archivehousing market

As market volatility continues, Americans are shifting their views on the best long-term investments. Real estate remains the top choice for the 12th consecutive year, while gold has gained ground and stocks have lost favor, according to a new Gallup survey.The April 1–14 poll, conducted after the Trump administration announced sweeping tariffs, found 37% of U.S. adults now view real estate as the best long-term investment. Gold rose to 23%, up five points from last year. Meanwhile, stocks fell to 16%, dropping six points and reversing their 2024 gains.Gold gains,...

Rising property taxes over the past five years have exacerbated American homeowners' housing affordability struggles, with many reporting that they are now paying much more than they initially budgeted for them.According to a new survey by property tax appeal service Ownwell, 66 percent of homeowners in the U.S. say their bill is higher than they budgeted for, while three in four (74 percent) are worried about paying even more in the near future.Why It MattersBetween 2019 and 2024, property tax bills have gone up in nearly every U.S. metropolitan area,...

Escape to the Country made a delightful return to our screens with a fresh episode on Tuesday (29 April). The episode featured Sonali Shah guiding a couple through the scenic landscapes of North Yorkshire in search of their dream home.Marcus and Nicola, looking to shift from Halifax to the countryside after their two eldest children left home, had a generous budget of £850,000 for their ideal abode.Their wishlist included three bedrooms, an office space, a minimum of half an acre of land, and the possibility of entering the holiday let...

ADVERTISEMENTThe best European countries for real estate investment in 2025 are in Central and Eastern Europe, with Moldova leading the way.The Balkan country earned the highest score in a new study scanning the best property investments in Europe, according to UK insurance company William Russell. They took a closer look at key elements of property investments, including property tax rates, income tax on rent and gross rental yield.In a previous study by UK relocation company 1st Move International, Lithuania appeared to be the top choice. In the current listing, the Northern...

Homebuyers in England will pay £3,229 more in stamp duty from April 2025 for an average property, one expert warns.From this month, homebuyers will start paying stamp duty on properties sold for over £125,000, the previous threshold had been £250,000. This means a home in England selling for an average of £291,397 will pay stamp duty of £4,569, £3,229 more than if the property had been sold before April 1.Stamp duty is taxed at between 2%, 5%, 10% or and 12% of a property's purchase price, with different rates applying...

Corrections & Clarifications: The story has been updated throughout to include, correct and clarify nuances of the industry and to correct an error. The National Association of Realtors location was misstated in an earlier version of the story. NAR is based in Chicago.A new policy clarifying how homeowners may list their properties for sale may instead sow confusion and friction in the housing market just months after an earlier set of rule changes went into effect, adding an additional layer of complexity for buyers and sellers.The new policy, called “Multiple...