I am buying a detached property for slightly over the property value as it has land that had planning permission for another 3 bed detached property. I plan to either convert existing property into 3 flats and build a further 3 flats to the side, or demolish as my planner feels I can get 9 […]

Belvoir’s 2018 Q2 rental index reveals that more landlords are selling up, and less are investing in the Private Rental Sector (PRS), due to increased legislation and punitive taxation policies. Belvoir is calling for the government to take urgent remedial action in the Autumn Budget to incentivise those landlords who are providing much-needed good quality […]

The National Approved Lettings Scheme (NALS) have rebuked the ‘end DSS discrimination’ campaign accusations made by the National Housing Federation and Shelter. NALS chief executive Isobel Thomson has issued a statement backing letting and managing agent’s ability to deal with prospective tenants on a case by case basis including ones in receipt of benefits. Isobel […]

Hi all, I am a newbie here and in the properties business. I bought my first property 3 years ago and have same tenant and estate agent fully managing property since. 8 months ago I realised the agent had not inspected property for over a year and sensed something was wrong so I contacted the […]

A new policy from Hull City Council will affect landlords’ operations and could spark a homeless crisis through repossessions and significant rent increases in any of Hull’s twenty-six thousand rental properties. The Humber Landlords’ Association (HLA) is taking Hull City Council to the High Court with support from two national associations – the Residential Landlords […]

David Cox, Chief Executive, ARLA Propertymark comments on the story from Shelter and National Housing Federation about discrimination in the rental sector: “This is a systemic problem with how housing benefit works. Rents are paid in advance, whereas housing benefit is paid in arrears, and therefore with such a shortage of rental accommodation, landlords and […]

While the public’s image of a typical landlord might be a money-grabbing property professional, the reality is different. Office admin roles, alongside jobs in IT, teaching and accountancy are the four most common occupations for landlords, according to new research. Two thirds of landlords have what many would class as ‘normal’ jobs, and rent out […]

Contradictory information online regarding the new space standards that apply from 1 October in relation to non licenced hmo’s. Specifically does the minimum bedroom size of 6.5 sqm apply to a three bedroom property occupied by three non related sharers. In planning terms a HMO is defined by three non related sharers and often confused […]

I would like to transfer my 50% interest in a mortgaged BTL to my spouse who already owns the other 50% as tenant in common. We also own the family home. No CGT on transfer between spouses – so that is not an issue Transfer would be by declaration of trust without changing the Land […]

For far too long now my husband and I have been worrying about section 24 and tax on capital gains. We have already sold three properties and our strategy is to pay down mortgages. The problem was that the CGT our accountant calculated takes such a huge chunk of the net sale proceeds. It felt […]

I live and am a resident on the Isle of Man for over 10 years. My pensions from the UK are sent to IOM without tax being deducted and I pay the tax on IOM. I have properties in the UK and pay tax on them in the UK. I would like to pay all […]

I’d like to report about a situation of great gravity where an estate agent placed not only myself but tenants life at risk whilst their redress scheme despite all the evidence retained covered for their member without taking seriously my complaint and getting a 2nd investigation shut down despite the Head’s intervention. As a Landlord […]

Moneyfacts UK Savings Trends Treasury Report data (not yet published) highlights the savings market’s continued recovery, with all average rates increasing for the first time since February 2011. Charlotte Nelson, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts, said: “Many would have assumed that in the lead-up to a base rate rise, the savings market would grind to a […]

A new analysis of the BTL market by Shawbrook Bank forecasts a continued dampening of the sector over the next three years, before the market stabilises in 2021 and returns to growth in the following two years. The ‘UK Buy to Let’ report, produced by Shawbrook Bank and compiled by the Centre for Economics and […]

I must admit I never knew of such a thing as ‘Central Funds’. Perhaps P118 readers could shed some light on what it is and why we have it. My company was issued an Abatement Notice for fly-tipped rubbish on a piece of land (read: separated off-road parking space) that I do not own. I […]

A month ago, one of my tenants in an HMO barricaded himself into his room and started a fire. He was rescued by the fire brigade, and although initially pleading mental health issues, has now been charged with arson and is on remand. I am looking at a repair bill of circa £80,000 I think. […]

I’m looking for some advice. I have a young relative in Aberdeen who’s very keen to get into the building trade. He’s just done his CSCS and is awaiting the arrival of his card, but when applying for site jobs he’s getting told he needs a year’s experience. Can anyone give advice on how he […]

As I understand it, both the corporation tax rate and the income tax rate in Bulgaria is fixed at 10%, the lowest in Europe. In addition to looking into becoming non-resident, by moving to Bulgaria, I have also been exploring incorporation relief. I cannot see anything in the HMRC manuals that says I can’t incorporate into […]

I have a theory, and I hope I am wrong! Many Eastern Europeans came to the UK because they could earn more, and despite the higher costs of living they could send money home to their families. However, a few years ago, every £1 they sent home converted to around €1.40 whereas it’s now closer to €1.10. […]

Communities Secretary, James Brokenshire, is reported by the Sun to back calls introducing 3 year tenancies in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government consultation titled, ‘Overcoming the Barriers to Longer Tenancies in the Private Rented Sector.’ The Decision on the consultation could possibly be taken as early as next week so landlords are […]

I’m in the process of selling one of my properties however have recently found an overseas tenant who is ready to move in soon, checked out her employment history, etc. My question is: are there legally recognized tenancies shorter than a standard 6 months AST? I ask this because there’s a mutual benefit for both […]