In the news this morning, the government’s introduction of an extra stamp duty charge on second homes and buy-to-let properties does not seem to have put off buyers, with revenue figures showing the amount raised is more than double what had been expected. London homes prices are set to remain stalled for a while yet, economists reckon. They blame economic and political uncertainty and tax changes ahead of affordability. First-time homebuyers are driving growth in housing markets in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Stamp duty surcharge raises double the amount expected (The Independent/FREE)
The introduction of the 3% stamp duty charge on second homes and buy-to-let properties has generated significantly more revenue for the Treasury than had been forecast, according to analysis of data by accountants Blick Rothenberg.
Economists expect London home prices to remain stalled for some years (Bloomberg/FREE)
Economists surveyed by Bloomberg News expect the London housing market to remain stalled for a number of years, although a serious crash seems unlikely.
First-time buyers boost markets in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (The Telegraph/FREE)
First-time buyers are boosting the housing markets in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, figures from UK Finance show.
The Works plans to add 60 stores this year (The Times/£)
Discount retailer The Works plans to open 60 new stores this year, slightly below the 63 new stores that it added last year.
HC-One agrees £300m acquisition of 122 Bupa care homes (The Telegraph/FREE)
HC-One has agreed the acquisition of 122 care homes from Bupa for £300m.
Costain reports 30% rise profit rise (The Times/£)
Costain reported a 30% rise in profit in the first half of the year, while revenue was 10% higher at £874m.
Laura Ashley reports profit plunge (FT/£)
Laura Ashley reported a 72% plunge in pretax profit to £6.3m, in part due to a change in the accounting period which meant the latest 52-week period compared with a 74-week preceding period.
