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 […]
What the Levelling Up Plan means for the PRS
The Government unveiled its Levelling Up Plan last week which sets out long-term proposals to transform the UK through twelve national missions to be achieved by 2030, so it is interesting to see what this means for the property sector. Plans which affect the private rented sector (PRS) include that, for the first time ever, […]
Choice of BTL mortgage products hits peak
Last Autumn saw the 25th anniversary of buy-to-let mortgage products and just last month it was reported that there are the greatest number of BTL mortgages available for 15 years. 2022 began with over 3,500 different products available for new or current landlords, with over 900 more products than just two years ago. The need […]
What tenants want in a rental property
The pandemic changed a lot about the way we live and while all signs look like we are coming through it, it has also changed a lot about what many of us are looking for, especially when it comes to our homes. With an extraordinary amount of time being spent at home – with lockdowns, […]
Pets in Rental Property
With an increasing number of people spending more time at home with flexible working arrangements, along with Christmas time when pets are often given as presents, the focus is once again on pets in rental property. The Society for Companion Animal Studies has commissioned a piece of research into whether private rented sector (PRS) landlords […]
The risk of renting through social media
I’ve written before about the different ways private landlords choose to let their rental properties, whether through an agency, to friends and family or to advertise and manage the rental directly. One way that seems to be getting more and more attention is how social media is being used in the process. As someone who […]
Preparing to rent your property
I advise a lot of individuals looking at buy-to-let in terms of how to maximise investment, but I also advise those who already own a property and are considering renting. It may be those moving abroad for work or couples with two properties who are moving in together, so renting is an attractive option. Even […]