The Bank of England has blamed higher rents on more landlords than usual quitting the private rental market within its detailed quarterly report on the economy. Its Agents’ Summary of Business Conditions report, which covers the period between July and August this...
News
Survey shows many landlords were ready for the potential EPC rules
The Prime Minister scrapped the legislation that would have required landlords to ensure their rental properties had a minimum EPC rating of C. The mooted deadline was 2025 for new tenancies, and by 2028 for all tenancies. Now, a study by Shawbrook Bank using its...
More landlords buying properties via companies in order to pay less tax
This is Money has run an article on the rise in landlords incorporating. It can be seen here, and says: Landlords are increasingly buying property via limited companies, rather than in their own personal name, in order to slash their tax bills. Three quarters...
Government U turn on landlord energy requirements
After substantial lobbying, including from iHowz (see here), the Government has substantially changed their energy plans. Under revised plans, the Government will: Scrap policies to force landlords to upgrade the energy efficiency of their properties, but instead...
Council forms partnership to combat ‘Rogue landlords’
City of York Council looks set to join forces with non-profit organisation Justice for Tenants to allow renters in the private sector to apply for a rent repayment order, which forces a landlord to pay a refund of up to 12 months’ rent. According to Justice for...
We support leasehold reform but not abolishing it and leaseholders are served by ground rents, says the Residential Freehold Association
The Leasehold Charity is reporting on a meeting of the APPG (All-Party Parliamentary Group) recently. It can be seen here, and says: Most of the problems in leasehold involve service charges and are “tenure agnostic”, the Residential Freeholders’ Association told MPs...
Make sure you don’t forget to apply for a licence
An agent in Enfield has been fined over £10,000 for not licensing in a Selective Licence area. Gracechurch Property Services was ordered to pay a £7,500 fine and £1,299 in costs with an additional £2,000 victim surcharge – a total of £10,799 – during a recent...
New landlord licensing proposed
Wandsworth Council in London is seeking to introduce additional licensing for HMO's of 3, or 4 occupants, as well as new selective licensing scheme. The proposed selective scheme covers an estimated 8,600 properties in Tooting Bec, Tooting Broadway and Furzedown,...
Why are property prices falling in the UK and rising in the US?
Under the heading 'Need to Know: A tale of two housing markets' the Financial Times has examined why property prices are falling in the UK and rising in the US. The article can be read here (subscription may be necessary) and believes 'Part of the explanation lies in...
Do HMOs Still Stack Up As An Investment?
Writing in Landlord Today, Richard O’Neill, Regional Lettings Director, Romans Estate Agents has examined the case for HMO's, concluding 'As with any buy-to-let, investing in HMOs is a marathon, not a sprint, so view it as a long-term investment and make sure you plan...
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
Does the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 need modernising?
A firm of solicitors has looked at the 1954 Act, questioning whether it needs reviewing. Their findings can be seen...
Nationwide House Prices Rise, Little Change in Mortgage Approvals
Data released earlier by Nationwide showed that house prices returned to growth in May after two months of declines....
Zoopla says Homes for Sale at 8 Year High
Britain's supply of homes for sale is at its highest point in eight years, according to research, in a trend which...