I have a NIC Building Regs Certificate of Compliance on a 1 year old new build. Despite this the letting agent says I require a EICR. Having spoken to an electrical engineer locally he says that the building regs certificate I have is more than adequate as it carries more weight than an EICR and […]

Over 2000 landlords took part in our inaugural online show for the Midland and Manchester areas on the 8th October. Now, our attention turns to the national show on Tuesday 3rd November where we are expecting an even bigger event. Whilst there are of course frustrations that we cannot welcome you in person due to […]

Banks and building societies have agreed with regulators and HM Treasury to extend the provision of mortgage payment deferrals of up to a maximum of six months in the light of the tightened Covid-19 restrictions announced by the Prime Minister this evening. Customers seeking to access this support do not need to contact their lenders […]

To support borrowers affected by the new emergency lockdown the FCA will propose that consumer credit customers who have not yet had a payment deferral under the July guidance can request one. The deferred payment term can be for up to 6 months and borrowers who are currently benefiting from a first payment deferral would […]

Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, confirmed the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been extended for a month with employees receiving 80% of their current salary for hours not worked along with further economic support announced for Lockdown part 2. The government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme also known as the Furlough scheme will remain open until December, with […]

Although there has been no official guidance on any government website or press release yet, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick, has announced yesterday by Twitter that the Housing Market will remain open within coronavirus safety limits during Lockdown part2. Jenrick has so far confirmed – Housing market update ahead of Thursday’s measures: Renters and homeowners will […]

We have an unencumbered rental property which we are considering transferring to our son when he turns 18 next year. What would be the most straightforward and tax efficient way of conducting this process? Would Stamp duty be chargeable at this stage? The value of the property has doubled over an 8 year period since […]

I have some decent mortgages with CCL, Rosinca and others (1.5% above base rate) and have enough properties to fill my time and needs. I now have the ability to repay all the mortgages (they have between 5 and 10 years remaining) and wonder if anyone has experience of gaining a discount in the settlement […]

Series two, Episode one of Property118 TV has just been released. Grab yourself a cuppa and within just 12 minutes and 27 seconds exactly you’re about to feel how neanderthal men felt when they first discovered fire. You will learn how Limited Companies can be structured in a SMART way for both income tax and […]

In turbulent times it’s more important than ever for property investors to protect their property wealth through effective tax planning. For this, an understanding of smart property company structures is essential to mitigate inheritance tax and provision for the next generation. Many landlords are now asking themselves; “why has my accountant never mentioned the benefits […]

I am constantly being approached by various Local Authorities to house single homeless people, something I am only too willing to do with certain conditions. In summary, my reply demands a guarantor, for both rent and damage without limit, using the catchphrase “You take the risk and I will take the tenant.” Nobody has taken […]

The latest Bank of England statistics for money and credit in September indicate the mortgage market strengthened further from its recover post lockdown. Net an additional £4.8 billion was borrowed secured on homes, following on from net borrowing of £3.0 billion in August. This reflects increased levels of mortgage approvals for house purchases over the […]

I served a notice on 16th October to terminate my tenancy, according to a 2-months break clause in my contract, expecting to pay only 2 month’s rent till I vacate the property on 15th December. However, the letting agent has got back to me saying the break clause falls within the statuary law which means […]

With COVID-19 still in front of mind there is uncertainty over whether students will return to university or learn remotely from home after Christmas. Students are now asking for more flexible lease arrangements with a 6 month option, for example, rather than running the full 12 months. My question is how straightforward is it to […]

The Nationwide House Price index just released for October is showing annual house price growth rising to 5.8%, the highest rate since January 2015. House prices on a month-on-month basis, after taking account of seasonal factors are up 0.8%. Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s Chief Economist, said: “Annual house price growth rose to 5.8%in October–its highest level […]

There may be the potential to do a rooftop development or extension on the top of my building. Freehold enfranchisement took place a few years ago and 18 lessees (of which I am one) are now all members of the freehold. If any development is to take place, it would be preferable to have purchased […]

I have just received a failed gas safety certificate due to the reason of “Boiler flue not sealed”, for a property with new boiler installed exactly two years ago. The strange thing is that for the past two years the gas safety certificates were all well and good, without anything changed. What’s my best action […]

So what is the difference with a rolling shorthold tenancy with a two month notice period, versus seeking an eviction notice? Do I still have to give my tenant six months notice when I wish to end their periodic tenancy with a two month notice clause? The Welsh Assembly states evictions cannot be started without […]

The EPC is due to expire on a property that we let to a Social Housing provider on the basis of a whole property let. It is up to them how they let the rooms accordingly. The question is do we need to have another EPC conducted on the property now as it has expired, […]

Evidence is emerging that County Court Bailiffs and High Court Sheriffs (HCEOs) are declining to enforce warrants and writs of possession. Guidance has apparently come from the Lord Chancellor to Bailiffs, and the High Court Enforcement Officers Association has also publicised a letter received from Robert Buckland, the Lord Chancellor, asking them not to enforce […]

My new tenant wants to have a smart meter installed. I’m not so sure as they have been problematic and not always able to give accurate readings plus some suppliers don’t like taking on new customers with these. I would therefore prefer her not to. I understand that we can’t legally say no, but can […]