Page 175 – Property118

Council faces criticism over serious housing failures

14th August 2024

Brighton and Hove Council has been blasted for “serious failures” by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH). According to an RSH report, the council requires “significant improvement” after failing to provide evidence that it complied with smoke alarm requirements and electrical safety regulations. The report also reveals a backlog of repairs with some dating back […]

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Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ tax hike rumours fuel anxiety in PRS

13th August 2024

Rumours of a capital gains tax hike could take a toll on landlords and tenants. In an interview on Bloomberg TV, Chancellor Rachel Reeves refused to rule out an increase in capital gains tax in the October budget. This uncertainty is already affecting the property market, with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) reporting […]

Getting Started in Buy-To-Let

13th August 2024

Achieving financial freedom through buy-to-let property investment has completely transformed my life, providing security and opportunities I never imagined. It has allowed me to spend more time with family and pursue my passions, and I’m here to help you do the same. Hi, I’m Dan Coachafer. For over 20 years, I’ve been investing in buy-to-let […]

NRLA queries plans for a government ‘hardship test’ for landlord possession claims

13th August 2024

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has questioned reports suggesting the Labour government is set to introduce French-style hardship tests for landlord possession proceedings. Senior campaigns and public affairs officer, Eleanor Bateman, has expressed concern over recent press speculation that the proposed Renters’ Rights Bill will include such measures. While acknowledging the potential impact of […]

1.5 Million Homes in 5 Years: Our Manifesto to Solve the Housing Crisis

13th August 2024

In this episode of Property Breaking News, Ranjan Bhattacharya and Andrew Roberts unveil their bold manifesto to build 1.5 million homes in the next 5 years. With the UK facing a critical housing shortage, they explore the strategies, policies, and innovations necessary to achieve this ambitious goal. From land acquisition and planning reforms to sustainable […]

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What puts mortgage applications outside of ‘standard’ criteria?

13th August 2024

What makes a case complex compared to simple? Let’s start off by explaining what a simple case looks like: An employed person, who has been working at the same place and in the same role for around 2 years. Buying in a location near to them, no change in commuting costs and no change in […]

Landlords enjoy the PRS boom but fear rent controls

13th August 2024

Landlords are reaping the rewards of a booming rental market with record-high yields and robust tenant demand, but the spectre of rent controls is casting a shadow over the sector, a survey reveals. Average rental yields have soared to a 10-year peak of 6.3%, providing a lucrative environment for property investors. That’s according to the […]

What are my rights after inheriting a tenant?

13th August 2024

Hi, I’ve recently inherited a property from my mother with a tenant in situ. My first question is: Does the contract he signed with my mother (a 30 day rolling) still stand? I’ve read through it and it’s not very clear or robust. Depending on the first answer what are my rights. I’m going to […]

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Rents continue rising as the North outpaces London

13th August 2024

Rents across Great Britain continued their upward trajectory in July, with the North of England outpacing the capital by a significant margin, Hamptons reveals. Its data shows that the average rent for a newly let home jumped 5.7% year-on-year to £1,354. While this pace of growth has steadied, the picture outside London is very different. […]

How do I handle illegal subletting on Booking.com?

13th August 2024

Hi, I am in a very worrying situation. The tenant has always been difficult to deal with as he demanded to remove the furniture from the apartment in a very rude text message which made me feel uncomfortable. I shared the text messages with the letting agent who does not manage the property but manages […]

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Fair share of freehold insurance bill?

12th August 2024

Hi, I own (through my limited company) a 1st and second floor 3 bedroom flat which is a rental property in a Victorian house which is share of freehold. I own 2/3 of the freehold and the owner occupier who lives on the ground floor downstairs owns 1/3 of the share of freehold. Traditionally, I […]

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Tenants’ giving late notice within fixed term tenancy?

12th August 2024

Hi, my property has been let for the last 3 years to a couple of otherwise very good tenants, on a fixed-term contract. I offered them another year’s fixed term but they didn’t get back to me (first red flag) and they’ve now contacted me saying that they’re giving their notice to move out on […]

How many laws do landlords have to comply with?

12th August 2024

We all know that landlords have to comply with a lot of legislation but how much legislation is that? You often see articles saying ‘landlords have to comply with 400 separate pieces of legislation’ or similar, but you never see of list of what those 400 pieces of legislation are. So, I have decided to […]

UK house prices stabilise amidst interest rate cuts

12th August 2024

The average house price in England and Wales dipped slightly in July to £360,630, marking a modest 0.1% fall, the e.surv house price index for July reveals. Despite monthly fluctuations, prices have remained relatively stable over the past quarter, defying affordability pressures and election uncertainty. Annual house price declines have eased to 1.3%, a significant […]

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Welsh rent reforms: A cautionary tale for England’s landlords

12th August 2024

It took more than 10 years of drafting and deliberation, but what could the Renting Homes (Wales) Act mean for England’s landlords facing the prospect of a Renters’ Rights Bill? Put simply, says one NRLA expert, it could be a disaster. Mia Rotaru, public affairs officer at the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), says the […]

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Scotland’s Heat in Buildings Bill ‘Needs to reflect reality’

12th August 2024

A leading property firm has accused the Scottish Government of setting ‘unachievable’ targets for decarbonising homes and buildings. DJ Alexander, Scotland’s largest lettings and estate agency, says the Heat in Buildings Bill needs urgent amendment to reflect the ‘reality gap’ highlighted in a recent report by the Just Transition Commission (JTC). The JTC report, ‘Investment […]

Landlord overseeing installation of a smoke alarm in a rental property

Carbon monoxide replacement date sticker?

12th August 2024

Hi, A third party recently carried out a routine inspection at my property. By the way, I knew nothing about the visit. The agent confirmed as they are way behind with their inspections (I attend with my branch every 3 months) so not a problem for the property being inspected again! A third party is […]

Limited company address still registered at property?

12th August 2024

Hi everyone, My ex-tenant used my rental property as the office address for his Ltd company while he was living there. He left the property two years ago and has still not changed the office address with Companies House. I have since had a few bailiffs visits at the address for this company chasing money. […]

Can I challenge a Section 20 overspend?

12th August 2024

Hi, I am a portfolio landlord with a leasehold flat in a social housing block of 6. I am the only leaseholder in that block. Works have been completed on 10 separate blocks. A Section 20 notice was issued in 2020 for major works (roof and cladding) with a per flat contribution of £22.2k. The […]