Economists warn house prices will fall in 2010

Chink of light

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House sales rise thanks to first time buyers

First time buyers hoping to beat the holiday on paying stamp duty have helped push house sales up in January, latest figures show.

Housing market slows as economic fears grow

Surveyors have revised their housing market expectations to predict further price falls after a brief spell of optimism last month.

Striking a balance

Housing associations can use cash reserves to help spark economic revival - however they must be sensible about doing so

The get out of jail free card

Associations that enter into leases with councils must beware as authorities have a get-out clause, says Jacqueline Knox, director at Wragge & Co

Ready for lift off

House builders must be ready to react if government initiatives deliver a boost to the sector, says property expert Rebecca Kibby

Fielding opposition

Proposed legislation on registration of village greens would reduce risk to developers. Eollyn Ives, solicitor in the property team at Devonshires Solicitors, explains

The pursuit of happiness

Ministers are investigating what makes people happy. Worryingly, says Alice Ross , housing doesn’t get a mention.

Dressed for success

Birmingham’s Forgotten Vintage is much more than just a second-hand fashion store. Laura Jane Johnson reveals how it is helping the city’s homeless