Evaluation of PRS legislation needs better data
There are over 125 individual pieces of legislation that now govern the private rented sector (PRS) and much of this is essential to support a safe, fair and protected housing market for landlords and tenants alike. However, the piecemeal approach often applied by the various Government departments that are involved in the PRS, has made […]
Top Tips for First Time Renters – Part Two
Last week I gave the first in a two-part series on tips which might be useful for those renting for the first time – or in a long time – and here is the second part to that which I hope you find useful. Sort out the bills Let utility companies and the Council Tax […]
Top Tips for First Time Renters – Part One
With an increasing number of people looking to rent I thought it would be useful to give some advice to those who are first time renters. Latest data from the industry body Propertymark shows that the private rented sector is under pressure as their members report an average of 142 applicants registered per agent branch […]
Tips for New Landlords – Part One
With the latest report on the private rented sector once again showing that demand is far outstripping supply, the sector continues to be under huge pressure. Propertymark member branches reported an average of 142 applicants registered in February compared to an average of just five properties to rent in the same period. With a rising […]
Helping with Homes for Ukraine
With many local people looking to see how they can help those fleeing the war in Ukraine, questions are being asked about what this means for tenants who want to help or landlords letting their property. Registration is at the heart of the scheme and those registered will receive updates from the Department for Levelling […]
Happy tenants in the private rented sector
Some parts of the media seem very keen on positioning landlords and tenants as being against each other, so it was refreshing to see a recent report from an independent body, the Social Market Foundation, stating that 81% of private tenants are happy with their current rental home and 85% are satisfied with their landlords. […]
Call for energy saving Stamp Duty incentive
Data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in February show two thirds (66%) of adults in Britain reported their cost of living increased in the past month, and 79% cited higher gas and electricity bills as a cause. So, with energy costs soaring and further uncertainty ahead, energy efficiency in homes becomes front of […]
Unlocking the rental potential from empty homes
We know too well about the shortage of supply in the private rental sector, as demand continues to outstrip the number of available properties, and as this week is National Empty Homes Week, it is a good time to highlight the vacant properties we have locally which could make a real difference to those looking […]
Responsibility after a Break-in
The latest figures published in the Crime Survey for England and Wales for the year up to September 2021 show some interesting statistics, as patterns of crime have been significantly affected by the pandemic. Reported incidents decreased for almost all types of crime over what was a time of lockdowns and social restrictions. The exceptions […]
Tax loophole to close on second homes
Suffolk is a popular destination for those looking for holiday homes, but owners of second homes who have previously used a tax loophole to avoid paying council tax on such properties will be facing a change. The Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities are introducing changes that will target property owners who take advantage […]