Lack of property boosts asking prices

Setting the record straight

An exclusive survey of more than 200 councils reveals Mr Cameron spoke out of turn when he claimed private rents were dropping. Carl Brown reports

Private rents down for first time since January

Private rents in England and Wales fell for the first time in 10 months in November, according to the latest buy-to-let index from property services firm LSL.

Last Christmas with the kids

Changes to local housing allowance could block separated parents from having access to their children. Lydia Stockdale speaks to one father facing up to a lonely new year

Associations’ spare cash soars towards £1bn mark

Housing associations have seen their average surpluses increase by 33 per cent in 2010/11 as the total across the sector heads toward the £1 billion mark.

Rescue call

Time to focus

Associations should prepare for freedom of information requests and greater transparency

Going spare

The government’s contentious ‘bedroom tax’ on under-occupying tenants is set to become law this month. Alex Turner looks at the disproportionate effect it’s likely to have in the north

Scrapheap challenge

The price of metal has risen sky high making pipes, railings and even boilers an irresistible target to thieves. Chloë Stothart finds out how one housing association is tackling the growing problem of metal theft

From riches to rags and back

A Welsh landlord took on an ambitious project to refurbish a derelict Grade II listed mansion. Katie Puckett finds out how they managed to bring it back into use

Cheaper by the Durkan

The contractor charged with giving an east London estate a facelift also threw in comprehensive energy retrofitting - at no extra cost. Jess McCabe finds out more