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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.
Home is where the heart is
Friday, February 12, 2016
If you are mid-property search for your ideal home and not finding your perfect property, its worth looking at things afresh and remembering that home is where the heart is, and with a little love and inspiration you may just find it’s closer than you think. Look again at the properties you’ve viewed. What did you love or hate about them? Could you keep the part you love and change the bits you hated? Is your best option not to move but to stay and improve? Here’s some great ways to rediscover the heart in your home
The Crossrail effect
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
House prices in the capital have increased to the point where homeowners are finding themselves priced out of the property market and looking to surrounding areas for affordable options. Living outside London can easily save commuters around £400,000 on the price of a 4 bed semi so it makes financial sense even when you factor in the cost of a rail season ticket.
