Page 137 – Property118
Freshly baked loaf of bread with a golden crust and light dusting of flour.

Miliband’s Folly on EPC Ratings for Rented Properties?

31st December 2024

Ed Miliband’s prohibitions on landlords renting out properties with an EPC rating of C by 2030 cannot succeed because: Too many older rental properties cannot be brought up to that standard for under £50,000 making it unaffordable for many landlords There are insufficient heat pump engineers to do the work between now and then. The […]

Hand writing the word "VALUES" in red marker to highlight property valuation topic

Land Registry and property values for gifted property?

31st December 2024

I have a question on the property valuation listed on a deed, that I am hoping someone can shed some light on. I was given a property in August by a friend. Not in a great state, needs a full refurb rewire etc. The transfer was for nil consideration (no money changed hands) and paperwork […]

Stacked coins with house models symbolizing rising buy-to-let lending forecasts by IMLA.

Buy to let lending set to soar – IMLA

31st December 2024

The Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA) is forecasting a 14% surge in buy to let lending in 2025, reaching £38 billion, followed by an 11% increase to £42 billion in 2026. This growth is attributed to improved affordability for landlords as interest rates decline while rents continue to climb due to the continuing imbalance between […]

Neil Cobbold discusses councils’ failure to enforce EPC regulations in the private rental sector.

Councils fail to enforce EPC rules

30th December 2024

Councils in England are neglecting to enforce energy performance certificate (EPC) regulations in the private rented sector (PRS) which is undermining government efforts to improve energy efficiency, research reveals. Tech provider Reapit sent Freedom of Information (FoI) requests to several major councils, including Liverpool, Manchester, Brighton, Birmingham, Leeds and Bristol, asking for data on the […]

Model house with pound symbol balloon symbolizing rising UK property prices

Stoke-on-Trent tops the UK’s house price growth chart

30th December 2024

House prices in Stoke-on-Trent rocketed by 17.2% in the year to September, according to the latest Halifax data, solidifying its position as the UK’s leading area for house price growth. Slough followed closely with a 14.9% increase, and Oldham saw a 14.6% rise in home costs. The Halifax research previously revealed that more than 73% […]

Investor figure with gold percentage symbol representing mortgage interest rates

Why Do Property Investors Use Interest-Only Mortgages?

30th December 2024

When it comes to property investing, one of the most common questions is: why do so many investors choose interest-only mortgages over repayment mortgages? The answer lies in the flexibility and financial benefits that interest-only mortgages provide, especially when it comes to building a portfolio. What Is an Interest-Only Mortgage? An interest-only mortgage allows you […]

GOV.UK crown logo representing UK government consultation on EPC reforms

Changes to EPC in late 2026 now being planned?

30th December 2024

The consultation (Reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings regime) is scheduled to last for 12 weeks from 4 December 2024 to 26 February 2025. Best get replying everyone to tell then what we REALLY think! Click Here You may respond by completing an online survey on Citizen Space “This consultation seeks views on the […]

Houses of Parliament with Renters’ Rights Bill 2025 graphic overlay

Renters’ Rights Bill to return to Parliament in January

30th December 2024

The Renters’ Rights Bill will return to the House of Commons on January 14, 2025. The government has confirmed that the Bill will be brought back after the parliamentary recess for the report stage and third reading. The Bill will abolish Section 21 no-fault evictions and apply Awaab’s law to the private rented sector. Bill […]

Rental agreement with house keys and calendar representing tenancy terms

Tenants and landlords push for longer tenancies amid plans to abolish fixed-term tenancies

30th December 2024

Tenants and landlords want longer tenancies despite the Labour government planning to abolish fixed-term tenancies. According to a survey Leaders Romans Group, both landlords and tenants are seeking security in an unpredictable private rented sector, with some landlords even willing to reduce rents to retain long-term tenants. The Renters’ Rights Bill proposes abolishing fixed-term tenancies […]

Lightbulb on chalkboard inside a thought bubble representing new ideas and innovation.

Don’t ask Rachel?

30th December 2024

“Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, the chancellor and business secretary have written to the UK’s main regulators asking them to come up with ideas for reform that could boost economic growth.” The regulators that received the letters included the Financial Conduct Authority, Ofgem, Ofwat and the Competition and Markets Authority. Why doesn’t he ask Landlords? […]

Hands protecting a glowing house icon, symbolizing landlord insurance support.

What type of landlord insurance do I need?

30th December 2024

As a landlord, you may be thinking about adding extra cover for your landlord insurance. Standard landlord insurance covers risks against your property usually including building insurance which covers the basic structure of your property, including pipes, windows, cables and doors. However, if you want to add optional extras such as contents insurance, accidental damage […]

Property Answers Christmas Special with John Howard and Ranjan Bhattacharya discussing 2025 property outlook

Property Answers: What’s Next For 2025?

27th December 2024

Property Answers end of year round-up and what is next for 2025? John Howard and I provide Property Answers to your Property Questions. Click on the video below: You can also join us at the next Baker Street Property Meet Tues 30th April: Network with 300+ property investors at the UK’s No 1 Property Networking Event Book your […]

Corporate landlords entering rental market as private buy to let landlords exit in 2025

Corporate landlords replacing private buy to let landlords

27th December 2024

More corporate landlords will enter the private rented sector in 2025, as they are less impacted by new rules and regulations, while buy to let landlords will leave the sector, claims Leaders Romans Group. According to the lettings and sales agency, the Renters’ Rights Bill will have a huge impact on the private rented sector […]

Homeless man sleeping outside in winter with eviction notice crossed out

Scottish Greens urge landlords to stop evictions during winter

27th December 2024

The Scottish Greens are demanding that ALL landlords halt evictions during the winter months to show “compassion and kindness.” The party, which was in a coalition with the SNP, previously supported an eviction ban that lasted until March this year, pausing evictions for six months. The Scottish Green Party claims that the end of this […]

First-time buyer crossing finish line symbolizing stamp duty deadline 2025

First-time buyers rush to beat stamp duty changes before April 2025

27th December 2024

First-time buyers (FTBs) faced a challenging property market in 2024, but next year could see a surge of buyers before the stamp duty deadline in April. According to Moneybox, 34% of first-time buyers are planning to become homeowners in 2025. Moneybox also reveals that 71% of aspiring FTBs plan to buy in the next two […]

Westminster and Big Ben with busy London traffic and pedestrians at sunset

Londoners staying put as fewer move to areas outside the capital

27th December 2024

Fewer Londoners are leaving the capital as purchases outside London hit their lowest in a decade, according to Hamptons. A report by the estate agents reveals that Londoners bought 5.7% of all homes sold outside the capital in 2024, the lowest proportion since 2013, down from a high of 8.2% in 2022. First-time buyers also […]

Confused accountant comparing calculators and an abacus while managing paperwork

How Good Is Your Accountant? Essential Questions for Landlords

25th December 2024

I highly recommend that all landlords ask their accountant one very simple question. The answer will reveal whether your accountant truly understands the nuances of rental property business accounting or whether they might inadvertently cost you money—or even land you in hot water with HMRC. The question is this: Do you keep a balance sheet […]

Prime Minister criticised by NRLA over landlord blame in housing crisis debate

NRLA slams Prime Minister for criticising landlords amid housing crisis

24th December 2024

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has hit back at the Prime Minister for blaming landlords for rising rents. The NRLA says Keir Starmer needs to recognise the important role landlords play in the housing sector, rather than focusing on rent levels, which are dictated by the market. Labour has pledged to abolish Section 21 […]

Commercial property investment strategy insights for 2025 with market trends and opportunities

Why 2025 Is the Perfect Storm for Commercial Property Profits

24th December 2024

Discover five hidden gems in commercial property for 2025! We’ll explore market trends, regional variations, and strategies for maximising returns in this ever-changing landscape. Learn about: The resurgence of office spaces and retail demand in specific areas – How to conduct thorough local research for successful investments – The potential impact of upcoming planning reforms […]

Halifax predicts continued UK house price growth in 2025 amid mortgage affordability challenges.

House prices reach record high in 2024 with further growth expected in 2025

24th December 2024

House prices hit record highs this year, with further price rises expected in 2025, according to Halifax. The bank reports that property prices rose to £298,083 following annual growth of +4.8%, with transaction volumes returning to pre-pandemic levels. Halifax also predicts that mortgage affordability will remain a challenge in the New Year, as the Bank […]