January 2016 was an excellent month for the property market in England and Wales, according to the latest figures released by the Land Registry. House prices jumped by 2.5% on average in the period, making it the biggest rise in a single month since June 2002. Continue reading
Monthly Archives: February 2016
Nine Elms development spells great news for investors
Nine Elms is located on the South Bank, and includes parts of Wandsworth and Lambeth. It was once a picture of warehouses and wasteland, but is now one of the largest regeneration areas in Europe, with almost 20,000 units under construction from an investment of around £15 billion. Local council leaders have stated that once complete Nine Elms will have a distinctively London flavour that will draw an influx of investors and residents. Continue reading
Lifelong tenants are looking for lifelong landlords
Just three years ago it was predicted by many experts in the property market that the majority of young professionals and families would eventually resign themselves to the idea of being lifelong renters. With the demand for rental accommodation in the capital so high and the number of happy tenants rising, it would seem that the predictions were accurate. As an increasing number of tenants commit to long-term tenancies, it creates the need for landlords that are equally dedicated to providing suitable housing and professionally managed tenancies. Continue reading
Getting ahead of the competition
The demand for residential properties is so high in London that there is a huge amount of competition between investors, so it is important that investors have a suitable strategy to help them secure the homes that meet their criteria. Continue reading
Make sure your youthful tenants are protected
Research shows that more and more young people are renting for longer rather than buying their first home. Recent data from the Office of National Statistics shows that the percentage of 24 to 29 year olds in a position to purchase their own property has fallen from 55% in 1996 to 30% in 2015. The percentage of 30 to 34 year olds that own their own place has decreased from 68% to 46%. Continue reading
Addressing London’s long-term vacant properties
It is widely known that London is experiencing a shortage of housing, with insufficient homes to accommodate the ever increasing demand for living space in the city. There are presently just under three and a half million homes in Greater London, but the number of people seeking to live and work in the capital exceeds the number of homes available to rent or buy. As a result of this situation, greater focus is being placed on the number of London homes regarded as ‘long-term vacant’ properties. Continue reading
University students seek high quality HMOs
Student accommodation is one of the most successful areas of the rental sector today. Research shows that billions have been invested in the area in the last two years, and as increasing numbers of students achieve high GCSE and A level results, the numbers attending university and requiring suitable rental accommodation will continue to rise. Continue reading
Upwards extension proposals may give property owners new opportunities
In July 2015 the Treasury released its Productivity Plan to help boost housing supply in the UK. The document contained a number of proposed planning reforms, including giving the Government the power to draft local plans, looking at planning for brownfield sites and creating high density developments around key transport hubs. A lot of discussion has gone into these ideas and the benefits they could offer. Continue reading
The rise in million pound property owners
New research from the London School of Economics and Santander predicts that house prices will continue to rise between now and 2030. Currently the average price for a home in the UK is £283,565. According to the data this will rise in the next 15 years, ultimately reaching £557,444. Continue reading
Areas to watch between now and 2018
In London, close proximity to transport links is an important consideration for property hunters. As a result areas around Underground stations tend to attract a huge amount of interest. This can drive prices up and provide excellent returns for the current owners if they decide to sell. Continue reading