Higher interest rates have caused off-plan home sales to tumble in the UK, prompting the nation’s housebuilders to scale back development. Some 32% of new homes were sold before they were built in England and Wales last year, down from 39% in 2022 and the lowest level...
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Uncertainty prevails awaiting the next Government
As the UK gears up for a general election on 4 July, the property industry anticipates a period of uncertainty and cautious observation. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's announcement has prompted considerations about the potential impacts on mortgage lending, housing...
Have you considered Heat Networks?
The push towards achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 necessitates a significant focus on reducing carbon emissions from buildings and transforming the energy system. This is particularly crucial considering that buildings contribute around a quarter of the...
Landlord banned from letting properties for next 3 years
A council's has obtained a Banning Order against the rogue landlord, Stephen Cunningham. Here's an overview of the key points highlighted in the case: Offences and Convictions: - Stephen Cunningham was found guilty of 21 offences under the Housing Act 2004, including...
Election 2024 How changing the law on lodgers could make rented property more affordable
Tessa Shepperson has suggested amending the law in respect of lodgers. Her suggestion can be seen here, and in summary the proposal to allow tenants to take in lodgers presents a potential solution to address two pressing issues in the housing market: the need for...
Many landlords undecided who to vote for
Overview of Landlord Sentiment Ahead of the General Election **Survey Findings by Landbay:** - **Undecided Voters**: 41% of landlords are uncertain about which party to support in the upcoming general election. - **Party Preferences**: - 31% plan to vote Conservative....
Planning enforcement – update
A Government report on Planning Enforcement can be seen here, and in summary says: What is a Planning Breach? A planning breach occurs when development is undertaken without the necessary planning permission from the local planning authority, or when the development...
Tenants are generally ignorant of the Renters Reform Bill
Despite significant publicity from pro-tenant groups, awareness and understanding of the Renters Reform Bill among renters are remarkably low. A survey conducted by the Leaders Romans Group (LRG), which includes several lettings agency brands, reveals that only 4% of...
Rising cost of living in the UK
The cost of living increased sharply across the UK during 2021 and 2022. The annual rate of inflation reached 11.1% in October 2022, a 41-year high, before subsequently easing. Recent data shows the annual inflation rate was 2.3% in April 2024. Inflation affects the...
HMRC guidance for landlords who are pensioners
What is Self Assessment? Self Assessment is the process used to declare and pay tax owed on untaxed income. If you are employed, your employer will deduct tax owed before they pay you - known as PAYE or ‘pay as you earn’. If you are self-employed, earn additional...
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London Mayor unable to impose rent controls
London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s long-standing campaign to secure rent control powers appears to have been shut down by the...
Concern about Labour’s proposed Renters Rights Bill
Doug Shephard, director of the Home website, has raised concerns that Labour's proposed Renters Rights Bill and other...
House of Commons releases report on Freehold estate management
The House of Commons report can be seen here explaining that Freehold estate charges refer to fees that homeowners in...