The UK housing market is presenting a mixed picture as recent changes to stamp duty and broader economic uncertainties begin to take their toll. According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), home buyer inquiries and sales have fallen in April, marking the third consecutive month of decline. This downturn is attributed to the expiration of the stamp duty holiday and the prevailing economic uncertainty, which have collectively dampened buyer confidence. Despite these challenges, there remains a cautious optimism among property professionals, with a net balance of 17% expecting sales to rise in the coming year.

In contrast to the broader UK trend, Northern Ireland has seen an uptick in homebuyer demand, with easing mortgage rates and pay increases cited as contributing factors. However, the region continues to grapple with a shortage of supply, as the number of new properties coming onto the market has fallen for the third month in a row. This imbalance between demand and supply has kept house prices on an upward trajectory, with Northern Ireland reporting the highest price increases across all UK regions. Surveyors in the area remain positive about the sales outlook, reflecting a resilience in the face of wider economic uncertainties.

Scotland's housing market is experiencing a slowdown in house price growth, the most subdued since early 2024. This trend is expected to continue in the short term, coinciding with an increase in market supply. Despite the slowdown, the market shows signs of vitality, with a rise in new buyer inquiries and an optimistic sales outlook among surveyors. The rental market, however, tells a different story, with tenant demand and landlord instructions both declining, leading to expectations of flat rental prices in the near future.

The varying dynamics across the UK's housing markets underscore the complex interplay of local and national factors influencing buyer and seller behavior. While some regions like Northern Ireland defy the broader downturn, others such as Scotland adjust to new realities of supply and demand. As the market continues to evolve, the coming months will be critical in determining whether these trends solidify or give way to new patterns of activity.

London's Metropolitan Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of an 85-year-old man who was allegedly assaulted by a fellow patient at Charing Cross Hospital in Hammersmith. Andrew Farmer, from Ealing in west London, sustained serious injuries during the incident on September 18 and died a week later on September 25, according to police statements released Wednesday.

The investigation centers around an altercation between two patients at the west London hospital, with authorities confirming that 70-year-old Anatoliy Podmazko, of no fixed address, was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with grievous bodily harm on September 20. Podmazko is scheduled to appear at Isleworth Crown Court on October 17 as the case progresses from initial charges to a full murder investigation.

Detective Inspector Kirsten Hadleigh, who is leading the investigation, emphasized the sensitivity of the case, stating: "Our thoughts remain with Andrew's family and friends at this undoubtedly difficult time. We remain in close contact with Andrew's loved ones and are keeping them up to date with the progress of our investigation." The police continue to make enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault and subsequent death.

Andrew Farmer's partner of 60 years, Paul Wrigley, paid tribute to the deceased, describing him as "my partner through thick and thin for 60 years" and noting his academic achievements as "an Oxford First" who had deep interests in opera, Devon topography, and helping the underprivileged. Wrigley remembered Farmer as "scholarly but with a wry sense of humor" in a statement released through the Metropolitan Police, concluding with "Rest now, my dear friend."