A new £2m-plus home surcharge is billed as progressive, but its impact falls mainly on London and the South East, where many owners now face an annual bill from 2028. Critics warn it punishes long-term residents, cools the prime market and deepens regional divides, even as households weigh downsizing. Many fear a new cliff edge at £2m too.

This map highlights the average size of homes sold across the UK since 2020, measured in square feet from completed sales. What stands out is how little the averages vary between regions, despite very different housing types. Northern Ireland is the clear exception, with noticeably larger homes on average.

The latest 0.25% interest rate cut may look modest on paper, saving the average variable mortgage holder around £31 a month, but its real influence runs deeper. Property markets are powered by confidence, and with mortgage rates easing and lenders competing again, sentiment is shifting. That change in mood is starting to matter.

An exceptional five-bedroom detached family home offering versatile and spacious accommodation, including a self-contained one-bedroom annexe. Set on a generous one-third acre plot in the sought-after village of Great Ellingham, this impressive property perfectly blends modern comfort with flexible living.