Andy Burnham is facing increasing pressure to support the introduction of new council tax bands for higher-value homes. These proposals are part of a wider effort to modernise a system many believe no longer reflects today’s property market.

In recent weeks, we’ve seen a noticeable shift as major lenders begin reducing mortgage rates, signalling a change in momentum after a period of uncertainty. With swap rates easing and lenders keen to attract business, the landscape is becoming increasingly favourable but also more complex for buyers and homeowners. What can this mean for you?

One of the biggest talking points this week has been the 11% week-on-week drop in sales agreed and a drop of 2% on the average asking price of a newly listed properties. While some seasonal softening is entirely normal during the summer holiday period, the scale of this fall has caught the attention of the property industry.

The UK property market is entering a new phase—one defined not by sharp shocks, but by gradual, meaningful shifts in behaviour. The latest data surrounding landlord activity offers a clear indication of this transition, revealing a market that is recalibrating in response to both economic pressures and legislative change.