Page 689 – Property118

Valuation of storage space taken?

7th July 2016

I own a lease self contained upper maisonette with its own garden since Aug 2000. It’s part of a two flat building. The lower maisonette was recently sold and the new owners have done building works and in the process have taken two storage areas which were adjacent to their property but part of my […]

Fire Safety Risk Assessment due again after 3 years?

7th July 2016

I manage a block of 4 flats in a Victorian building. When one of the owners decided to sell his flat three years ago, we had a professional Fire Safety Risk Assessment completed. Some recommendations were made to reduce the fire risk, and these were done, with the surveyor returning to inspect the improvements and […]

Large HMO change of use declined after works complete – Help?

7th July 2016

A commercial building (class B8) has been granted a Planning Department change of use to a residential dwelling (class C3). During this time the building has been renovated and applied to the planning dept for change of use to a large 9 bed HMO (class commercial Sui Generis). The renovation is now complete. The planning […]

Better To Sell Or To Let?

7th July 2016

When I decided to move to Malta I also decided to sell some of my properties, not all of them, just a few every year.  Many of my tenants have been with me for many years so rather than serving them with notice I decided that I would sell my properties as and when they […]

Manchester Landlord Expo – Meet Fellow Property118 Readers

7th July 2016

More than 200 Property118 members are expected to attend this event. The ARLA Landlord Expo in Manchester on Thursday 28th July presents another ideal opportunity for Property118 readers to meet each other. Cllr. James Fraser, an avid campaigner for “Axe The #TenantTax” and regular contributor to Property118 forums will be attending to represent Property118 Action Group. Please pop […]

Warning for landlords considering increasing rent

6th July 2016

Landlords are being urged to stop putting additional pressure on tenants who may already be struggling to pay their rent by increasing rents further. As a result of a surcharge on stamp duty for second property owners, a third of buy to let landlords intend to pass on increased costs to their tenants. However, hikes […]

Three large property funds suspend trading

6th July 2016

M&G Property Portfolio fund valued at £4.4billion, Standard Life Investments UK Real Estate fund valued at £2.7billion and Aviva Investors Property Trust valued at £1.9billion have all suspended trading to protect the liquidity of the funds after a run on withdrawal requests. This run on withdrawals was exacerbated by fears of a fall in commercial […]

RTM Co failing to provide notices and placing new leases in limbo!

6th July 2016

I own the freehold ground rent interest of a large block of flats where there used to be a Management Company but there is now a RTM Company in its place. The RTM Company has been in existence for 5 years and has throughout that time employed a managing agent who is a member of […]

Private landlord letting advertising in Scotland?

5th July 2016

Seeking advice on access to Letting Portals for advertising a property in Aberdeen, Scotland. As a private landlord able to advertise on CityLets and Gumtree but seeking to broaden profile by advertising on the other popular portals serving Scotland, which are understood to be LettingWeb, S1 Homes and Zoopla. Some of these charge a monthly […]

Bank of England frees up £150Billion in loans to households and businesses

5th July 2016

The Financial Policy Committee (FPC) has just published its latest Financial Stability Report. In a speech given by Mark Carney, the Governor of the Bank of England, it was confirmed there is evidence that the forecast risks to the economy were beginning to crystallise and the current outlook for UK financial stability is challenging. To […]

Relocating abroad made difficult by lender?

5th July 2016

I am moving abroad at short notice and am only 5 months into a 5 year fixed mortgage. I asked the mortgage company for permission to let (they would not grant). I asked if I could convert to a buy to let but they want £7k which I cannot afford. I now see no option […]

Thinking out of the box or garage?

5th July 2016

I would like to ask the views and tap into the wealth and experience held within the property 118. I am planning on renting out a block of 4 garages which I see as a small investment with some good returns over time. My idea is to take a deposit on each garage using My […]

Cheque not cashed – Help!

4th July 2016

In July last year I let one of my houses to an HB tenant. The rent is £765 pcm with the local council paying £650, tenant topping up. Since that time the tenant has been consistently in arrears and I am always having to remind about payment, which eventually is paid. When she moved in […]

Tax Notification on transfer to joint names?

4th July 2016

For tax efficiency purposes I had a property put into joint names – a transfer of title exercise. Is there a document or form I have to complete and send to HMRC of what I have done ? My lawyer has done all the other bits relating to the property transaction etc. There is nothing […]

Buying a repossessed flat and asked to pay for previous works?

4th July 2016

I’m ready to exchange on a repossessed flat. I’m required to pay a hefty bill for works completed earlier this year (before my period of ownership). I’ve asked for exemption but the company insists. The property has been on the market for three months and there has been no offer higher than mine. Should I […]

Tenant claims against property not registered as an HMO?

4th July 2016

Does anyone know: if a property should have previously been registered as an HMO but is only now in the process, can previous or current tenants make a claim for their last 6 months rent to be repaid? Thanks to anyone that can comment Jamie

Leaving the EU – What does this mean for property investors?

4th July 2016

The British public has taken the monumental decision to leave the European Union. What does that mean for those looking to invest in the UK’s property market? An Opportunity for Overseas Investors to Take Advantage of the Pound Sterling’s Short Term Weakness The pound sterling has been strong and stable currency. There is an opportunity […]

West Bromwich Tracker Mortgage Refunds UPDATE

3rd July 2016

Since we won our case at the Court of Appeal against West Bromwich Building Society, mortgage borrowers affected by their tracker rate hike are now receiving their share of the £27,500,000 payout in respect of over charged interest and compensation thereon. I have been inundated with thank you messages of support on Facebook and other […]

Landmark judgement for lenders on negligent valuation case

1st July 2016

Decision changes long-held legal precedent of the “But For” test The Court of Appeal today issued a landmark judgement in a professional negligence case that will have wide-ranging ramifications across the lending industry. The decision also sets a new precedent, in that it changes the legal principle of causation. Banks, building societies, asset based lenders […]

Short term letting

1st July 2016

I am planning on renting my flat out on short term lets i.e. not ASTs.  My lease has 2 clauses which I need some guidance on: The flat must be used for residential purposes It should not be used for business purposes There is no restriction in the lease about how long I can rent […]

Could Post Brexit Government Be Landlords Dream Team?

30th June 2016

Homeowners and landlords alike appreciate stability in the UK property market, so being a nation of homeowners the majority of the UK will doubtless be thankful for a new top tier in Government. Our prediction is an all female team to fill the top two positions in the post Brexit Government with …. Teresa May as […]