear agreements, love-struck buyers risk serious complications if romance fades. 

The Daily Telegraph (28/06/2025)  

The number of mortgages approved for home purchases in the UK rose to 63,000 in May, an increase of 2,400 from April and the first month-on-month rise of 2025, according to the Bank of England. Remortgaging approvals also increased by 6,200 to 41,500, the highest jump since February 2024. Despite less generous stamp duty relief from April, changes to lenders' affordability assessments and stabilised mortgage rates have supported renewed confidence among buyers. 

Financial Times (30/06/2025)   The Independent (30/06/2025)   The Standard (30/06/2025)   The Times (30/06/2025)  

New research from smart security brand Ring reveals that 75% of Brits struggle to relax on holiday, with 64% concerned about home issues. The study highlights that 54% worry about home security, while 41% fret over their pets. Over a third (35%) have faced problems like break-ins or missed deliveries during trips. To alleviate these concerns, many rely on friends or technology, with 68% stating that virtual monitoring would help them unwind. Dave Ward, Managing Director EU and International at Ring, noted: "Our research shows that home security is the number one worry stopping Brits from truly unwinding on holiday." 

Daily Mail (02/07/2025)  

Places for London, TfL's wholly-owned property company, has picked Ballymore to be its joint venture partner for a new residential development at the Limmo Peninsula. The five hectare site within the Royal Docks and close to Canning Town tube station will be transformed into a new neighbourhood providing around 1,400 homes. The development "will be one of our most ambitious developments to date, showing how we can work with the private sector to benefit from the unique opportunities that our estate provides, and helps us as part of TfL to support London’s continued growth", commented Ben Tate, head of property development at Places for London. ” We’re looking forward to creating a thriving and inclusive new residential neighbourhood, that is safe and child friendly, with excellent transport and active travel connections".

BE News (24/06/2025)   Construction Enquirer (24/06/2025)  

The recent changes to non-dom tax rules have significantly impacted London's prime housing market, leading to a 35.8% drop in transactions in May compared to the previous year. 

Financial Times (21/06/2025)  

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is set to review lenders' risk-taking to enhance home ownership in the UK. The regulator aims to initiate a "public conversation" regarding the "future of the mortgage market" to support economic growth through revised mortgage rules. The FCA's focus includes broadening access for underserved groups, such as first-time buyers and the self-employed. According to the latest Financial Lives survey, only 29% of adults own their homes, a decline from 33% in 2023. David Geale, executive director at the FCA, commented: "We want to evolve our mortgage rules to help more people access sustainable home ownership." The consultation will explore ways to reduce borrowing costs and improve access to affordable mortgage products. The Times notes that the FCA will also consider reforms that could allow renters to use their rental payment history as proof of their ability to afford a mortgage. 

City AM (25/06/2025)   The Standard (25/06/2025)   The Times (25/06/2025)