Around 200,000 or 18% of house purchase transactions fall through every year with the Telegraph reporting that the Department for Business Innovation and Skills have been in talks with the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA). The discussions were to consider the idea of introducing the Scottish system which is also used in other countries […]

New figures from Zoopla show that the average discount on asking price for property has increased to £25,265 (up £4,000 on January) and that 29% of all properties on the website have had their asking price cut at least once since they were listed. Popular press are calling this the property bubble bursting. The Halifax […]

New lender, Foundation Home Loans, has launched into the Buy to Let market specialising in criteria for investing in the name of a Limited Company post clause 24. This niche will in particular allow new investors to start by avoiding the mortgage interest relief penalties of borrowing in a personal capacity without a mark up […]

I have a property that I rent out on a consent to let basis with my bank due to it being in negative equity. I have lived with my girlfriend for around 18 months in her house and we would like to buy a house together. As everyone is aware the SDLT has now kicked […]

I was wondering where I stand on this. I have a long standing tenant who’s tenancy agreement started in October 2004 and was originally for 6 months and than after just reverted to periodic tenancy at the end of the 6 months. I have never protected the deposit. What sort of issues could this cause […]

Amid what looks likely to be slowing growth figures for April, the Bank of England is predicted in the inflation report due this week to produce its most detailed analysis on the risks of Brexit and the continued uncertainty that this is causing in the economy. The economy looks like slowing quickly before the June […]

A friend of mine is looking to buy one or two investment properties in Australia (Sunshine Coast area). They are wondering what is the most comprehensive and reputable equivalent of Rightmove/Zoopla and similarly are there any other impartial resources or forums they could draw upon? Hopefully someone out there on property118 can point me in […]

I recently showed my vacant property to a family consisting of an English father and Spanish mother with 2 children. After a series of strokes, the father is now on disability benefit and his wife is his carer. They want to rent the house. The Spanish lady said she had not been in the country […]

I own a buy to let flat. I am one of 18 freeholders. The new Manager, who was not elected, took over and increased our management fee by 70% because he wants £9000 per year for his pocket, plus the £12000 per year for maintenance costs we were paying previously (the complex of 18 flats […]

I am currently renting a room in a flat, and to start it all seems genuine, deposit etc, there was just no contract. A few months in, I was asked to pay cash rather than standing order. I never thought anymore of it. Then after a few more months, the neighbours have been asking me […]

We feel we have been badly let down by our letting agents. Despite engaging letting agents to manage our home, our house has been left in the most appalling condition. The tenants left owing arrears (which, having paid an insurance to the agents, we have recouped) and we don’t know where they have gone. The […]

We would be interested in knowing how to go about recouping costs from tenants regarding the damage they have caused. Our tenants left owing arrears and having caused significant damage to our property. We do not know where they are (although we do know where one of them worked/still may work). We have received payment […]

I purchased a leasehold flat managed by a Housing Association in 2014, the property is on a development with housing association and privately owned property. The private properties receive 6 monthly service charges from a management company. The HA manages the property and levies a monthly charge on their managed properties. After 6 months, I […]

Hello friends, I would be grateful for your opinion about something urgently. I have done my research, but it would be really helpful if some landlords with experience can give me any advice. I am planning to buy a BTL property just a standard 2 or three bed terrace in Middlesbrough, a decent home as […]

In case you’re not on their mailing list and no doubt David Carter Of The Sheriffs Office fame will be along shortly to let you all know this, but I’m giving you all the heads-up anyway (we landlords need all the advantage we can get). Housing minister, Brandon Lewis has told all local authorities to […]

I have a tenant who signed a two year lease and a month later was asked by his firm to work overseas for 6 months. It is a two bedroom house and the tenant proposed to put all of his personal things in one bedroom and sub let the other bedroom and remainder of the […]

A client, who I manage a property for, has requested a copy of my contractors direct invoices to me for her accountant. I advised her the statements I provide are sufficient for her accountant and for tax purposes as they detail the cost she has been charged for the repairs. They are given from my […]

Its the first time I’ve ever rented my flat, and at the time didn’t know about the government rental scheme, I just took the deposit and kept in a safe account separate to others until the time came when I had to give it back. Unluckily for me, my first tenants haven’t paid a penny […]

My tenant moved out at least 4 months ago, according to neighbours but has paid rent up till March. April’s rent has not been paid and we have been unable to contact tenant by phone. We visited the property and peering through windows can see some bags, ornaments, papers left behind. There is a large […]

A second round of shares in LettingSupermarket.com went live to members of the Seedrs Crowdfunding Platform just six days ago and has already achieved over 50% of the target fund raising level. Interest from Property118 Members has been particularly high as anticipated given that a large number of our members already utilise their services , i.e. […]

A Press Release submitted to me by a PR agency yesterday really annoyed me, and that was just the headline.  Before you read the press release you might enjoy reading my response ……. “Hi Zoe If this is correct it is absolute proof that the Government tax attack on private landlords is utter lunacy. The private rented […]