BRE has unveiled plans to develop a voluntary sustainability standard for new homes that will allow developers to differentiate their product in the marketplace by recognising performance beyond minimum regulation and provide increased choice for the consumer. The announcement comes in the wake of the recent Housing Standards Review (HSR) and dissolution of the Code for Sustainable Homes. The consultation process is open until 25th July 2014. The standard will be ready for roll out next spring.

House prices in June remained positive across the UK but the Mortgage Market Review (MMR) and the BoE rhetoric are having a drag on activity, according to the latest RICS Residential Market Survey. UK-wide, a net balance of 53% of respondents reported an increase in prices in June (from 56% in May) and prices rose in each of the twelve areas represented. The South East and Northern Ireland experienced the strongest price gains for the second consecutive month, meanwhile, the rate of price growth in the London market appears to be easing.

Tesco is planning to build 4000 homes on land it had previously bought to expand its supermarkets, according to reports, following a change in shopping habits and growth in online purchases. It could build the homes itself or sell the land to property developers.