Empty Housing
Through many Government schemes, each political party always states their claim that they are going to bring back empty homes to habitable condition for the neighbourhood. The coalition government is no exception and has just announced that community and voluntary organisations will now be able to bid for Government funding.
The Government also claim this scheme could provide "excellent training opportunities for local people". For example, Youthbuild in Harrogate - the charity purchases empty homes for refurbishment by trainees under the guidance of a mentor. The refurbished properties are rented out to the trainees. This provides employment, training and affordable housing, while also giving young people a long term stake in the local area.
READ ON for more information on 'Council Tax premium' on empty homes
Thursday, 8 December 2011
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
Property Market in the UK v's Heights of 2007
Property Market in the UK v's Heights of 2007
Whatever is happening statistically month on month and year on year, it's important to be aware we are still a long way away from a housing market recovery versus the heights of 2007, apart from some areas in London. Prices remain at least 10% down versus pre credit crunch levels. More importantly the number of people moving is not increasing at all. In fact we are selling up to 60% less homes than pre credit crunch. Building of new homes also remains devastatingly low at just 100,000 homes a year when experts suggest that to accommodate newly formed households, we should be building over 250,000 homes.
READ MORE to find out more about the Private Rental Sector and First Time Buyers
Whatever is happening statistically month on month and year on year, it's important to be aware we are still a long way away from a housing market recovery versus the heights of 2007, apart from some areas in London. Prices remain at least 10% down versus pre credit crunch levels. More importantly the number of people moving is not increasing at all. In fact we are selling up to 60% less homes than pre credit crunch. Building of new homes also remains devastatingly low at just 100,000 homes a year when experts suggest that to accommodate newly formed households, we should be building over 250,000 homes.
READ MORE to find out more about the Private Rental Sector and First Time Buyers
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
What to do if you are a Landlord
What to do if you are a Landlord
If you are a landlord, it is vital to make sure you maximise your rental income. Rents are not likely to continue to increase massively on-going. Rents are typically linked to wages and net income, and as this is being squeezed so much and with a pending recession on the way, there is already evidence that tenants can ‘only pay so much'.
Many landlords tend to try and skimp and save on keeping their property up to date, but this is usually a false economy. Tenants of today are not looking for somewhere cheap to rent for a short period of time, they are looking for a home to rent for some time to come.
READ MORE to find out how to get the best rental price for your property.
If you are a landlord, it is vital to make sure you maximise your rental income. Rents are not likely to continue to increase massively on-going. Rents are typically linked to wages and net income, and as this is being squeezed so much and with a pending recession on the way, there is already evidence that tenants can ‘only pay so much'.
Many landlords tend to try and skimp and save on keeping their property up to date, but this is usually a false economy. Tenants of today are not looking for somewhere cheap to rent for a short period of time, they are looking for a home to rent for some time to come.
READ MORE to find out how to get the best rental price for your property.
Monday, 5 December 2011
What to do if you are a Tenant
What to do if you are a Tenant
If you are tenant, you really need to make sure you are ‘first choice' for landlords. To do this you should be ready to pass referencing and credit checks a landlord or letting agent will require to let the property to you. This means getting letters back quickly from employers to confirm your employment and salary, making sure any credit checks don't highlight any financial problems in the past, and securing a letter of recommendation from your previous landlord if you have one.
Once you have passed the referencing stage, it is vital to have a deposit ready to be paid over to the landlord or letting agent as soon as they confirm you can have the property.
READ ON to find out about how to avoid ROGUE LANDLORDS!
If you are tenant, you really need to make sure you are ‘first choice' for landlords. To do this you should be ready to pass referencing and credit checks a landlord or letting agent will require to let the property to you. This means getting letters back quickly from employers to confirm your employment and salary, making sure any credit checks don't highlight any financial problems in the past, and securing a letter of recommendation from your previous landlord if you have one.
Once you have passed the referencing stage, it is vital to have a deposit ready to be paid over to the landlord or letting agent as soon as they confirm you can have the property.
READ ON to find out about how to avoid ROGUE LANDLORDS!
Friday, 2 December 2011
What's Happening to Rents Winter 2011?
What's Happening to Rents Winter 2011?
The media has been full of news about dramatic rent rises since the summer of 2011, unfortunately this information though is misleading to both tenants and landlords.
The media has been full of news about dramatic rent rises since the summer of 2011, unfortunately this information though is misleading to both tenants and landlords.
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Will the New Build Indemnity Scheme Work?
Will the New Build Indemnity Scheme Work?
For this scheme to work, the lenders will need to be offering better deals than the existing deals 5-6% rates for 95% deals. This initiative can easily be measured over the coming months by two methods.
READ MORE to find out how the initiative can be measured and whether it will work!
For this scheme to work, the lenders will need to be offering better deals than the existing deals 5-6% rates for 95% deals. This initiative can easily be measured over the coming months by two methods.
READ MORE to find out how the initiative can be measured and whether it will work!
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
Summary of the Government's new Housing Strategy Initiatives
Summary of the Government's new Housing Strategy Initiatives
On 21st November 2011 the Coalition government published its new housing strategy:- Laying the Foundations: a housing strategy for England.
So what new initiatives does the new strategy offer that will meet their claims?
READ THE SUMMARY HERE
On 21st November 2011 the Coalition government published its new housing strategy:- Laying the Foundations: a housing strategy for England.
So what new initiatives does the new strategy offer that will meet their claims?
READ THE SUMMARY HERE
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
What's the Latest News on New Builds?
What's the Latest News on New Builds?
With the government just setting out its latest housing strategy, NHBC's figures on new builds show the number of homes registered in the public sector was just 1,887 in October this year, 17 per cent lower than September (2,266) and compared with October 2010, there has been a 41 per cent drop.
Although year to date figures are up, the latest October figures suggest that although the new coalition government are trying to build more homes, to date, their policy of scrapping housing targets and shaving £4 billion off the house building budget the reverse has happened.
READ the lastest on New Builds
With the government just setting out its latest housing strategy, NHBC's figures on new builds show the number of homes registered in the public sector was just 1,887 in October this year, 17 per cent lower than September (2,266) and compared with October 2010, there has been a 41 per cent drop.
Although year to date figures are up, the latest October figures suggest that although the new coalition government are trying to build more homes, to date, their policy of scrapping housing targets and shaving £4 billion off the house building budget the reverse has happened.
READ the lastest on New Builds
Monday, 21 November 2011
How will the Eurozone crisis affect the Market?
The Eurozone Crisis
There are some predictions that the current Eurozone financial crisis could wipe 10% off property prices in the UK, according to Taylor Wimpey. However, the real answer to how the crisis will affect you comes down to what problems the Eurozone will cause the UK.
The result of a continued Eurozone crisis is twofold for the UK. Firstly, should countries such as Greece and Italy ‘default' then this is likely to cause another credit crunch. The impact this will have is mainly on the provision of lending, as happened in 2007/8 when many mortgages were pulled and stringent criteria such as needing a 40% deposit to buy a home or have as equity to access reasonable mortgage deals. So a continuing crisis in the Eurozone is likely to make it tougher to secure mortgage lending, especially for the likes of first time buyers who have smaller deposits.
FULL ARTICLE CONTINUES HERE
There are some predictions that the current Eurozone financial crisis could wipe 10% off property prices in the UK, according to Taylor Wimpey. However, the real answer to how the crisis will affect you comes down to what problems the Eurozone will cause the UK.
The result of a continued Eurozone crisis is twofold for the UK. Firstly, should countries such as Greece and Italy ‘default' then this is likely to cause another credit crunch. The impact this will have is mainly on the provision of lending, as happened in 2007/8 when many mortgages were pulled and stringent criteria such as needing a 40% deposit to buy a home or have as equity to access reasonable mortgage deals. So a continuing crisis in the Eurozone is likely to make it tougher to secure mortgage lending, especially for the likes of first time buyers who have smaller deposits.
FULL ARTICLE CONTINUES HERE
Monday, 31 October 2011
Current and Future House Prices
Real Property Prices: Understanding what is happening in a Summer property market is always difficult due to the impact of the holiday season. This, coupled with the poor economic news of trouble in Europe, the USA being downgraded from its triple AAA rating, economic growth in the UK being worse than forecast and the stock market tumbling from nearly 6,000 to 5,000, could have caused the property market to stall dramatically. READ MORE
House Prices Forecast: Knowing what's going to happen in the future property market is a tough thing to get right for any pundit at the moment. In the current property market, predicting this at a national level is almost a fool's errand too as pockets of the country and certain property types are holding up remarkably well, whereas in some areas, the ‘double dip' in property prices is well and truly underway.What will happen to Christmas 2011?
House Prices Forecast: Knowing what's going to happen in the future property market is a tough thing to get right for any pundit at the moment. In the current property market, predicting this at a national level is almost a fool's errand too as pockets of the country and certain property types are holding up remarkably well, whereas in some areas, the ‘double dip' in property prices is well and truly underway.What will happen to Christmas 2011?
Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Buy Property Investment to Renovate
Renovate Property
With the property market firmly in the doldrums unless you are lucky enough to afford £500,000 plus properties in wealthy areas of London and around the UK, many people are looking at investing in property, hoping to buy at a bargain price, renovate and sell on at a profit. The key question though is in a stable to falling market will renovating property for profit pay off?
Years of Sarah Beeny's Property Ladder has instilled a real desire in the UK to buy a wreck and turn it into a beautiful home which you can sell at a profit either now or later on. The problem though is making a profit out of renovation during a recession is quite tough - especially with the restrictions on mortgage lending. And that's why we aren't seeing many property programmes on our TV screens at the moment!
READ ON TO FIND OUT MORE about renovating property as an investment
With the property market firmly in the doldrums unless you are lucky enough to afford £500,000 plus properties in wealthy areas of London and around the UK, many people are looking at investing in property, hoping to buy at a bargain price, renovate and sell on at a profit. The key question though is in a stable to falling market will renovating property for profit pay off?
Years of Sarah Beeny's Property Ladder has instilled a real desire in the UK to buy a wreck and turn it into a beautiful home which you can sell at a profit either now or later on. The problem though is making a profit out of renovation during a recession is quite tough - especially with the restrictions on mortgage lending. And that's why we aren't seeing many property programmes on our TV screens at the moment!
READ ON TO FIND OUT MORE about renovating property as an investment
Thursday, 29 September 2011
First Time Buyers' Home Purchase Guide
Here is your FREE essential purchase guide for first time buyers from Kate Faulkner, MD of Designs on Property author of Which? Buy, Sell Move House. Kate says "It is vital to secure independent, professional advice from people that keep up to date with all the latest news and views on the property market to give you a real guide to buying your first home". Kate continues "many first time home buyers rely on parents or friends to guide and advise them on buying a first home, but their advice is only based on their experience of buying a home probably some years ago or recently, but their circumstances are completely different to yours." This is why Kate has produced a quick FREE five step guide to buying a first home.
VIEW FIVE STEP GUIDE HERE!
VIEW FIVE STEP GUIDE HERE!
Thursday, 11 August 2011
If you need to sell: Listen to your local Property Professionals!
If you need to sell: Listen to your local Property Professials!
Unfortunately many sellers will trust what they hear in the media a lot more than they will believe from their local estate agent. If the well known and trusted BBC say ‘prices are going up by 5%' we will believe them rather than a local agent telling us ‘prices have slipped by 5%'. For buyers it is the same, certainly in the first few months of their home hunt.
The problem though is most of the estate agents will give a more accurate idea of what's happening to property prices. At the moment, we have areas that are recovering to the dizzy heights of 2007 while other properties and areas are selling homes at half what they were worth a few years ago. And with few buyers around at the moment and the credit crunch squeeze still holding mortgage lenders back, sellers who don't carry out research to find out what their property is really worth from an agent that is currently selling similar property types, are likely to get left on Rightmove for some time!
READ ON for the full article
Thursday, 30 June 2011
New FirstBuy Scheme Announced
The Homes & Community Agency announces help for First Time Buyers to get ‘on the property ladder' with the new FirstBuy Scheme.
A new scheme called FirstBuy has been announced, including the housebuilders that will be taking part. A total of £210 million has been allocated during 2011 to 2013 to provide nearly 10,500 new homes for sale in England, with the first time buyer homes expected to be available for sale in September 2011.
FirstBuy works by offering a loan of up to 20% of the purchase price to help prospective buyers secure a property without having to raise the 20-25% deposit themselves. The 20% ‘equity loan' is provided by the Homes & Community Agency and the other half by the housebuilder.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE
A new scheme called FirstBuy has been announced, including the housebuilders that will be taking part. A total of £210 million has been allocated during 2011 to 2013 to provide nearly 10,500 new homes for sale in England, with the first time buyer homes expected to be available for sale in September 2011.
FirstBuy works by offering a loan of up to 20% of the purchase price to help prospective buyers secure a property without having to raise the 20-25% deposit themselves. The 20% ‘equity loan' is provided by the Homes & Community Agency and the other half by the housebuilder.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE
Monday, 20 June 2011
How to avoid being stung buying property in a falling market
Tips to Buying a House
In today's market when there is lots of ‘doom and gloom' it is easy to think that this isn't a great time to buy a property. However, a falling market might be the very best time to buy the house of your dreams at a ‘knock down' price as there are less buyers around to hold up the price. So how do you make an offer on a property which ensures you don't get ‘stung' with a property worth less than you bought it for?
READ MORE to find out!
In today's market when there is lots of ‘doom and gloom' it is easy to think that this isn't a great time to buy a property. However, a falling market might be the very best time to buy the house of your dreams at a ‘knock down' price as there are less buyers around to hold up the price. So how do you make an offer on a property which ensures you don't get ‘stung' with a property worth less than you bought it for?
READ MORE to find out!
Tuesday, 14 June 2011
How to Haggle in the Current Property Market
How do you buy a house?
The current market is back in the doldrums and when the property market is falling, past experience tells us it's a great time to bag a bargain and buy a house at a discount that you are unlikely to get in the coming years. Follow my step by step guide on how to buy a property by haggling down the price.
Steps to haggle in the current property market
The current market is back in the doldrums and when the property market is falling, past experience tells us it's a great time to bag a bargain and buy a house at a discount that you are unlikely to get in the coming years. Follow my step by step guide on how to buy a property by haggling down the price.
Steps to haggle in the current property market
Monday, 6 June 2011
How do you get the best deal when buying a house?
If you want to buy a property at a discount or get a great deal versus the real value of a property, then you'll need to be a cash buyer. In other words, you will need to physically have the cash in the bank. It is possible to be considered as a cash buyer if you haven't a property to sell but still need a mortgage, but unfortunately since the credit crunch even a mortgage agreement in principle isn't a guarantee you'll secure the money.
Want to know how to secure a property for a discount or via a quick sale? READ ON!
Thursday, 26 May 2011
When is the best time to Sell a House?
When to Sell a House
While we are in recession the media reports on property prices are always confusing. Some days prices will be reported as going up, the next down! With inconsistent reports, it's tough to know when is the right time to sell a house is. Kate Faulkner, MD of independent property advice site Designs on Property explains how you can work out when is a good time for YOU to sell your home.
While we are in recession the media reports on property prices are always confusing. Some days prices will be reported as going up, the next down! With inconsistent reports, it's tough to know when is the right time to sell a house is. Kate Faulkner, MD of independent property advice site Designs on Property explains how you can work out when is a good time for YOU to sell your home.
Thursday, 19 May 2011
When is the right time to buy a home?
If you ask most people when they'd ideally like to buy a home, almost all will first respond with ‘when I can get a bargain' and to answer this question quickly, bargains are available when the property surveys are reporting, along with the media, when the market isn't performing well and prices are falling. Buying at the right time can also depend on what you are buying and your own personal circumstances.
So, when is the right time to buy a home?
So, when is the right time to buy a home?
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
Tips to Sell a House
If you are selling your home, the key tip is to check how appealing it is from the moment a buyer first sets eyes on it. With the internet 'ruling the roost' when it comes to viewings and house sales, in a buyers' market, if your home doesn't instantly appeal, no one will even bother to view.
READ MORE to see our photos for tips on how to use photos and kerb appeal to help sell your house.
READ MORE to see our photos for tips on how to use photos and kerb appeal to help sell your house.
Thursday, 21 April 2011
National Homebuyers' Week
For all you potential property purchasers out there, I've produced an essential 'mini' homebuyers' guide for National Homebuyers' Week.
This essential guide includes information on mortgages, surveys, removals/storage, buyers' research, legal steps, plus checklists.
Download your FREE essential 'Mini' Homebuyers' Guide here!
This essential guide includes information on mortgages, surveys, removals/storage, buyers' research, legal steps, plus checklists.
Download your FREE essential 'Mini' Homebuyers' Guide here!
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
Will preliminary contracts when buying and selling a home work?
House Contracts
Currently, according to a government survey, around 31% of house transactions fall through after offers have been accepted. The effect of the credit crunch and recession on the property market is that holding sales together has proved harder than ever before.
Buyers and sellers are both losing confidence and pulling out of deals, or people are finding they have been approved for a mortgage in principle, and then the lender has pulled the mortgage. Some people are trying their luck at making offers, then trying to reduce them prior to exchange. READ ON to find out what Kate thinks of 'prelim contracts'!
Currently, according to a government survey, around 31% of house transactions fall through after offers have been accepted. The effect of the credit crunch and recession on the property market is that holding sales together has proved harder than ever before.
Buyers and sellers are both losing confidence and pulling out of deals, or people are finding they have been approved for a mortgage in principle, and then the lender has pulled the mortgage. Some people are trying their luck at making offers, then trying to reduce them prior to exchange. READ ON to find out what Kate thinks of 'prelim contracts'!
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
Buying to Let Advice
Kate Faulkner is teaming up with Paul Shamplina of Landlord Action for a one day Seminar on the Possibilities and Pitfalls of Buy to Let. The one day event takes place on 21st April in London (limited places). So, if you're thinking of buying to let or investing in property, or already have started in buy to let, this is a MUST ATTEND event - miss it and it could cost you dearly! BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW!
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
2011 Budget - Housing
Not particularly an exciting budget day for home owners, buyers, sellers or renters, but that’s to be expected when we are in a recession and budgets are being cut! There is some good news though! - READ MORE. Kate Faulkner’s comments on Housing for the Budget
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
Landlords – Seven Ways to Minimise Your Property Taxes
Rented Property Tax
Minimising taxes is one of the easiest ways to boost your property profits. Here are seven tips to help you reduce your taxes - READ MORE
Minimising taxes is one of the easiest ways to boost your property profits. Here are seven tips to help you reduce your taxes - READ MORE
Monday, 21 March 2011
Are New Build Properties a Good Buy?
Despite a good month for developers in November, December showed a real slowdown in activity. Prices fell slightly, but not significantly and buyers are definitely holding back. So, are new build properties a good buy? What's going to happen to new property prices during 2011?
Are New Build Properties a Good Buy?
READ MORE for new homes prices and statistics
Are New Build Properties a Good Buy?
READ MORE for new homes prices and statistics
Thursday, 3 March 2011
How to Buy a Flat
Buying a flat as opposed to a house is different. There are various reasons why buying a flat is different to buying a house. These are typically because you buy a flat under a ‘leasehold’ agreement. A leasehold agreement essentially means that you buy the flat, but have to abide by the freeholder's rules and regulations, which include clauses on how costs for maintenance and repairs as well as insurance are applicable if you become the owner.
READ ON to find out the key differences between buying a house and flat and essential checks you need to make before purchase!
READ ON to find out the key differences between buying a house and flat and essential checks you need to make before purchase!
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
First Time Buyer Stamp Duty
First Time Buyer Stamp Duty
Stamp duty is a tax that buyers have to pay to the government when they purchase a home. Recently for first time buyers, there was some good news on the stamp duty front. From 25th March 2010 to 25th March 2012 as a first time buyer paying stamp duty, you are exempt if you buy a property under £250,000.
As the average first time buyer buys a property for £138,000* (source CML) this should mean most, if not all, first time buyers pay no stamp duty at all. READ MORE
Find out about First Time Buyer Help
Stamp duty is a tax that buyers have to pay to the government when they purchase a home. Recently for first time buyers, there was some good news on the stamp duty front. From 25th March 2010 to 25th March 2012 as a first time buyer paying stamp duty, you are exempt if you buy a property under £250,000.
As the average first time buyer buys a property for £138,000* (source CML) this should mean most, if not all, first time buyers pay no stamp duty at all. READ MORE
Find out about First Time Buyer Help
Thursday, 17 February 2011
Best First Time Buyers' Mortgage
Best First Time Buyers' Mortgage
One of the questions first time buyers ask us is ‘which is the best mortgage for me?’ Unfortunately the best first time buyers' mortgage for you will depend purely on your own financial circumstances, how long you will own the property for and whether you are buying alone or buying with other people.
One important thing to remember when researching the best first time buyers' mortgage for yourself is that the only people that can legally advise you on this is someone that is a fully qualified mortgage broker or independent financial advisor.
Find out how to research for your first mortgage.
Look at our First Time Buyers' Property Pack.
One of the questions first time buyers ask us is ‘which is the best mortgage for me?’ Unfortunately the best first time buyers' mortgage for you will depend purely on your own financial circumstances, how long you will own the property for and whether you are buying alone or buying with other people.
One important thing to remember when researching the best first time buyers' mortgage for yourself is that the only people that can legally advise you on this is someone that is a fully qualified mortgage broker or independent financial advisor.
Find out how to research for your first mortgage.
Look at our First Time Buyers' Property Pack.
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
15 Ways for Tenants to Spot a Fake Landlord!
Find Property to Rent
Recent news reports of unscrupulous people taking over someone's home and renting it out to either one or more tenants means that if you are a homeowner, a landlord or a tenant, you need to take precautions to avoid being scammed!
If you are a prospective tenant hunting for a property, then it's vital to follow our top 15 ways to spot a fake landlord BEFORE you hand over any money!
READ ON to find out who you should rent from!
15 Ways for Tenants to Spot a Fake Landlord
Recent news reports of unscrupulous people taking over someone's home and renting it out to either one or more tenants means that if you are a homeowner, a landlord or a tenant, you need to take precautions to avoid being scammed!
If you are a prospective tenant hunting for a property, then it's vital to follow our top 15 ways to spot a fake landlord BEFORE you hand over any money!
READ ON to find out who you should rent from!
15 Ways for Tenants to Spot a Fake Landlord
Monday, 14 February 2011
Adverse Possession
If you own a property, there is a rule that sometimes allows a squatter to claim ownership of the property by ‘adverse possession’.
It is actually very rare for squatters to claim this right as they do have to have lived in the home without the owner’s permission for 10 or more years. Whereas most people that own an empty home would find out about it and take action.
READ ON to find out how the law has recently changed regarding squatters!
It is actually very rare for squatters to claim this right as they do have to have lived in the home without the owner’s permission for 10 or more years. Whereas most people that own an empty home would find out about it and take action.
READ ON to find out how the law has recently changed regarding squatters!
Thursday, 10 February 2011
What can you do to avoid squatters taking over your property?
Avoid Squatters
One of the more problematic effects of the recession is that more people appear to be squatting than before. By its nature, squatting isn’t something that is measured, but estimates are that 20-30,000 people squat and most squatting takes place in London.
In the past, this has mainly been in commercial or residential properties that are empty. Now though we are starting to hear of bizarre cases where a home owner goes on holiday or in one case, a man took his dog for a walk, only to find that when they came back home, someone had moved in!
Find out how to avoid squatters taking over your property
One of the more problematic effects of the recession is that more people appear to be squatting than before. By its nature, squatting isn’t something that is measured, but estimates are that 20-30,000 people squat and most squatting takes place in London.
In the past, this has mainly been in commercial or residential properties that are empty. Now though we are starting to hear of bizarre cases where a home owner goes on holiday or in one case, a man took his dog for a walk, only to find that when they came back home, someone had moved in!
Find out how to avoid squatters taking over your property
Tuesday, 8 February 2011
Major news for Oxfordshire Landlords!
Are you letting out properties in Oxfordshire?
Any landlords looking to let rooms in the Oxford area need to make sure they are letting their properties legally as the local authority decides to insist all properties with rooms to let have a Homes in Multiple Occupation licence.
Normally to require a licence for an HMO you typically need to have three or more storeys and five plus tenants who are not related.
Attention all Oxfordshire landlords - find out what you need to do now!
Any landlords looking to let rooms in the Oxford area need to make sure they are letting their properties legally as the local authority decides to insist all properties with rooms to let have a Homes in Multiple Occupation licence.
Normally to require a licence for an HMO you typically need to have three or more storeys and five plus tenants who are not related.
Attention all Oxfordshire landlords - find out what you need to do now!
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
London Rental Flats
Are London tenants having to downsize?
We have long been reporting of the dramatic rise in rents, especially in stock strapped London. Property consultants Cluttons are seeing this dramatically affecting the rental market as “rising rents are forcing tenants to search for smaller properties, creating fierce competition for one-bedroom flats”.
So, sadly for Londoners who normally prefer a bedroom and an office, many are having to give up this luxury extra space to try and keep rents and overall outgoings down.
Find out what this means for London Property Investors.
We have long been reporting of the dramatic rise in rents, especially in stock strapped London. Property consultants Cluttons are seeing this dramatically affecting the rental market as “rising rents are forcing tenants to search for smaller properties, creating fierce competition for one-bedroom flats”.
So, sadly for Londoners who normally prefer a bedroom and an office, many are having to give up this luxury extra space to try and keep rents and overall outgoings down.
Find out what this means for London Property Investors.
Monday, 31 January 2011
Could 2011 be a good year for Property Investors?
Is this the year for Property Investors?
If you have cash as a property investor, or are making your money from buy to let, then 2011 should be a pretty good year for you!
This year has already seen an increase in activity, particularly at the auction houses. So a fab time to go hunting for a bargain!
Find out what to consider; what to avoid and which property investment deals will work in 2011.
If you have cash as a property investor, or are making your money from buy to let, then 2011 should be a pretty good year for you!
This year has already seen an increase in activity, particularly at the auction houses. So a fab time to go hunting for a bargain!
Find out what to consider; what to avoid and which property investment deals will work in 2011.
Thursday, 27 January 2011
Tenancy Deposit Disputes
Protect Your Tenants' Deposits
Love it or hate it, the need to protect tenants' deposits is here to stay and if you don't protect tenants' deposits, as a landlord, then you are likely to find it difficult to evict a tenant that's not paying the rent and you are likely to be breaking the law too!
There are two types of schemes that you can join. Some are more suited to self managing landlords, others targeted more at landlords' agents.
READ MORE to find out how you can avoid a dispute with your tenants.
Love it or hate it, the need to protect tenants' deposits is here to stay and if you don't protect tenants' deposits, as a landlord, then you are likely to find it difficult to evict a tenant that's not paying the rent and you are likely to be breaking the law too!
There are two types of schemes that you can join. Some are more suited to self managing landlords, others targeted more at landlords' agents.
READ MORE to find out how you can avoid a dispute with your tenants.
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
New Homes Market - Which are the Top Performing Areas?
November was a surprisingly good month for developers. Property prices bounced back from October's lows to an average of £220,000.
Overall though, prices last November were around £218,000 and £220,000 in December 2009, so, as with the re-sale market, prices remain fairly stagnant year on year.
What's the New Homes outlook for 2011?
Which are the top performing areas?
Overall though, prices last November were around £218,000 and £220,000 in December 2009, so, as with the re-sale market, prices remain fairly stagnant year on year.
What's the New Homes outlook for 2011?
Which are the top performing areas?
Monday, 24 January 2011
House Auction Prices
Bag a Property Bargain in 2011?
November's auction results start to support a slow down in the sales of residential property as the number of properties coming through the auction houses increased dramatically. November lots were up by 12% versus November 2009 and the number of lots sold was up by 8%, although the value was down by 3.6% as the percentage of lots sold was less than 60%.
READ MORE to find out how to find a property bargain
READ MORE for the latest property auction survey
November's auction results start to support a slow down in the sales of residential property as the number of properties coming through the auction houses increased dramatically. November lots were up by 12% versus November 2009 and the number of lots sold was up by 8%, although the value was down by 3.6% as the percentage of lots sold was less than 60%.
READ MORE to find out how to find a property bargain
READ MORE for the latest property auction survey
Thursday, 20 January 2011
Snow Impact on Rental Market in December 2010
For many places outside of London and Southern 'hotspots', rental incomes started to stagnate a little as deals were done to get tenants in before Xmas and avoid voids over the cold period.
The biggest problem for landlords, tenants and letting agents however were not the usual disputes, voids or rental changes, but the snow!
What are the problems for:-
The biggest problem for landlords, tenants and letting agents however were not the usual disputes, voids or rental changes, but the snow!
What are the problems for:-
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
House prices in my street
House prices by area
Local property prices and house prices by area are starting to show huge variations across the UK, meaning that the 'average house price' stats produced on a monthly basis by the top five property price surveys, are becoming almost meaningless. READ MORE to find out why.
Find out what's happening in your street and the best and worst performing areas - READ MORE.
Local property prices and house prices by area are starting to show huge variations across the UK, meaning that the 'average house price' stats produced on a monthly basis by the top five property price surveys, are becoming almost meaningless. READ MORE to find out why.
Find out what's happening in your street and the best and worst performing areas - READ MORE.
Monday, 17 January 2011
House Prices in UK
December 2010 Property Analysis
End of year analysis from all the property price indices and agents for 2010 in December agree that despite some rises in the first half of the year, the falls in the second half of the year, meant the average house was worth pretty much the same at the end of the year as at the start.
READ MORE to find out the past, current and future property market indicators.
What should buyers and sellers do in 2011?
End of year analysis from all the property price indices and agents for 2010 in December agree that despite some rises in the first half of the year, the falls in the second half of the year, meant the average house was worth pretty much the same at the end of the year as at the start.
READ MORE to find out the past, current and future property market indicators.
What should buyers and sellers do in 2011?
Thursday, 13 January 2011
Help for First Time Buyers
First Time Buyer House
If you are first time buyer it can be confusing trying to understand what is the best house for a first time purchase. For example, should you buy a flat for the first time or a house with a garden? Where should you buy? Close to town or out in the sticks? Is an old house that needs a lot of work a good idea for first time buyers?
Where should first time buyers live?
If you are first time buyer it can be confusing trying to understand what is the best house for a first time purchase. For example, should you buy a flat for the first time or a house with a garden? Where should you buy? Close to town or out in the sticks? Is an old house that needs a lot of work a good idea for first time buyers?
Where should first time buyers live?
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