The cost of moving home in the UK has always extended beyond deposits and mortgage repayments—but recent figures highlight just how significant one particular expense has become: Stamp Duty.

As the Bank of England prepares for its upcoming Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, uncertainty continues to ripple through the UK housing market. New research reveals a divided outlook among homeowners regarding where mortgage rates are headed over the next 12 months , showing how unpredictable the current financial climate has become.

Larger estate agencies are often the most visible. Their boards are dotted across neighbourhoods, their branding is familiar, and their presence—both online and on the high street—can feel reassuring. There’s a perception that if an agent has more listings, they must be doing something right.

With new legislation coming into force from 1 May 2026, tenants across the private rented sector will have the legal right to request permission to keep a pet, & crucially, landlords will no longer be able to unreasonably refuse. While this marks a positive step for animal lovers, it also reshapes the way tenancies are assessed, agreed, & managed.