As agents close their doors due to the lockdown, the spread of the virus across the UK has led to a near standstill of the housing market. The March 2020 RICS UK Residential Market Survey results highlight that despite the first few months of the year showing a marked pick-up in market activity, this month […]

During the last few weeks there has been a rush of borrowers taking advantage of all-time low residential interest rates. Due to the impact of Covid-19, the Bank of England has taken the unprecedented step of making two cuts to the base rate in quick succession. First there was an initial emergency cut to 0.25% […]

HM Treasury and the Bank of England have agreed to extend temporarily the use of the government’s long-established Ways and Means (W&M) facility. The W&M facility functions as the government’s overdraft account with the Bank of England, i.e. the facility which enables sterling cash advances from the Bank to the government. The previous high for […]

The latest Halifax House Price index figures for quarter ending March will not yet reflect the affects the lockdown has had on the housing market. It was reported that house prices in March were 3.0% higher than in the same month a year earlier, but on a monthly basis, house prices were flat at 0.0%. […]

Ome, has investigated the most affordable locations across the UK with the lowest population to maximise the chances of successful self-isolation. Ome looked at the estimated population of every area of the UK coupled with its size to find the number of people populating each square kilometre. Using these figures, they then explored the areas […]

The Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government have released a new model tenancy agreement and guidance specifically to be used for longer term tenancies of 2 or more years. Although this does not take into account that most lenders criteria will only allow a 6 or 12 month tenancy maximum, it is however, only […]

I have just been speaking to a friend of mine who’s Mother in Law has been in a nursing home for 6 months. The fees are £950 a week. Her property has been rented out and the family make up the shortfall. The (Spanish) tenants are returning home so there will be no income plus […]

The Property Educators Accreditation Scheme (PEAS) Code of Practice is now open to public consultation. The three main objectives of PEAS are as follows: – To help credible property investment educators differentiate themselves from less credible operators. – To create greater transparency in the property investment education sector. – To create greater protection for consumers […]

I am in the midst of a development of a pair of semi-detached houses in South London. I am more-than half-way though the build. Labour and materials continue to find their way to site, so, the show continues. My builder and his contractors seem happy to be working. They appear to be following the social-distancing […]

Keep your mind and body fit. We’re all very conscious of that, and so many of us now go out of our way to include a (socially distancing) walk, run, bike ride, even yoga and a daily dose of Joe Wicks PE too. Excellent, and so we should keep fit. However, we should also keep […]

I have written a detailed article on the Governments intervention for Landlords and Tenants and provided  links to various references and articles including the recent discussion. Click here Most landlords will know by now that the government has suspended all current possession claims in the legal system (thought to be around 20,000) and imposed a […]

Hamilton Fraser and their brand ambassador Paul Shamplina have wrapped up everything landlords and agents need to know about Coronavirus in one post for your reference. Click Here to view the full page. In these uncertain times the best way you can protect yourself and your tenants is to make sure that you have as […]

In this strange new world we are living in during the coronavirus lockdown, new rules apply – some of which affect rented property.  What now are landlords rights and obligations? The biggest blow to many landlords is the fact that they are unable to evict bad tenants.  Sometimes even where tenants would like to move […]

Please support small landlords by signing this petition Click Here. Like and share on your social media to make a difference. Private sector landlords play a vital role in the UK property sector which is generating over £50bn in rental payments contributing billions to UK treasury in income taxes. “Rental income is subject to income […]

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick MP has announced steps to further reform the building safety system with the biggest changes in a generation to ensure residents are safe in their homes. New measures announced include mandatory sprinkler systems and consistent wayfinding signage in all new high-rise blocks of flats over 11 metres tall. The government’s construction […]

The government have updated and given guidance on the latest forms for landlords and/or tenants to propose action relating to tenancy agreements. Click here There are a number of matters on which landlords or tenants must follow certain rules laid down in the regulations. In some cases it may be necessary for them to complete […]

As we all aware that statutory minimum size for room is 6.51 SQM. We have ample Kitchen and Dining area space and all bathroom facilities. However, one of the room total floor space is around 5.92 SQM. We have visited Aylesbury Council website and it states that “Discretion may be applied by the inspecting officer […]

I am struggling to understand why Shelter has the nerve to start a new (very expensive – as seen on TV) marketing campaign to raise funds for people who may have been made homeless because of Covid-19? Shelter already receive £15 million in funding from various public bodies, so why are they begging for more […]

I have applied for mortgage holidays to help through this time. I have flats with service charges that are bigger than the mortgages. Is there an approach that can be made to have the same sort of payment holiday? Or at least a reduction? Many thanks John The Leasehold Advisory Service News page >> https://www.lease-advice.org/news-items/

The NRLA are calling for a clear statement from government in response to campaigners’ calls for rent payments to be stopped during the coronavirus crisis. More and more landlords are contacting the National Residential Landlords Association saying their tenants are under the impression they no longer have to pay rent as a result of the […]

Our Hon. Legal Counsel, Mark Smith, Head of Chambers at Cotswold Barristers will be presenting an overview of several landlords tax strategies at the pin Chester, Hull, Sutton (Surrey) and Watford Meetings property networking event Thursday 9th April. The event will be held Online and Attendees can expect first class speakers and great networking opportunities. […]