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.