BLOG: Will school lottery affect property?Alex Coxall 18 March 2008 The controversial “lottery” selection process for schools trialled in Brighton and Hove this year could be introduced nationwide in the coming years. There is little doubt that the system will have a massive effect on the educational system but it may have an unforeseen knock-on effect on the property market. Read more
The Jamie Oliver effectTelegraph 18 March 2008 Estate agents report a rise in inquiries, particularly from young buyers, for properties where they can keep chickens. Many call the trend "the Jamie effect", believing it to be inspired by the chef Jamie Oliver's recent television investigation into how battery-farmed chickens are treated. Read more
Banking and housing fuel gloomGuardian 18 March 2008 The shockwaves from the collapse of the US investment bank Bear Stearns rumbled through financial markets in London yesterday as the old adage that if the US economy sneezes Britain catches a cold resurfaced anew. Read more
A spring recovery?Telegraph 17 March 2008 After months of grim news, signs of optimism are emerging in the housing market. Graham Norwood reports Read more
Home is where the heat isGuardian 17 March 2008 Many housebuilders claim that newly built, well-insulated homes are between four and eight times more energy-efficient than older properties - but new research to be published tomorrow reveals that the construction of new homes emits nearly three times more carbon dioxide than previously estimated. Read more
What the budget means for investorsTimes 13 March 2008 Investors - worried that the Chancellor might back-track on plans to cut capital gains tax (CGT) on property - will be heartened that Alistair Darling is pressing ahead. From April, people who own second or rental homes will have their CGT bill cut from as much as 40 per cent of their profits to just 18 per cent. Read more
HIPS hinder marketLondon Stock exchange 12 March 2008 The market-wide introduction of home information packs (Hips) has failed to improve conditions in the UK housing market, it has been claimed. Read more
Largest inheritance tax dodge attemptReuters 12 March 2008 TOKYO (Reuters) - Two sisters hid $56 million (28 million pounds) cash in cardboard boxes in what may be Japan's biggest-ever tax dodge, media said. Read more
Budget set to cut energy bills for poorGuardian 11 March 2008 Downing Street today gave the strongest hint yet that the chancellor would stop energy companies making an alleged £400m in excess profits from some of the poorest consumers in the UK. Read more
