16th January 2019
Whether you voted to leave or stay, Brexit is beginning to take it's toll on the UK housing market. Which ever way you look at it, we're facing uncertain times; not helped by the fallout from the latest historic events at Westminster. So, should you be concerned? And could Brexit affect your property investment plans? Let's look at the statistics…
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10th December 2018
Often abbreviated to AST, an Assured Shorthold Tenancy is perhaps the most common type of tenancy landlords will have to deal with. It is also very easy to get wrong if you’re unfamiliar with the rules surrounding it.
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4th December 2018
Historically, the Christmas and New Year holidays see record visits to sites such as Rightmove and Zoopla, with over 1.6m properties viewed online as people escape the Christmas turkey to think about their next move. Understandably, many people are reluctant to sell or let their property until after the New Year. But, if you are thinking of moving, selling or letting a property in January, can you afford not to put your property in front of potential buyers at this important time of year?
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20th November 2018
As a landlord, you have a legal obligation and responsibility toward the safety of your tenants. Back in 1998, the Gas Safety Regulations were set out in order to ensure that all households with gas appliances could expect a safe standard of care, and be assured that any gas appliances in a property were of a safe useable standard, checked annually.
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7th November 2018
Having a property inventory in place is vital in order to claim for damages, yet they’re surprisingly easy to get wrong. These important documents are not only useful in furnished properties, but should also be in place for unfurnished properties too. A property inventory is a record of everything included within the interior of a rental property, including all fixtures, fittings, and décor. The more detailed you can be, the easier it will be to avoid any tenancy disputes at the end of a tenancy.
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2nd November 2018
In recent years, there have been a number of blockbuster announcements relating to property ownership and rental. These have ranged from cuts in stamp duty for first-time buyers (2017) to a ban on letting fees (2016). This latest budget, whilst lacking the big headline news, did have it's fair share of significant housing-related measures.
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29th October 2018
It might surprise you to know that there are over 150 pieces of legislation now in place surrounding property and lettings, which makes being a self-managed landlord a juggling act. Things are changing, and being updated on a regular basis, which could mean that you’re spending much of your time just trying to keep on top of it. These days more than ever, it is important that landlords are up to date with every piece of new legislation. It only takes one bad incident with a tenant, one gap in the landlord’s legislation knowledge, to land you in hot water...
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26th October 2018
Back in 2015, regulations around smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors were updated in order to standardise the rules for landlords. Before this, it was not compulsory, although advisory, for rented properties to have alarms fitted at all. But what exactly are the rules for landlords, and why are they so important?
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1st October 2018
There could be a host of reasons for you to consider downsizing. Your kids may have flown the nest, your garden may be too large, you may want to release some equity, reduce your monthly outgoings, or you are simply drawn to living in a smaller, more manageable property. Downsizing isn't just for retirement. It can be an important choice at any stage of your life, location, health or wealth. Whatever your reasons, whether you are a homeowner, a private tenant, living in a council or housing association accommodation, it's important to review the options before making your decision.
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20th September 2018
Think hard a carefully about how much you want to spend. It's easy to get carried away with that better and more attractive property, but don't forget you also have bills to pay when you move in! You might also consider renting as a short term option whilst you're saving a deposit. In which case, set you budget sensibly and you'll have more available to save each month.
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