Bought a flat over 5 years ago in 2011 for son to live in whilst at uni, flat suffered damp problems which got progressively worse and were reported to managing agents numerous times by phone and email. It took the then managing agents nearly 2 years to get quotes for repairs and section 20 to […]

I first came across the assignment tax structure around 10 years ago. It quickly became a popular method for private landlords with larger portfolios to hive off profits into company structures, which benefit from much lower tax than for individuals who would have otherwise been taxed at the higher rate (40%) or the additional rate (45%).  […]

It is evident that Generation Rent has no comprehension of the impact on tenants of Section 24, and seem to think that we’re going to pocket the rent increases. http://www.generationrent.org/how_to_fight_a_rent_hike_in_10_steps This is further evidenced by Betsy Dillner, director of Generation Rent, who in the article below says “that landlords who propose to put up rents […]

An ex tenant is making what I strongly believe to be a fraudulent injury claim against me. The incident is said to have happened in my property as a result of disrepair. I have a very strong reason to believe the claim to be fraudulent due to a number of things – events, what this […]

I have a few BTL flats and a couple of shops (ground floor of the flats) which I bought as investments/income generators. I wondered to what extent people go out and buy cottages or whatever specifically to run as holiday lets, or whether most holiday lets are inherited properties or outbuildings in the grounds of […]

Imagine paying off your investment property in just three years by using Airbnb instead of long-term rental tenants! The truth is; ANYBODY can make money in property when armed with the right education and mind-set and whether your objective is to create cash profits now, secure your long-term financial future, or create a passive income […]

I’ve been campaigning for Santander to drop this ridiculous clause which forces up rents every year for no benefit to anyone, including Santander. They have announced today that they will be dropping this clause for new mortgages but it will still apply to existing mortgages. Santander’s disingenuous response states “Any potential to increase the rent […]

Good morning everyone, my girl friend has a battle with her ex landlord’s agent after entering into a verbal contract to leave. She wanted out quickly and the agent said they’ve found someone and she should get packing quickly as new tenant wants to be in in 2 weeks. She found somewhere and paid the […]

Hello all, I am planning a small development on the side of my property. It will be a 35m2 maisonette and completely new construction (but adjoining the original house. Will be putting in electric heating and hot water – the question is what type? Would you recommend storage heaters, electric rads and if so oil […]

Is there any official guidance from HMRC regarding what exactly a ‘buy to let’ property is? This is important assuming that a property that require a HMO license may now not be considered wholly residential as the involvement of the landlord is much greater. Or mixed use properties such as a flat above a shop […]

I discovered the Best Offers Letting Strategy about a year ago completely by accident and it blew my mind … here’s the story …  I had owned a property in Thetford, Norfolk for about 10 years and had kept the same tenant from day one without ever having increased the rent. When he vacated, and […]

I would like to pose a question to which I assume there is no correct answer. How come Section 24 treats me as a private landlord and wishes to totally stop my tax arrangements and what would be considered as a normal business arrangement i.e. to offset my mortgage cost against profits but when I […]

The introduction and enforcement of Right to Rent checks are causing many landlords to unintentionally discriminate against international students, according to new research. 23% of student landlords are less likely to consider renting to a non-British tenant, while 76% will not consider those that are unable to instantly provide the necessary documents and proof of […]

I’m applying for an HMO licence with Haringey council and on the form they are asking about what other properties I have both within Haringey and anywhere else in the country. Is this any of their business and does anyone know if I have to give this information. Many thanks Jamie

Our 2017 property predictions have pointed to a strengthening in rental demand, due to the widening gap between the rise in wages and house price growth, and a shortage of housing. Yet, even with a strengthening rental sector, it is clear certain cities outperform others when it comes to buy-to-let. Whether it be because of […]

Housing Minister Gavin Barwell is about to go on a tour of the UK to discuss Housing from 20th February to 6th March. Is there a message you would like to give him? As you know, the Government has published a housing White Paper, ‘Fixing Our Broken Housing Market’, setting out our strategy to build […]

Hi, I am looking for advice as I guess that many people here are experts in dealing with councils. I was a tenant in Thurrock and moved out in August 2016. In Feb 2017 I received an enforcement notice for unpaid council tax. This was the first I knew of any apparent debt. I had […]

Rental income soaring as HMOs become the preferred asset class for investors, landlords, and with supply and affordability more important than ever, tenants too. In September 2016, Shawbrook Bank claimed that the Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) market was set to see immediate substantial investment and growth, based on primary research identifying that 53% of […]

I have posted before on this topic and I am looking to buy a house that has been converted without planning permission, but it has passed the time threshold for penalty action. I am therefore looking for opinions if I need to regularise building control for the conversion for me to separate and sell the […]

I currently have a Natwest BTL Mortgage that runs up until 31 Dec this year. Just thinking ahead and I’ll be on maternity leave then. If I stay with Natwest and let the current deal run off the interest and monthly repayments will obviously go up as the initial deal period is over. Chances are […]

I was wondering if anyone can help? I own a passage at the side of my house which next door have access to. We have replaced a rotten old door at the end of the passage leading on to the street. We have the right to ask the owner of next door for money towards […]