Page 713 – Property118

Deposits and Section 21s

21st January 2016

Does one have to re-register deposits on a renewal or even a periodic tenancy please? I read somewhere that there is a new form for Section 21 usable for both Fixed term and periodic but I can find no other information. Is there a new form, if so where do I get it? Are the […]

Hold your horses – Does c24 make Ltd more attractive?

20th January 2016

I’ve been running some sums myself with reference to my future purchases in the BTL arena background here: https://www.property118.com/conflicting-advice-pay-debt-not/83469 I was of the opinion that a Ltd was now clearly the beneficial path in light of c24 holding up to review. Then I built a spread sheet: Value Loan Equity M1 £185,000 £135,000 £50,000 M2 […]

Problems with Barrister in freehold flats

20th January 2016

A friend of mine is the owner of a freehold flat, first floor,with similar flats one above and one below. There is no management committee structure, and the freeholder of the 2nd floor flat has not paid his share of the joint costs for insurance or electric supply to common areas for many years. Unfortunately […]

FAQ’s – Beneficial Interest Company Trusts

20th January 2016

Beneficial Interest Company Trusts enable landlords to incorporate their rental property businesses without the need to transfer legal ownership to the company, hence there is no requirement to disturb existing mortgage and financing facilities.  What is the purpose of this strategy? To optimise the tax position of your rental property business in respect of retained […]

SDLT on Rental Property Business Incorporation

20th January 2016

It is our view that SDLT will be payable on transfer on the full value of property even if only the beneficial interest is transferred to the limited company, exactly the same as would be the case if the legal title was transferred.  Our understanding is that prior to 1st April 2016 the rate of SDLT […]

Now is not the time to raise interest rates – Mark Carney

19th January 2016

In the turn of the year speech today Mark Carney, the Governor of the Bank of England, said “last summer I said that the decision as to when to start raising Bank Rate would likely come into sharper relief around the turn of this year.” “Well the year has turned, and, in my view, the […]

Buy to Let Maximum age 110 with Precise Mortgages!

19th January 2016

Precise Mortgages have today launched a new flexible criteria for landlords looking to finance their portfolios into retirement with a maximum age of 110. The maximum age at the point of application is 80 with a possible loan term of 30 years taking the borrower to 110. Precise have also launched a new range of […]

Clause 24 Interview with Steve Bolton – Platinum Property Partners

19th January 2016

Steve Bolton of Platinum Property Partners has recently recorded a 22 minute interview with Billy Farrell, host and founder of “This Week In Property” Podcast.  The Podcast has already been widely distributed and was very popular on Facebook but for those Property118 members who may have missed it, please see below. Since the interview was recorded the campaign […]

Off plan purchase delays – Advice on stamp duty/mortgage

19th January 2016

Due to events outside of our control we exchanged on an off-plan new build apartment on 1st December 2015. Our Developer has now delayed to a new estimated completion date of May/start of June 2016. I called HMRC and they said we must pay the additional stamp duty. Our BTL interest-only mortgage was also booked […]

Investment strategy for a 55 year old?

19th January 2016

My fundamental question is “what property investment strategy would you recommend for a 55 year old starting out today?” The desired end state is to allow me or both of us to become self-employed in the property business and boost pension income. My wife and I are amateur landlords – two flats with mortgages being […]

Increase Housing Supply – Tax Regime Comparisons

18th January 2016

Property118 is calling for Government to give UK landlords the same tax treatment as other major countries in order to increase the supply of homes. Towards the end of this article you will find a link to a NEW Government Petition to “Increase Housing Supply” In the UK there has been a housing shortage for […]

Warning letter template?

18th January 2016

Does anyone have a template letter warning tenants? Our tenants are manly students and we don’t have many problems with them, but some of late have been disturbing neighbours and other tenants with late and usual drunk behaviour. They had admitted to it and take responsibility for it by apologising in writing and pacifying the […]

How to reduce costs in first HMO?

18th January 2016

I am creating my first HMO. I am installing a Hive thermostat to control heating and water remotely, replacing all light bulbs with LED and I am attaching a coin timer to the tumble dryer. Should I attach a timer to the washing machine? how much should I charge for an hours usage for each […]

First time Buy to Let buyer looking for advice on the risks?

18th January 2016

I am looking for some advice. I’m a 21 year old who is in full time employment earning £21,000pa + bonuses. I am currently saving to invest in a buy to let property, but I really don’t know too much about the risks. I would be looking to start off with a small property, I […]

Call for Evidence on LBTT supplement in Scotland

18th January 2016

Scottish Government is calling for Evidence in relation to its proposal to impose a 3% Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) levy on buy to let and second home purchases. Here is a link to the information on the Scottish Government website. http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/CurrentCommittees/95263.aspx The deadline for evidence is Friday 29 January. Responses should be sent […]

Help my tenant wants a section 21?

15th January 2016

Help, my tenant is causing damage to the property and have been there just over 2 years now on periodic tenancy. I have been letting below market value as I knew them and was trying to do them a favour. Now they have complained to council about condensation and mold! I have spoken to council […]

New Plastic fuse board? No it’s got to be Metal today!

15th January 2016

Today the electrician came to do a 5 year routine test. Twas rewired 5 years ago, brand new plastic fuse board, “it’s safer mate”. Now “it should be metal, fire risk!, or you could just put in RCBOs, but 4 of those will be about the same cost. Must be done in bathrooms, you have […]

shawbrook

Shawbrook reduce interest rates and arrangement fees

14th January 2016

With the proposed increase in stamp duty (additional 3%), restriction of tax relief on interest payments and changes to the wear & tear allowance; 2016 has never been a more important time to have your portfolio professionally reviewed. Whether it be via moving your property into a limited company structure, making new purchases before the […]

Disposing of goods left in properties after eviction

14th January 2016

In most eviction cases tenants and squatters remove everything they own from the property – and sometimes plenty of items they don’t own! But there are instances where the occupant has disappeared and left belongings behind. So where does that leave the landlord – can he dispose of them or does he have a legal […]

Additional stamp duty deadline for Land Registry?

14th January 2016

I am in the process of buying a second property (eighth actually) and will be “Completing” prior to 1st April 2016. I understood that this would mean avoiding the additional stamp duty tax BUT I was advised last night by a fellow landlord that NOT ONLY has a second property to be “Completed” by 1st […]

Is gas a legal requirement?

14th January 2016

We are about to start building 8 flats, it is in fact an extension on to the rear of an existing commercial unit in a town centre. Conversion of 2 flats above the commercial unit and 6 flats on a new build extension at the rear. My architect told us a while ago that law […]