The UK housing market has ground to a standstill. Prices hold firm but activity has collapsed, with mortgage approvals at two-year lows and nearly half of listed properties being withdrawn unsold. What's driving this stalemate, and what does it mean for buyers, sellers, and investors?

You have formed your Société Civile Immobilière (SCI). You followed the common advice to keep the share capital low—perhaps €1,000—to minimize setup costs and keep the structure flexible. But the chateau,...