Family homes halve in size in under century

A new report from the Post Office has found that the average size of a family home has almost halved over the past 90 years. The report compared newly-built, semi-detached houses in 1924 with the average home being built today. It found many of the former had four bedrooms and an average size of 1,647sq ft, while today's typical home is almost half that size - with three bedrooms and only 925sq ft. The difference, of 722sq ft, is the equivalent of two double-bedrooms. The reports also revealed that almost one in three parents has sacrificed the biggest bedroom in the house to their children.

Housing bubble deflating

Land Registry figures have shown that house price rises in seven out of 10 regions in England and Wales slowed in June. The most dramatic change was in London, where prices rose just 0.1% in June to an average of £437,608, up £536. Experts believe tougher mortgage rules, concerns over an interest rate rise and the strength of the pound have combined to bring growth almost to a complete halt. In the South East, prices rose 0.6%, down from the 1.9% increase registered in April. "I think we have been in a bubble in London and some pockets of the South East. That bubble may now be deflating. There's been a lot of evidence that prices in London and the South East have been losing momentum but nothing with hard data. The Land Registry figures are reliable - although a little dated - but they are gospel,” said Howard Archer, chief UK and European economist at IHS Global Insight.

IMF raises UK forecast

The IMF has upgraded its forecast for UK growth, from a 2.8% to a 3.2% expansion of the economy. Its forecast for global economic growth this year has been lowered however, from 3.7% to 3.4%. Figures due to be published shortly by the ONS are also expected to show second quarter growth in the UK of 0.8%. Writing in the Guardian, Ed Balls acknowledges the figures show an improvement, but maintains Labour's “radical and credible economic plan” is the only way to make Britain “better off and fairer for the future.” In the Evening Standard, Anthony Hilton warns that although the figures highlight the UK’s continuing economic recovery, concerns remain over widening inequality of wealth in the UK.

Eco-home can stay without planning permission

An eco-home made from old tyres and wood crates built without planning permission can stay because of new planning rules, a planning inspector has ruled. Matthew Lepley and Jules Smith built their home in a field in Beaworthy, Devon, having decided not to apply for planning permission as a matter of principle. Neighbours complained and they were ordered by Torridge District Council to leave by February. But in a landmark ruling planners have praised their “passion” and “commitment” to sustainable living and said the building could remain for three years in which time the couple need to prove they are sustainable. Gareth Symons, a planning inspector, said that building was in line with the new National Planning Policy Framework which introduced a new bias in favour of “sustainable development” when it was unveiled in March 2012.

“Midlife stopgap” renter numbers growing

New research from Experian shows that high house prices have forced many single people between the ages of 35 and 55 into small rental accommodation or flat shares. Termed "midlife stopgap" these individuals who are either single or newly separated have become the largest group of renters in the UK, after students, the report found. This group tend to be in full-time employment on an average salary of £20,000 to £29,000. "Renting is no longer the preserve of the young career starters but we increasingly see groups of older people and people of varied wealth joining them," said Nigel Wilson, marketing director at Experian.

Sales to first-time buyers fall

Figures from the National Association of Estate Agents reveal that overall sales made to first-time buyers fell from an average of 25% in May to 20% in June, the lowest level since May 2013. The figures also show that buyers aged 18 to 30 represented just 3% of the total down from 12% for the same month a year ago. While the number of available properties increased to an average of 46 per branch compared to 44 in May, the number of house hunters dropped from an average 374 to 371. Mark Hayward, MD of the NAEA, said: "Things are getting even tougher for first time buyers. Not only do you now need to stump up ridiculously large sums of money in terms of deposits and stamp duty to be able to get on the ladder, but new rules mean buyers will also have to prove they can easily afford repayments now and in the future." Paula Higgins, chief executive of the Home Owners Alliance, commented: "The door is closed to a generation. Young people feel so disenchanted that they are living in their childhood bedroom when they are 35."

House prices slide

House prices have fallen for the first time this year, according to the latest figures from Rightmove. Would-be house sellers lowered asking prices in July, amid stricter mortgage rules and increasing fears of an early interest rate rise. The average asking price on the property portal has fallen by 0.8% in the month to £270,159. Rightmove director Miles Shipside said confidence among buyers may “have taken a knock with suggestions that mortgages are becoming harder to get and repayments may get more costly sooner than originally anticipated.” The fall in asking prices was widespread across England and Wales, and included the south-east and Greater London. Only the north-west, the West Midlands and East Anglia recorded a rise. The north of England and the east Midlands suffered the biggest declines of 1.9% each, and house prices in Greater London dropped 0.4%. However, Rightmove increased its growth forecast for house prices this year as a whole to 8%, the top end of the 6% to 8% range set at the start of the year.

Sleeping in a cupboard

The Times examines the increasingly popular phenomenon of hutching, where every room in a house is rented out to save on monthly costs. It speaks to a number of “hutchers”, including a group which believes the risk of violating contractual terms on maximum tenants and getting kicked out is easily worth the savings. One tenant in this particular property sleeps on a mattress in a cupboard.

MPs confirm: Land Registry to stay public

Following a consultation, the government has confirmed that it will not be going ahead with the sale of the Land Registry due to infighting concerning the inefficiency of the Royal Mail sell-off, despite many senior politicians expressing support for its privatisation. The news follows Vince Cable vetoing the scheme last weekend as a result of ongoing arguments with Tory and Lib Dem MPs, and represents a victory for the Public and Commercial Services union, which raised 106,000 signatures in a petition to keep the Land Registry in state hands, away from possible conflicts of interest.

Moving house more stressful than divorce

A new study of 2,000 adults has found that moving house is deemed more stressful than bankruptcy, divorce or the death of a grandparent, and that people find brushes with the property market some of life’s most unpleasant experiences. The research commissioned by EstatesDirect.com, showed that higher levels of anxiety were exhibited when looking to move than when planning for a wedding, becoming a parent or losing a job. Solicitors were found to be perceived as the most stressful people to work with, while over 25% claimed they had previously had a bad experience with an estate agent. "It seems that the stress of uprooting a home has been an unpleasant experience and a source of great strain. The results show just how gruelling the process is regarded and clearly it's viewed among the most stressful events we encounter in modern life,” said a spokesperson for EstatesDirect.

Dementia: New research shows that good design improves independence

New guidelines launched by the Thomas Pocklington Trust and the University of Stirling, reveal how clever design of living spaces can improve the lives of people who are living with two common conditions - dementia and visual impairment. The evidence-based guidelines help make homes more accessible for people with both conditions and were developed after researchers gathered the views and experiences of people living with dementia and sight loss, their families and carers and a wide range of professionals. The guidelines were compiled after an evidence review and wide consultation with people with dementia and visual impairment, carers, relatives, care home staff and managers, and other professionals. They highlight key areas in the home that could be improved with better design. Simple measures such as the use of colour and contrast, clever lighting, the design of cupboard doors and audible and tactile control panels are among those suggested to help improve the lives and independence of people with both dementia and visual impairment. Access Newsletter – June 2014 6 For further information, visit the Housing Net website http://tinyurl.com/lxb5hsw

Homes at risk due to flooding

Millions of people living on flood plains are unaware that their homes are at risk, according to the Government's climate change adviser, which says three-quarters of England's flood defence systems are not being adequately maintained. The committee on climate change (CCC) warns that cuts to the Environment Agency’s budget have weakened the UK’s protection against flooding and are likely to lead to problems in the future. The committee found that Environment Agency staff cuts since 2010 had left it with 40% fewer staff to advise local authorities and developers on planning applications in flood-risk areas. This meant that 12,000 applications for flood-plain developments of nine houses or fewer went unassessed last year.

Science parks threatened

David Harman, the chairman of the UK Science Park Association, has warned that the role of science parks as centres for business innovation is under threat as more sites are bought by large property companies. Mr Harman argues that property companies are preoccupied with "facilitating savings" rather than nurturing innovation. "This active management of innovation communities is also a key differentiator between our members and those running business and trade parks. Real estate is obviously important, but it is far from the sole driver of our success," he says

Investors less likely to invest in an independent Scotland

A survey by Nabarro shows that 81% of Britain’s top property developers and investors would be “less likely” to invest in an independent Scotland. The research shows that Scottish cities were already falling out of favour, with only 10% of the 239 investors polled stating they would invest in Glasgow while 23% would consider Edinburgh. In comparison, 73% of investors polled would invest in Manchester and 42% would invest in Birmingham. More than half also said they believed that while London would remain a magnet for investors its commercial real estate market was “over-valued”. The number of mortgages being approved has dipped to the lowest level since January, according to new figures from the Bank of England. The Bank said that there were 61,707 home-loan approvals for house purchases made in May, down from 62,806 the previous month and lower than a recent peak of 75,901 in January. The dip in May approvals follows the introduction of new lending rules in April under the Mortgage Market Review, which force banks and building societies to undertake tough affordability checks before they grant loans. “We expect mortgage lending volumes to stage a gradual recovery in the second half of this year,” comments Paul Hollingsworth of Capital Economics. TheEvening Standard’sJames Ashton questions whether the market is naturally correcting itself without the need for interference, but calls what the Financial Policy Committee has done so far “reasonable and balanced”. .

Mortgage approvals slide

The number of mortgages being approved has dipped to the lowest level since January, according to new figures from the Bank of England. The Bank said that there were 61,707 home-loan approvals for house purchases made in May, down from 62,806 the previous month and lower than a recent peak of 75,901 in January. The dip in May approvals follows the introduction of new lending rules in April under the Mortgage Market Review, which force banks and building societies to undertake tough affordability checks before they grant loans. “We expect mortgage lending volumes to stage a gradual recovery in the second half of this year,” comments Paul Hollingsworth of Capital Economics. TheEvening Standard’sJames Ashton questions whether the market is naturally correcting itself without the need for interference, but calls what the Financial Policy Committee has done so far “reasonable and balanced”. .