This week’s top headlines: Burnham rules out change to stamp duty in next budget and Aldermore raises max LTV to 98%.

Explore these and other major industry updates below:

Ex-Connells chief wins fiery age discrimination and unfair dismissal cases

Former Connells chief executive David Livesey has won claims for constructive unfair dismissal and age discrimination after an employment tribunal ruled he was treated unlawfully during his departure following 33 years with the company.

While the tribunal rejected allegations of a bullying campaign, it found Connells breached trust through the way it handled his exit and discriminated against him over his treatment under a senior executive share scheme.

Burnham rules out change to stamp duty in next budget

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has ruled out any changes to stamp duty in the autumn Budget, saying the government has no plans to reform or abolish the tax at this stage.

While the decision may disappoint parts of the property industry, it provides greater certainty for buyers amid concerns that speculation over potential changes has been delaying property transactions.

Mortgage network data shows shifting market and senior leadership shake-up

The latest Q2 2026 data from Network Consulting shows continued movement across the mortgage network sector, with Stonebridge, HL Partnership and ValidPath all recording net growth in adviser firms, while Primis remained the largest mortgage network despite a small decline in appointed representatives.

The figures also highlight significant leadership changes across major networks, alongside ongoing competition to attract adviser firms through investment in technology and support.

Aldermore raises max LTV to 98%

Aldermore has launched a redesigned residential mortgage proposition, increasing its maximum loan-to-value to 98% for employed borrowers and introducing a five-tier product structure to better support customers with complex circumstances.

The updated criteria also offer greater flexibility for first-time buyers, self-employed applicants and those with adverse credit, including accepting some unsecured arrears and taking a more accommodating approach to defaults and county court judgments.

Chancellor’s former aide becomes chief of Generation Rent

Generation Rent has appointed Holly Williamson as its new chief executive, succeeding Ben Twomey after his departure earlier this month.

A private renter with a background in policy and government, Williamson will lead the organisation’s next phase of campaigning, focusing on enforcing the Renters’ Rights Act and improving affordability and security for tenants.

MPC decision: Market accepts base rate hold, as future rises predicted

The Bank of England has held the base rate at 3.75%, with the Monetary Policy Committee voting 6–3 in favour of keeping rates unchanged amid ongoing inflation concerns linked to energy prices and Middle East tensions.

While the mortgage market welcomed the pause, lenders and advisers warned that rising swap rates and market pressures could continue to push fixed mortgage rates higher, with further rate rises possible later this year.

Halifax, BM Solutions, TSB and Leeds to raise rates again

Halifax, BM Solutions, TSB and Leeds Building Society are increasing selected mortgage rates by up to 20 basis points, with rises affecting residential, remortgage and buy-to-let products.

The changes reflect continued pressure from higher funding costs, with advisers warning borrowers that some competitive deals may not remain available for long as more lenders adjust pricing.

Sellers urged to price realistically ahead of expected market rebound

Zoopla has urged sellers to price properties competitively as the housing market enters a quieter summer period ahead of a potential autumn recovery.

Annual house price growth has slowed to 1.3% amid higher mortgage rates and political uncertainty, but increased buyer choice and regional differences mean realistic pricing will be key to securing sales.

London the only UK region to see house prices fall: House Buyer Bureau

London remains the only UK region where house prices are continuing to fall, with analysis from House Buyer Bureau forecasting the average property could lose a further £4,766 in value by the end of 2026.

While most regions have seen limited growth or stagnation, the capital’s average home has already dropped by almost £21,000 since its 2025 peak.

Lending more than doubles from May to June: BoE

Net mortgage lending more than doubled to £7.7bn in June, while mortgage approvals for house purchases also increased slightly, suggesting improving buyer confidence.

However, borrowing costs remain under pressure, with average new mortgage rates rising to 4.35% as geopolitical uncertainty pushed up swap rates and created concerns over further rate increases.