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OFSTED, Waitrose and odd numbers
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Asking prices for property across the South East are currently more than 30% above the national average of £299,287* with proximity to the capital having historically been the driving factor. Across the area that The Frost Partnership network covers there’s a host of factors pushing prices upward year on year. Bucks, Berks and Middlesex all have abundant park areas, leisure facilities, employment opportunities and transport links – road, rail and air. Commutability, (especially proximity to stations) is a key factor in sustaining both property prices and demand but what else creates the pockets where buyers are prepared to pay a significant premium for property?
Get your garden ready for summer.
Friday, April 15, 2016
Spring is here and as the evenings get longer and the days get warmer you can really start to dream about lazy days and sunshine. So what better time to give some serious thought to what you can do to get your garden ready for summer and make it a real haven for relaxing or entertaining? Whatever the size of your garden, even if it’s a small patio or roof terrace, a total transformation is almost instantly possible even if you’re getting your property ready to sell or are renting a property and don’t want anything too permanent. There’s something to suit every budget and ideas you can tailor to meet your needs.
A conservative budget for property?
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
With global finance risks and Brexit uncertainty influencing UK growth and limiting the options, George Osborne’s March budget was never likely to contain any major policy announcements. But the Conservatives have traditionally championed the homeowner’s cause and some meaningful housing initiatives were certainly hoped for when the Chancellor delivered his budget in mid-March. It was something of a disappointment for the UK residential market therefore to discover that previously announced Stamp Duty and tax relief changes were to go ahead with few bonuses UK homebuyers. No mention was made of plans to increase much needed housing supply despite previous budgets encouraging the use of public land to address the issue. So what was there in the Chancellor’s plans to make an impact on the property market?
Landlords – How green is your EPC?
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
In recent years there have been many changes to legislation and best practice within the lettings sector affecting both lettings agents and landlords. Many more changes, such as those affecting Energy Performance ratings, are part of an ongoing plan to protect tenants and encourage both landlords and agents to raise their standards. The Energy Efficiency Regulations 2015 (Parts 1 and 2) come into force on 1st April 2016 and apply to domestic privately rented properties in England and Wales.
Higher rates of Stamp Duty on second property may impact wider property market
Thursday, February 25, 2016
According to a recent estate agency survey, the proposed increase in Stamp Duty Land Tax on purchases of second and subsequent residential properties, may impact local property markets. In a national survey conducted amongst its members, Relocation Agent Network found 74% of respondents indicated that the proposed increase in Stamp Duty on purchases of second residential properties, may impact their local property market.
The forecast is bright for landlords
Monday, February 15, 2016
It may be wet and windy outside and there are changes ahead in the rental market but the forecast is still bright for landlords in the South East. Investors looking to profit from buy-to-let can take heart from signs that the boom is far from over. House prices are still on the up and demand for rental properties is still outstripping supply. Whilst these two factors remain, buy-to-let represents an attractive long-term prospect, offering potential for capital appreciation as well as a steady rental income.
