There have been many regeneration projects throughout London in recent years, and this looks set to continue long into the future as steps are taken to improve living standards and provide much-needed housing for the population of the capital. It has been in the news recently that Haringey Council are searching for a partner to carry out a £2 billion development project across various areas of the borough. Continue reading
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Understanding council tax responsibilities
All renters and landlords need to be aware of the rules surrounding council tax. With most rented houses and flats, the tenant will be liable to pay it. If there are two or more occupants on a joint tenancy agreement, they will be equally responsible, unless they are full-time students in which case they are exempt. However, when it comes to HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation), where there are multiple tenants with separate agreements, the responsibility falls to the landlord. Landlords must also pay council tax on properties which are unoccupied. Continue reading
Housing estates set to be regenerated
It has been announced that 100 of the UK’s housing estates will be regenerated and made into safer, higher quality homes, with the aid of a £140 million fund. In some cases the buildings will be refurbished and have their layout, infrastructure and facilities improved, while others will be demolished and replaced completely, depending on their condition. The budget will also be spent on temporary rehousing for current occupants of the estates. Continue reading
Greenwich is a unique and appealing part of the capital
Greenwich is truly one of the most distinctive London Boroughs, with many qualities to appeal to property investors and renters alike. There are a wide range of properties available for investment here: those who are in search of a high end property will be drawn to the borough’s beautiful Georgian town houses, while those looking for a more affordable investment can select from Georgian and Victorian terraces as well as various contemporary developments and apartments. Continue reading
Essential services for expat landlords
More and more people are dreaming about leaving their old life in the UK behind and heading overseas to live as an expat. Of course, this means they have to decide what to do with their old homes. Many expats choose to let their UK homes when they move abroad rather than selling them. There are several advantages to this choice: it means that they have a source of steady income while they are away, and that they have a home if they decide to return to the UK in the future. Continue reading
A link between oil prices and property investment in London
The property market in London and the price of oil have an interesting link. High prices for the commodity at the start of the decade encouraged a number of investors from the Middle East to purchase properties in the city where they could stand to earn good returns. Property was seen as a safe investment with prices rising and strong demand. A number of high profile properties were sold during this period. Continue reading
Removing common stress factors for landlords
With rentals booming in popularity over the past few years, more and more people are investing in rental homes and looking for tenants. If you are a first time landlord, you could have the potential to make excellent returns. However, letting a property can be a stressful experience if the whole process is not managed effectively, and you may end up feeling that the returns you get are not worth the time or effort you are putting in. Continue reading
Funding has been allocated to UK Housing Zones
It has been announced that £6.3 million of government funding is being provided to councils around the country to revive brownfield areas across the UK. The funds will be spent on construction and technical support in 19 brand new designated Housing Zones. The aim of these zones is to give councils a place where they can work in partnership with private developers, delivering new homes on previously unused land. A further eight UK zones are planned for future development. Continue reading
London reigns as the rental capital of the UK
London is home to the largest number of renters in the country. Renting has become a firmly established way of life for many and has transformed the housing market throughout the capital. It is predicted that an additional 1.1 million people will begin renting properties over the course of the next five years. Almost 30% of London’s residents are renters, and research shows that almost half of all 25 to 30 year olds fully expect renting to become the usual way of life in the future. The phenomenal shift to private renting seems a long way away from the nation’s previous emotional attachment to property ownership, but the reality is that the UK rental market is here to stay. Continue reading
Will you pay a premium for an affordable property?
Demand for homes in London is so high in many Boroughs that buyers are facing the prospect of having to pay a premium to beat the competition. This is becoming particularly common in areas typically considered to offer a high amount of affordable housing. There are several areas where sellers can stand to earn big rewards by selling while demand is at its highest. Continue reading
