This week, a mixed bag; house prices are rising due to falling mortgage rates and wage growth, but homeownership still remains challenging for many. Notwithstanding this, market confidence appears to be tentatively rising. Meanwhile, councils like Milton Keynes are stepping in to tackle rent gaps, while Labour’s housing plan faces scrutiny for not addressing middle-class homeownership concerns. Landlords are also pushing for tax incentives to improve energy efficiency, reflecting broader economic and sustainability pressures in the property market.

UK house prices are rising sustainably due to falling mortgage rates and wage growth, boosting buyer confidence. The average price is close to a record high, with a 4.7% annual increase. Mortgage affordability has improved, with more mortgage agreements secured compared to last year, supported by lower interest rates and stronger market certainty.

Milton Keynes City Council is offering to “top-up” private rents to help families in temporary accommodation secure stable homes. This initiative aims to make renting more affordable by covering the gap between rent and what tenants can afford. The scheme also helps reduce homelessness and cuts the cost of maintaining temporary housing.

Labour’s housing strategy emphasises renters’ reforms and social housing boosts, but it appears to lack clear measures to address the homeownership crisis among the “squeezed middle.” Planning reforms are likely insufficient to meet housing demand, and without more incentives for developers, the party’s goal of 1.5 million new homes is at risk.

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A group of UK landlords are urging Rachel Reeves to implement a Stamp Duty refund scheme for properties retrofitted to achieve an EPC rating of C or higher. The proposal aims to make energy-efficient upgrades more affordable, boost home sales, and support the UK’s net-zero goals by improving energy efficiency in housing.

Who are M2P? Married2Property are a family-run property company that aims to build social good through property.

In news that should shock no one, rental yields in England and Wales still vary significantly across regions, with the North East topping the chart at 8.13%, followed by Wales at 8.07%, and the North West at 7.84%. These regions benefit from more affordable property prices, offering landlords higher returns, while London’s yields remain lower at 5.56%.

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Song of the Week: 🎶 Sweet Home Alabama – Lynard Skynrd 🎸

And Finally… The season of pumpkins and scary movies is upon us. People are scared of lots of weird and wonderful things. And it can be fun to give someone you love a little fright sometimes. Just try not to be a jerk about it…

What do M2P do? Married2Property aims to create social good through by property – by housing more vulnerable groups of people – giving them a stable platform from which to try and improve their lot in life.

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Darren de Wal