Landlords say they will prioritise better energy efficiency ratings
A quarter of landlords say they are likely to avoid buying properties with a low energy performance certificate (EPC), according to research by Shawbrook Bank. Proposed government changes to the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard are likely to impact buying preferences the survey shows. Of the 1,000 landlords questioned by the Shawbrook Bank, nearly a third of […]
Average length of tenancies increases
Tenants are staying longer in rental homes, according to ARLA Propertymark’s Private Rented Sector Report. Data collected from members of the organisation continues to indicate signs of ongoing disparity in supply and demand with tenants remaining in their properties for longer periods of time. According to the report, this is in part due to rock […]
Demand for rented office space bounces back
The start of 2022 saw a jump in new tenants looking to rent UK commercial property, with the uplift particularly prevalent in prime office spaces. Investor enquiries across all UK commercial property also continued to rise, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Commercial Property Market Survey, Q1 2022. Respondents to the survey […]
Increasing levels of build-to-rent (BTR) properties are being completed
Analysis published by the British Property Federation (BPF) shows the build-to-rent (BTR) sector continues to grow at pace, with the number of completed homes increasing by a fifth in the past 12 months. The analysis, conducted at the end of first quarter of 2022, shows a total of 72,668 BTR homes have now been delivered […]
On the floor – the pros and cons of different types of flooring
Hard, soft, tile or laminate – there are so many different kinds of flooring available today that it can be hard for landlords to decide which to go for. Budget is obviously always a major factor and the overall look you are hoping to achieve will also always top your reasons for choosing one product […]
Avoid neighbour disputes over party walls and extensions
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has published new guidance on how to avoid upsetting the neighbours over building works involving party walls and extensions. The free impartial advice guide is for anyone, including landlords, looking to consider construction work to extend or retrofit their property and to help them understand the rules around […]
HMRC urged to improve awareness of processes among landlords
The HMRC should improve awareness among landlords about how and when they need to register with HMRC, rather than opt for an alternative plan to change when they register to pay income tax, according to the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT). Currently, a landlord is required to give notice to HMRC of their liability for […]
Bring in the Spring
Spring is very definitely in the air outside – so why not open your doors and bring it right into the home? Here are our top tips for welcoming the season into your living spaces – and putting that spring back into your step as you move from room to room: Let the light in […]
Calls for empty homes to become available as rental stock
A membership body for the property sector has called for action on empty homes during National Empty Homes Week, which runs from February 28 to March 6. Propertymark has written to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities demanding action on empty homes to bolster much-needed supply in the private rented sector […]
Call for an Energy Saving Stamp Duty
The Energy Efficiency Infrastructure Group (EEIG) has written to the Chancellor, calling on the government to support a long-term, revenue neutral Energy Saving Stamp Duty Incentive. The coalition of industry groups, businesses and charities, which organisations working with landlords and tenants, aims to encourage property owners to future-proof their buildings against high energy bills. The […]