When it comes to buying residential property, homebuyers divide into two camps: those who prefer the modern comforts of a new-build home and those who adore old houses.

Northern towns trails the rest of UK when it comes to growth in property asking prices over the past decade, while Margate has been identified as the number one property hotspot.

While London remains the weakest performing area of the UK, the capital continued its recent upward trend with annual house price inflation accelerating for a third straight month to now stand at 4.5%. This was double the rate recorded in December and its strongest performance in over a year.

The UK is trailing behind a number of other major European nations when it comes to the delivery of new homes during the pandemic, according to data released by Unlatch.

At the close of another year we gratefully pause to wish you a warm and happy Holiday Season. Best wishes from everyone at Victor Michael for a New Year filled with Peace and Happiness.

Lockdowns and the race for space have seen the already competitive rural housing market reach fever pitch in recent months. But while a rural property may solve some housing issues, unless you are armed with the correct information, other problems may arise, particularly when it comes to access.

From Greta to Glasgow, all eyes are on environmental issues. Currently underway, COP26 is expected to produce a string of commitments relating to reducing emissions, with 200 countries laying out their plans to do so by 2030.

Despite rising inflation and the end of both the furlough scheme and stamp duty holiday, UK house price growth continues to deny economic gravity as we head into the festive period. However, what goes up must surely come down – eventually.

The stamp duty holiday deadline ended on 30 June but buyers have until 30 September to take advantage of the lower stamp duty holiday threshold of £250,000. Landlords will be able to save up to £2,500 although they still have to pay the 3% stamp duty surcharge for owning more than one property.

Although property investment is worth serious consideration as an alternative to traditional pensions for one’s retirement income, you need to consider that pensions in their current format are extremely tax efficient.

So officially Covid restrictions are stopping gradually, how will the property market adjust?