Buy to let lenders say they are ready to open the floodgates to property investors looking to expand their portfolios rather than lend to first time buyers. Mortgage lenders see less risk and more profits in buy to let because landlords borrow less to buy the same home as other buyers and investment mortgage interest […]

EU rules that aim to tighten up mortgage lending may have an unforeseen impact on buy to let. The draft EU mortgage directive covers all mortgages for residential property and sees no difference between buying as a home or buy to let. The main issue for lenders is the directive makes them more responsible for […]

Landlords are reporting a continuing demand for rented homes as mortgage lenders keep a tight lid on borrowing. Signs are that the market is shifting away from first time buyers in favour of buy to let as the UK’s largest property investment lender, the Nationwide, called for more tax breaks for landlords. The Nationwide – […]

Many believe property is still priced too high – but only one in four believe prices will fall much in the coming year, a survey claims. Around 40% of 26,000 people asked about the housing market by web portal Rightmove predict prices will not change much in the next 12 months – and the answer […]

HM Revenue and Customs has launched the first in a rolling campaign of cut-price amnesties aimed at encouraging people in property related businesses to give up cheating on their tax. From this week, letters will invite around 50,000 plumbers, gas fitters and heating engineers to put their tax affairs in order with a special discount […]

Due to low mortgage interest rates, buying a home is becoming more affordable than renting. The monthly cost of buying a three-bed home is £608, £98 lower than renting the same property, according to a study by The Halifax.

The buy to let mortgage market has seen a wind change in recent weeks and lenders loosening their purse strings with higher loan to values and better rates for property investors.

Claiming interest on loans and finance as a business expense is one of the regular top questions from property investors. This Guest Article has kindly been written for us by Steve Sims, author of ‘Understanding And Paying Less Property Tax For Dummies’.  Steve and his wife Amanda also have a boutique accountancy business which specialises […]

The risk of drugs gangs preying on unsuspecting buy to let landlords to set up cannabis farms was highlighted in two separate court cases this week. Insurer Aviva warned property owners that claims for damage to property had soared by almost a third last year as police seized more than 750,000 plants – mostly in […]

Estate agents have more houses to sell than they have had available for more than eight months. Firms across the country are reporting a surge of homeowners wanting to sell – but homes are sticking on the market because they are reluctant to decrease selling prices and buyers are still finding mortgages hard to find.

The buy to let mortgage lender battle for the hearts and minds of landlords has stepped up another gear as BM Solutions cut rates on some deals. The lead up to Easter has seen most of the big players jockey for position in the buy to let market with rate cuts, slashed fees, plus free […]

Mortgage lending jumped by 21% in March – but the headline figures still show a drop in lending from the end of last year. Banks and building societies advanced £11.3 billion in March – up from £9.3 billion in February. Although the figure will cheer homebuyers and sellers, once put in perspective with other recent […]

Guest article written by Paul Shamplina, Founder of LandlordAction. As an eviction specialist, I am frequently asked for advice on avoiding bad tenants. Over the years, I have developed a list of ‘top tips’ which is worth regularly revisiting. Much of this is common sense that every landlord should be already doing. Unfortunately, many still […]

The Bank of England’s latest report is available here as a downloadable PDF. Please share on other Social Networks and leave comments below.

Technology is one the most effective weapons in the fight against unscrupulous tenants. Letting agents, landlords and local authorities have turned to technology to give them vital information about prospective tenants before handing over the keys to their properties.

Have your readers got a good reason to visit your web-site every day?  If not why not give them something for nothing? It’s FREE for you to use too! One of the most popular features within Property118.com is our News.  We are regularly asked for permission to use our articles. Until now, our answer has […]

In this video I interview IFA Jason Howard about how property investors and business owners can combine their pension schemes to acquire commercial property and to release cash tied up in their businesses premises for alternative investment or cashflow purposes.

Since the beginning of the credit crunch we’ve heard of stories of good fortune (lenders writing off huge chunks of debt) and stories of questionable practices (promises reneged, rates increased unreasonably etc.). Please share your experiences below, good or bad, many people would like to read about them.

A landmark case in the Court of Appeal has removed responsibility from builders and contractors who refurbish or extend homes to make sure their work is not defective.

Mortgage Trust is lending to buy to let landlords again – after a three year break from the market. The firm, a subsidiary of property investment specialist Paragon Mortgages, stopped lending in February 2008.

Do the little things that make a big difference? If you are unsure, try going to sleep with a mosquito in your bedroom! What tips can you share to minimise rental voids.  Here’s one to get you started. When a tenant serves notice arrange to meet with them.  Let them know why it is so […]