It has certainly been a challenging environment for private landlords and investors in recent years. The Government has increased stamp duty with its ‘3% surcharge’ on second homes and investments and imposed tightening restrictions on mortgage interest relief for landlords. A ‘war on landlords’ indeed. The number of new buy-to-let properties being purchased has fallen […]
Buy-to-Let Interest Rates Tumble Read More »
It’s that time of year again. The weather has a slight Autumnal feeling, summer holidays are sadly behind most of us and the children have returned to school this week. Even if the sun is shining you have probably noticed the difference in traffic on your morning commute! However, there is an upside for anyone
Kids Back at School and a Good Autumn Market in Prospect Read More »
A recent poll by the retirement housebuilder McCarthy & Stone shows the continuing popularity of the bungalow – according to surveys, they are the most desirable type of property across all age groups. Indeed, McCarthy & Stome found that more than half of all over 65’s would consider moving to one. But bungalows are in
Bungalows – always in demand… Read More »
The latest house price index from Halifax shows that UK house prices picked up last month, rising at the fastest annual pace since November. This rise comes despite the much hyped ‘Brexit’ effect and shows that once again, people are choosing to get on with their lives and put their money into a family home.
House Prices are Rising again say Halifax and Nationwide Read More »
Mark Carney was appointed Governor of the Bank of England in 2013 – when bank base rate stood at 0.5%. So today’s 0.25% rise has been a long time in the making – especially given Mr Carney’s much derided ‘forward guidance’ strategy and many false pointers to interest rate rises in the past. Not for
'Unreliable Boyfriend' Carney raises base rate by 0.25% Read More »
Although 9 out of 10 borrowers go for a fixed rate mortgage, most don’t fix for too long. This can be because they are worried about early repayment charges or don’t plan to stay in their home for that long. However, a growing number of lenders are now offering 10 year fixes – that’s right
Time for a 10 year fixed rate? Read More »
Mr & Mrs ‘Buyer’ are searching for a new home…will they find your home?
Mr & Mrs 'Buyer' are searching for a new home… Read More »
Today’s budget had a lot to say about housing supply, housebuilding, planning reform and help for first time buyers. Quite how the amounts of money pledged and the new more ambitious targets for new housebuilding will all work out remains to be seen. In some ways, we have heard much of this talk before –
The Budget – What you need to know. Read More »
Rates Rise – but don’t panic. At midday today, as widely predicted, the Bank of England announced an increase in the base rate from 0.25% to 0.5%. The base rate had never been lower and this is the first rise in over a decade. If you are a tenant or a home-owner under the age
0.25% Base Rate Rise – What Next? Read More »
“Virtual Reality” it sounds like science fiction, but it is here right now, and when it comes to property marketing, it promises to be simply huge. VR as it is known, allows the user to experience a virtual tour of the property, using either a VR headset (like the one worn by the Ostrich in the
Clarkes Estates launches new 'Virtual Reality' Read More »
It is a fact that to value a property with accuracy takes experience, expertise, local knowledge, comparable evidence and a physical visit to the property itself. However, sometimes it is very handy to be able to get a general idea on current value without needing to arrange a valuation appointment – either because you are
New Free On-line Property Valuation App Read More »
First things first – not every large garden or side garden will have development potential. There are a whole host of things that affect planning consent and it’s important to take professional advice right at the start. Local Planning Policy is very specific when it comes to development in garden settings. Planners will pay
Are you sitting on a Goldmine – find out now! Read More »
