As we go print on this edition the government has announced a public consultation period on its much-heralded major reforms to the planning system. The phrase ‘build, build, build’ used by Boris Johnston has been widely highlighted and expectations are high, given the obvious need to apply Keynesian economic stimulus to the UK economy following the Pandemic.

Thankfully  some lessons seem to have been learnt in Whitehall when comparing the widespread financial support measures given out since March to individuals and many businesses, compared to the less interventionist approach taken in 2008-9 during the Great Financial Crisis.

And yet it does all appear somewhat unreal when observing the current (virtual) property auction market results as the enthusiasm to buy property is very evident. You can read more on this on page 32 where Piotr Rusinek and Jay Howard comment on some recent auctions.

Rishi Sunak’s latest ‘rabbit out of the hat’ with the SDLT changes has undoubtably accelerated the buying decisions of those who were hesitating on the sidelines, but from what I am hearing, some people are in poker terms going ‘all-in’! The phrase about ‘acting in haste and repenting at leisure’ might be borne in mind.