Feed Editor Lite 20 Nov 2007 16:51:35 GMT Residential Landlord - UK property investment news The Residential landlord RSS news feed delivers essential and up to date news on all matters relating to investment property, and the UK buy to let market. This feed is aimed at UK based landlords and property investors alike. http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/rssnewsfeed/rssnews.xml Copyright 2007, Write Now Publications Ltd editorial@residentiallandlord.co.uk en karlh@residentiallandlord.co.uk http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/images/residentiallandlordlogo_small.JPG http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk Essential rental property news and information for UK property investors. Residential landlord - Essential news and information for UK property investors Bank holds its nerve and interest rates Although borrowers and builders were hoping for another cut in interest rates, the Bank of England, as many analysts predicted, held the base rate at 5 percent on Thursday. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) would have been under pressure due to falling house prices and low consumer confidence but decided to maintain the current figure after cutting interest rates three times in the last six months. 9 May 2008 14:24:01 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1374.html 38FCD940-DD95-4458-8CFB-949E54983CA0 How will Boris affect the London property market? Protecting private tenants from unscrupulous landlords by publishing an online 'Fair Rents Guide', and exploring the possibility of a tenant deposit scheme with a guaranteed arbitration period of one month are two of Boris Johnson's pledges in his housing manifesto. The new London Mayor’s other detailed policy pledges are designed to help more Londoners afford their own homes. 9 May 2008 14:24:25 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1375.html E268FE9B-04D9-41CF-8B80-F43BCB2E5218 Cash still available from other sources claims finance broker While banks and mainstream lenders continue to put the brakes on the kind of lending available before the credit crunch, there is actually still a vast amount of cash out there if you know where to look says an independent commercial finance broker. And, says Galapark Ltd, some property investors may be surprised that flexible finance facilities from other sources remain very readily available. 9 May 2008 14:24:55 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1376.html A71D7BC2-F18E-4A4A-AD98-AF13C26771EE Momentous year for the mortgage industry The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has published its annual report 2007 which, the organisation says, is a record of a momentous year for the mortgage industry. The report highlights how, in the first eight months or so of the year, mortgage and housing markets continued a pattern of strong growth that had extended for... 9 May 2008 14:25:19 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1377.html DB72983D-3A2E-4C02-B94D-7F569225C283 A POSITIVE approach to the mortgage market Whitney UK and Rich Dad Education, a provider of educational programmes in property investment and financial well-being, have drawn up their own POSITIVE advice relating to the current mortgage market. The advice is: Plan ahead for the longer term. Try not to sell your home or investment properties unless... 9 May 2008 14:25:54 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1378.html 180D9450-5CBC-4A02-ABDB-ABDA7835D57D BPF labels NLA statement 'absurd' The British Property Federation (BPF) has responded to what it calls an absurd press statement from the National Landlords Association (NLA) criticising moves to encourage greater investment into rental housing. The NLA's statement suggests that moves to encourage a US style branded rental scheme may pose a threat to individual landlords and could leave the vulnerable 'out in the cold'. 7 May 2008 12:31:18 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1369.html DA0869FD-0D9E-47DD-8936-C1E895BF977C ARLA’s new man with a mission The new ARLA president is calling on members to promote the benefits to landlords and their tenants of the Association’s Code of Practice, Client Money Protection and professional qualifications. David McMaster, 40, who takes over from Robert Jordan this month is making it his personal mission to ensure landlords and buy to let investors understand exactly what they should expect from professional letting agents. 7 May 2008 12:30:59 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1370.html 1C932341-DA52-477E-B66D-0BCA1F5ED3D1 Accommodation shortage means rents could rise by 50 percent The recent announcement by housebuilder Persimmon that it has postponed the start of scheduled new sites until the mortgage market improves will be one of several similar statements to come from developers predicts an investment specialist. These postponements will have the affect of stalling the government’s home building plans and will see rents rise as demand for existing rented accommodation increases. 7 May 2008 12:30:39 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1371.html 74D7AA26-E4FE-4DC8-AF7E-39F69F826F2C Shortage of large homes in rental sector Although there is a market for those looking to rent larger homes, they are in short supply and the houses that do come up are quickly snapped up. This is the view of Zaza Patterson, of the Winchester lettings department of Dreweatt Neate. She said: “There is always the demand for larger houses at this time of year as... 7 May 2008 12:29:59 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1372.html 79701FA7-5CE3-4A06-9190-299AC6095B5E Government must help landlords go green The government must make better use of the Enhanced Capital Allowances scheme, designed to reimburse landlords for greening existing buildings says The British Property Federation (BPF). At a recent UK Green Building Council 'Dragon's Den' event the BPF joined organisations including Friends Of The Earth and the Empty Homes Agency to make a case for one type of incentive scheme to help green the country's... 7 May 2008 12:29:08 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1373.html CF8A44F7-8F76-453D-9615-7295848CD44E Buy to let property company goes into administration A buy to let company that promised to show investors how to become property millionaires went into administration this week. Three years ago Inside Track was reporting profits of £12m, but in the current climate the company is now showing a loss. It blames the credit crunch for its collapse which has caused banks to tighten up buy to let lending although media reports had already previously suggested that... 2 May 2008 18:05:37 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1364.html C8046039-8095-4118-A9CE-F6D49F064BFC All borrowers will be affected by credit crunch says CML The Bank of England's special liquidity scheme is designed to improve liquidity in the banking system, not to support the housing market, Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) director general Michael Coogan told a Debt and Personal Finance All Party Parliamentary Group meeting this week. 2 May 2008 18:05:19 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1365.html AF19A28B-30A8-4F22-83DB-91A4E159D534 House price fall not in same league as the 90s says Nationwide The not altogether unexpected news that house prices are lower than they were a year ago was revealed by the Nationwide's' latest House Price Survey. Average prices have dropped 1 percent since April 2007 to £178,555, the first time this has happened since 1996. Falling demand from first time buyers, higher mortgage costs... 2 May 2008 18:04:57 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1366.html F15AA46F-BDA3-4C98-ADD3-BA4933B91988 Former media mogul turns attention to cowboy builders Landlords whose properties have suffered from the hands of ‘cowboy builders’ may have found an ally in the form of Eddy Shah, the man whose Messenger News Group company took on the print unions 25 years ago. He has vowed to uncover dodgy working practices in a blog on the new website www.showhouse.co.uk, which is a forum for the UK housebuilding industry. 2 May 2008 18:04:30 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1367.html 556E3D02-02B3-4642-BF6B-D1639531B732 Branded rental market will not benefit vulnerable claims NLA Calls for the adoption of a large institution-driven, US-style branded rental market in the UK could leave the vulnerable 'out in the cold' says the National Landlords Association (NLA). The warning follows proposals to incentivise large institutions to invest intensively in rental accommodation. 2 May 2008 18:04:18 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1368.html 37B577D0-5AB6-48CF-B9B8-DDA1BE2D44BB 86 percent rise in complaints involving residential lettings Estate agents who deal with lettings are being advised by the Ombudsman for Estate Agents, Christopher Hamer, to pay particular attention to their dealings with clients. With uncertainty in the residential sales sector, there is an increasing emphasis on renting property in the private sector as a housing solution for many people as they wait to see what happens with... 30 Apr 2008 16:51:57 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1359.html 596FC307-0011-4929-8D5C-024C47D155EF Significant risk of greater falls in housing market says Savills Savills Research has issued a revised forecast for the property market anticipating total falls of 6 percent over two years, provided the Bank of England takes all necessary steps to halt the credit crisis. Unlike other forecasters, Savills believes the current credit constraints, rather than affordability issues, to be the major downward pressure on the property market. 30 Apr 2008 16:51:37 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1360.html 16AB6475-547D-4921-B0E1-31613F081980 Put EU integration on hold says CML The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has urged the European Commission to shelve its White Paper proposals on the integration of EU mortgage markets. The CML says that conditions have changed so much in the months since the White Paper was prepared and published in December last year that it would make no sense to proceed. 30 Apr 2008 16:51:08 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1361.html 15C9F3EE-2E92-4513-BB22-D3E1577ADA5D Refurbishment opportunities excite buy to let landlords A survey of buy to let landlords has revealed that 70 percent view the current property market conditions as an opportunity to expand their portfolios. The survey, carried out by property fulfilment company i-PropertyAssets, also showed that refurbishment opportunities were the most likely way for a buy to let landlord to add to their portfolio with 40 percent preferring that option. 30 Apr 2008 16:50:50 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1362.html 708FBF21-3FBE-4C61-A140-39667448039A Housing association records lowest ever number of evictions The biggest housing association in Chester claims it is bucking the national trend by reducing the number of evictions at their properties due to rent arrears. The government has recently announced it is to launch a working group to look into concerns that some housing associations are too quick to evict tenants. 30 Apr 2008 16:50:11 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1363.html 150219D5-F2D0-4AC6-A9CE-8FC10FD6BAFC ARLA urges public to join fight for licensing of letting agents With the collapse of the Colchester-based letting agents, Hot Lets, ARLA, the Association of Residential Letting Agents, has asked members to step up their individual efforts to warn the public of the dangers of unregulated agents. Speaking at the AGM of the ARLA Essex Region recently Ian Potter, Head of Operations, said, "Until we have a licensing regime that covers every letting agent... 25 Apr 2008 17:22:54 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1354.html 111211A6-71C0-4308-9F7F-B1A8663B315B Don't be fooled by national buy to let averages says lettings specialist Independently owned letting specialists Leaders, which has 34 offices across the South East, insists it is important to look at the facts and figures on a local rather than national level in order to get an accurate picture of the buy to let market. The company’s managing director, Paul Weller, said: "The problem with looking at averages and trends is they don’t reflect a true picture of what is happening in specific locations. 25 Apr 2008 17:22:14 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1355.html 52FAD493-388B-446F-84C8-93873331ADE8 Landlords still in business for the long term There is no sign of buy to let investors fleeing the housing market according to an interim survey carried out over the past fortnight of RICS members. The survey was held to assess whether landlords are now seeking to take advantage of the more favourable capital gains tax treatment. 25 Apr 2008 17:22:00 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1356.html 32BB3BD2-69FA-420C-A227-61204346DA12 Buyers adopt a 'wait and see' approach Demand for rented accommodation will continue to rise for the foreseeable future as first time buyers are finding the current property climate increasingly difficult. According to the latest report from the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) the market share for the first time buyer market reduced in March. 25 Apr 2008 17:21:31 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1357.html 053F51A3-5AD6-4F1F-B427-26A1E0BC30FF Funding needed to rid sector of rogue landlords A Shelter report shows many on low incomes are being forced to rent slum-like homes as they struggle to find a decent, affordable place to live. The British Property Federation (BPF) is fully supporting Shelter on moves to improve standards and rid the sector of rogue landlords. 25 Apr 2008 17:20:30 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1358.html DE315F32-F30C-41F9-B034-279B957CBA92 'Don’t start cutting corners' says ARLA With demand for housing in the Private Rented Sector likely to soar due to the credit crunch, the Association of Residential Letting Agents, ARLA, has warned agents and landlords not to take advantage by cutting corners. ARLA pointed out that both the law and best practice has moved on a long way since the early 90s when the last housing crisis produced soaring rental demand... 23 Apr 2008 10:31:43 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1350.html C505A8FA-F9AD-4278-978C-B1E8A3454182 Movers and shakers on the latest list of popular and undesirable postcodes Residential Landlords trying to find the best locations in which to invest in buy to let properties will be interested in the claims made by a recent survey which lists the least popular places to live in the UK. Halifax has proved the least popular destination with movers - 57.1 percent more people have moved out of the area than... 23 Apr 2008 10:31:17 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1351.html CAD25EEB-350C-487C-9B74-575BFEAB7DBB CML supports cash boost for banking system Despite some initial criticism that the Bank of England is risking public money to bail out cash strapped financial institutions by announcing plans for a special liquidity scheme, the move is gaining support from various property organisations. The Government backed scheme hopes that the injection of around £50 billion will improve the liquidity position of the banking system and restore confidence in financial markets. 23 Apr 2008 10:30:59 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1352.html DB884586-5C45-45CB-AE60-7B757F8C150A Online system allows landlords to monitor progress of mortgage transactions The Money Centre, the independent buy to let mortgage brokers, has improved its range of mortgage services. After two years of using Goldsmith Williams' online conveyancing service, GW Live, The Money Centre has been asked by Goldsmith Williams to pilot its new portfolio landlord system. 23 Apr 2008 10:30:38 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1353.html D34F8611-584D-42B0-825C-B1C952BF2735 Buy to let mortgage offers become scarce New investors hoping to get into the buy to let market and existing landlords looking to extend their portfolio will find it harder to get funding following news that five more lenders have joined a growing list of institutions unwilling to offer products for this type of investment in the current climate. Last year there were more than 3,600 buy to let mortgage products... 18 Apr 2008 17:00:45 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1345.html 52876DE8-0006-4EA4-829F-5E194B384BD5 South west benefits from vibrant second home market Residential landlords with properties in the South West could find their investments holding up better than the rest of the country according to one major estate agent. Knight Frank believes that the area is still expected to outperform the UK average, with only a moderate correction in prices expected through the year (-1 percent compared to -3 percent for the UK as a whole)... 18 Apr 2008 17:00:16 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1346.html 54B51EB9-EC50-4DE9-8BF6-9C17E281A0F4 Nationwide property identification system announced If you own a property, it will now appear on what is claimed to be a complete list of English addresses produced by the National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG). It says that for the first time, possibly since the Domesday Book, the first, definitive, national (England and Wales) address list provides unique identification of properties. 18 Apr 2008 16:59:50 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1347.html 5E0E9203-5DB1-432E-B8F7-4B191567FA17 Strong reserves of wealth will underpin finance of home owners Unmortgaged housing wealth has more than trebled in the last 10 years. It totals almost £2,500 billion (£2.5 trillion), more than twice the value of mortgage balances outstanding (£1.1 trillion). These are the findings reported in an article in the relaunched CML News & Views from the Council of Mortgage Lenders. 18 Apr 2008 16:59:28 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1348.html F92C9C27-F62F-4199-96E7-72A090CE80BA New homes plan for the Black Country Residential landlords looking to invest in the Black Country will be watching to see if plans for new homes and a major new retail outlet get the go ahead. The former works of what was the area's largest printer, Cradley Print, could be transformed into contemporary homes and a major new retail outlet if plans submitted by two developers are given the green light. 18 Apr 2008 16:59:06 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1349.html 641CE373-1484-436F-B5D0-F999183398D0 Split reaction over interest rate cut There has been a mixed reaction from the property industry following the decision by the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee to cut the base interest rate to 5 percent last week. Some of the fiercest criticism came from Julian King of the National Homebuyers organisation who accused The Bank of England of failing yet again to grab the credit crisis by the horns and wrestle it to the ground. 16 Apr 2008 10:46:49 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1340.html 4E2BC5CF-20A9-438E-8EF1-E2CB9DD47226 Don’t get a shock from your electrician Consumer champion the Electrical Safety Council says it’s time for landlords and other property owners to get savvy when it comes to getting in an electrician to undertake work. Figures from government advice service Consumer Direct show that complaints about electrical work in the home rose by 15 percent in 2007. 16 Apr 2008 10:46:30 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1341.html EAA85BC6-DCDC-4310-B6C8-3CE579048F20 Don't let NIMBYs bar students from HMOs The British Property Federation (BPF) has warned that if ministers clamp down on houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) they could damage housing supply and deprive students of the chance to go to university. The BPF warning follows the announcement by the government’s housing minister Caroline Flint of a review on shared housing. 16 Apr 2008 10:46:10 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1342.html 0F95A238-9B7C-4D60-BCE4-27609828194F Mortgage cashback offer from NLA The National Landlords Association (NLA) has launched a new service for all landlords, called NLA Mortgages. For the many landlords and property investors looking to expand their portfolios or remortgage their current properties, this free service enables landlords to source a highly competitive range of buy to let mortgage products from a panel of the most popular lenders. 16 Apr 2008 10:45:32 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1343.html A54F0609-1357-4C30-986E-80A0D4EE495F Tenants arrested in drugs raid The landlord of two houses in Bradford has promised to board up the properties for the time being and evict the four tenants after they were arrested during a drugs raid on the properties. Police had to smash their way in to one property after they were refused entrance following a tip off that illegal drugs activities were allegedly being carried out in the house. 11 Apr 2008 12:36:49 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1344.html 6C8894EB-D73F-46EC-9FA7-AD2AEDA9E25B Review into multiple occupations A new review aimed at improving the management and conditions of people living in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) has been announced by Housing and Planning Minister Caroline Flint. Concerns have been raised about the so called 'studentification' of university towns with over concentrations of HMOs. 11 Apr 2008 12:37:19 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1336.html 66A0C509-F07B-4939-A282-9210F1157488 Free fire protection inspection Purchasing a new fire extinguisher is not a guarantee that the equipment is in perfect working order. Under the Regulatory Reform Order landlords have specific duties to undertake a fire risk assessment of their premises and ensure current fire safety measures are met. To help landlords comply with these responsibilities, Fire Protection Centre provides a free Pre-Delivery... 11 Apr 2008 12:37:43 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1337.html 129F9E6A-0466-40DE-B86E-6B36AFF03DD0 New mortgage group aims to restore investor confidence The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has welcomed the launch of a government mortgage finance working group to help restore the confidence of investors while reinforcing the long-term stability in the market. But the CML believes there is still a need for more immediate action by central banks to overcome market funding problems. 11 Apr 2008 12:38:08 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1338.html 7E34BFDF-8BAD-499C-972E-F4C41B848763 Rental incomes still heading in the right direction Rental incomes have continued to rise, according to the latest Paragon Buy-to-Let Index for March 2008, reaching an average of £11,886 in February, up 2.4 percent from January. Rents have risen 15.0 percent over the past year. The regions achieving the highest rental incomes are London (£20,574), the South West (£15,970) and East Anglia (£12,738). 11 Apr 2008 12:38:44 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1339.html EAB8058C-963B-4413-AC2A-928E3B27EA18 Government cash creates new property hot spots Some of the most deprived areas of the country could become property hot spots due to the government’s Pathfinder Funding Programme. £1 billion of government cash is being made available to 12 UK redundant and troubled neighbourhoods making them more attractive to residential landlords and potential tenants. 9 Apr 2008 11:53:04 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1331.html 603643C8-14E8-49A9-B984-2A9D16490153 15 potential eco towns move onto next stage Residential landlords looking to invest in the eco towns of the future have had their first glimpse of where these developments may be situated. Housing Minister Caroline Flint recently announced 15 potential locations which will go forward to the next stage. The Government has said it wants to build five eco-towns by 2016 and up to 10 by 2020 as part of ambitious plans to build 3 million homes by 2020. 9 Apr 2008 11:52:43 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1332.html F95EC78F-8431-4FD4-9AEC-F29F5AA28405 Tracker rate mortgages become more popular In the same week that The Abbey withdrew the last 100 percent mortgage deals currently available in the UK, the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has announced that the popularity of tracker rate mortgages increased in February as the proportion of borrowers choosing fixed-rate loans fell to 52 percent, its lowest level... 9 Apr 2008 11:52:17 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1333.html D4EF91BD-75A1-4640-B3DA-5F1F43855A3E Carbon reduction drive by The Heat Project A record number of private tenants are among the 16million people who will have been contacted by the end of May 2008 as a result of a direct mail campaign intended to increase take up of grants available for energy efficiency measures through the Heat Project. It is part of CERT (Carbon Emissions Reduction Target), a Government led initiative to capitalise on the... 9 Apr 2008 11:51:57 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1334.html FA32186F-982E-47BB-85AF-4E8E0986D002 First birthday for TDS - but some landlords are still in the dark Nearly £900m of tenants' deposits has been safeguarded under the Government's tenancy deposit protection scheme since it started on 6 April last year, claim new figures released this week. Under the rules, landlords and agents have a legal duty to sign up to one of three Government-backed schemes when they take a deposit for a new assured short-hold tenancy. 3 Apr 2008 18:14:00 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1326.html 253F08C3-3BDD-47D3-A1F8-6906C449D901 Mortgage approval figures on their way down People attempting to get on to the property ladder for the first time are having to stay in rented accommodation for longer due to a combination of lenders reducing the amount of mortgages on offer, stricter lending criteria, and in some cases banks temporarily not taking on any business from first time buyers. 3 Apr 2008 18:16:21 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1327.html F767480A-7DEA-47AF-BF9A-B5F5F18C39D1 New hotspot appeals to high end renters The once derelict Knightstone Island has achieved the highest ever rental incomes in Weston super Mare for properties of their type according to a local letting agent. David Plaister, a director at West Coast Properties, believes the Redrow development on the island has become a hotspot for buy to let investors because the properties appeal to high-end renters. 3 Apr 2008 18:16:04 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1328.html E8BDA4AE-B811-48DE-8C04-7C0414FA3E34 London mayor backs professional rented sector Ken Livingstone’s housing manifesto, published this week, appears to support the British Property Federation's (BPF) calls for greater institutional investment in London's rental market. The document said that "good quality private rented housing also has an important part to play in meeting housing needs in London". 3 Apr 2008 18:15:35 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1329.html 1DBFE2EE-F87F-4013-A4F0-6EE5001B9738 Private housing construction sector turns negative A slowing housing market has hit the UK construction industry, making it even more unlikely that the Government will reach its housing targets, says the recently published RICS UK Construction Market Survey. Growth in construction workloads fell to the lowest level for more than a decade as house builders and businesses were hit by the effects of the... 3 Apr 2008 18:14:34 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1330.html 20DA5739-157E-416D-BDBE-FBCF1BB96B18 Buy to let investors still optimistic, but cautious Buy to Let investors have seen increases in their returns during the first quarter of 2008, according to the quarterly ARLA Review and Index published this week. The average return on a geared (mortgaged) investment is 21.7 percent, up 0.27 percent, and returns on cash purchases average 10.91 percent. 2 Apr 2008 12:15:33 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1321.html A2354F75-F22D-43E0-B267-1DFD4DBB1570 Slowdown may force MPC into another interest rate cut The latest figures from the Nationwide have confirmed the findings of other recent reports that house price growth has slowed to its lowest level in 12 years.This has raised expectations that the monetary policy committee may bring an interest rate cut forward to April. 2 Apr 2008 12:15:04 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1322.html 66017B55-90DB-47B5-93EA-33E28853ED53 Landlords - are you ready for EPCs? From 1st October 2008, all rental properties with a new tenancy in England and Wales will be required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Why should you care? Because your prospective tenants will be able to see at a glance how energy efficient and environmentally friendly your properties are. If you have invested in energy saving measures your properties will perform well and will really... 2 Apr 2008 12:14:40 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1323.html 9C85126E-9BD1-45B5-A8F0-7EC94D7B6F90 Burden of tax, red tape and late payments are barriers to growth Residential landlords who run their operations as small businesses are among those suffering through rising credit and interest rates, warns the Forum of Private Business (FPB). New research carried out by the Small Business Research Trust (SBRT), in conjunction with the shows that smaller firms are bearing the brunt of the credit crunch. 2 Apr 2008 12:14:17 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1324.html 7BE84ED6-4757-450B-A52D-68CC8E82B127 The Rock aims to roll on Following its eventual nationalisation, Northern Rock has vowed to repay the £24bn state loan by 2010. However, the bank did warn that it would not break even for three years and expected to make a significant loss in 2008 after a pre tax loss of £167.6m the previous year. However while trying to reassure customers and shareholders came the news that former chief executive Adam Applegarth would receive a total of £785,00. 2 Apr 2008 12:13:59 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1325.html 26D6FFA3-A17F-4874-BB87-0F3AA0B886EE New CGT rate could help generate extra interest in but to let A new single rate of 18 percent Capital Gains Tax for buy to let investors and second home owners will be introduced on 6 April 6 2008, benefiting individuals, trustees and personal representatives. The current rate is 40 percent for higher rate tax payers who have owned their property for less than three years. Even after a 10-year ownership of a property, the most a higher rate tax payer could hope for is a fall to a minimum of 24 percent. 28 Mar 2008 18:21:12 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1316.html 5731174A-16CB-4B8F-AE99-71E715187951 More optimism for residential landlords The strongest average yields being achieved by residential landlords in London on properties ranging from 1-bed flats to 5-bed detached homes, are being found in Islington (5.43 percent), Kensington (5.19 percent) and the City (5.08 percent). This was one of the findings in the Hamptons International Research into the Best Locations for Smart Investors and First-time Buyers across the UK. 28 Mar 2008 18:20:55 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1317.html F69AD141-2265-4FE1-A065-657C6DFB426C Economic forecasts downgraded House prices has fallen for the fifth consecutive month according to a recent Nationwide Building Society survey further fuelling fears that the property market is weakening faster than expected. Average house prices rose 1.1 percent from a year earlier making this the smallest annual increase since March 1996. 28 Mar 2008 18:20:37 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1318.html 681BCCFE-7DE9-4B80-A34E-C7D357B1848A Pessimistic outlook for small businesses Small buy to let businesses are among the type of operations could bear the brunt of the credit crunch says a report compiled by the Small Business Research Trust (SBRT), in conjunction with the Forum of Private Business (FPB). The FPB believes that barriers to growth faced by small businesses, in particular the burden of tax, red tape and late payment, must be urgently addressed. 28 Mar 2008 18:20:06 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1319.html 78879B5F-D0DB-4F77-8CCA-AF01961F3149 Minister drops in on Chester Housing Association Caroline Flint MP, the Minister for Housing, visited the Chester and District Housing Trust recently. The Minister saw the £12million regeneration of Treborth Road which will include 200 new affordable homes for rent, sale and shared ownership. 28 Mar 2008 18:19:46 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1320.html F3631F5F-C0D3-4F0C-B28B-A6AB8C60C305 Scottish rentals continue to shine The North West, Scotland and Wales have registered record returns for landlords, particularly in the fourth quarter of 2007. The latest quarterly report carried out by the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) was carried out well after the credit crunch began to bite. ARLA’s report focuses on returns from properties across the UK. In the last quarter of 2007... 27 Mar 2008 12:46:51 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1312.html 7F2D3266-BA2E-4660-8010-024945AA9F6D Economy would grind to halt without private rented sector says MP Iain Wright MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government said the private rented sector was a key priority for him in his role at a reception hosted by NALS (National Approved Letting Scheme) and the OEA (Ombudsman for Estate Agents) at the House of Lords recently. 27 Mar 2008 12:46:25 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1313.html E173D806-7379-4D6B-AD3E-8A85C143EC3D More owners could fall off property ladder The demand for rented accommodation is set to continue and could probably increase as the credit crunch continues to eat away at the UK housing market. Thousands of first time buyers are struggling with mortgages and are looking to sell up or are under threat of having their properties repossessed. Some experts believe that once off the property ladder, these ‘first timers’ will never get back on. 27 Mar 2008 12:45:53 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1314.html 026C3481-71A3-403E-BEB3-C900D949363C Lenders have to adapt to day to day changes in credit conditions Gross lending declined to an estimated £24 billion in February, down 7 percent from £25.9 billion in January and 6 percent from £25.6 billion February 2007, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML). The Bank of England approvals data for January showed subdued levels of house purchase activity and a sharp rise in remortgage approvals... 27 Mar 2008 12:45:20 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1315.html B0BEF0BA-EFAA-4062-ABAC-E432FBA1EB77 Estate agents and their ombudsman performing better, says report At a time when the relationship between consumers and estate agents is very much in focus, buy to let investors and residential landlords will welcome the news that more agents are showing a commitment to improving their professional standards by signing up to the Ombudsman for Estate Agents scheme and its Code of Practice. 23 Mar 2008 13:36:53 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1308.html 35FE8859-9D89-49C9-B414-412D1C67530D Calls for VAT reduction welcomed The property industry's call for a VAT cut on home renovations will receive and enthusiastic reception from residential landlords and buy to let investors. The initiative comes hard on the heels of new evidence that building new houses emits four-and-a-half times as much CO2 as refurbishing an existing dwelling. 23 Mar 2008 13:37:15 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1309.html CE4B4CB9-E065-4310-81FB-1ABF75A6F056 Dramatic increase in rental demand north of the border The Scottish housing market continues to out-perform the UK as a whole and this has also seen rental demand exceed expectations. According to latest statistics from the Nationwide Building Society, Scottish property saw the fastest growth in the UK, rising in value by 1.8 percent in the final quarter of 2007, and averaging at 14 percent for the whole year. 23 Mar 2008 13:38:15 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1310.html 5A1C1FEC-3D30-4989-8920-83A387F7D67D Royal Mail names most desirable areas A new top 10 list of the most desirable places to live in the UK has been produced by Royal Mail. Called the Home Movers Barometer, the list was based on figures relating to over half a million changes of address. UK home movers, it seems, are flocking to the West Country. Devon, Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset all make appearances in the top 10. 23 Mar 2008 13:38:41 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1311.html 318399E8-40C3-4CAE-B9D3-36258771DADD Fears that budget will create a ‘rush to sell’ are unwarranted Buy to let landlords have welcomed Chancellor Alistair Darling’s move in last week’s budget to reduce capital gains tax to a flat rate of 18 per cent. But claims by Pricewaterhouse Cooper that there will be a rush to sell property when the reduced rate comes into effect have been dismissed as ‘unlikely’ by The Money Centre, the independent buy to let mortgage brokers. 19 Mar 2008 14:11:53 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1303.html 06705140-AC19-444D-BF72-30F32971C343 More property millionaires out in the country The number of UK property millionaires has nearly doubled in the last three years according to the latest research from residential estate agents Hamptons International. Figures reveal that 21 percent of properties were sold in excess of £1million during 2008 (year to date), compared to just 12 percent in 2006. 19 Mar 2008 14:11:40 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1304.html F6A8EA28-2F84-43F8-B84D-C2AE185BCA4E Golden postcodes offer protection against falling prices While much of the market is currently experiencing a slowdown, certain properties are proving to be as popular as ever. One property specialist says owners in these areas will never have to compromise on price and they will always preserve a competitive edge when it comes to selling. 19 Mar 2008 14:11:20 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1305.html AB6C1D02-37DE-4807-A056-7570E0E5CC93 Conversation turns to property rather than sport Financial issues such as falling house prices and rising inflation are now talked about more than sport, politics and celebrity gossip. Approximately half of us have recently discussed finance related issues with friends, family and even colleagues, with just a quarter talking about celebrities and less than half debating events at Westminster or mulling over the latest sporting match says research from Alliance & Leicester Savings. 19 Mar 2008 14:11:00 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1306.html 2A9BE5B8-BC14-40FC-9DBC-6E22F3F76DD7 Don’t blame use for HIPs problems says agents The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) is infuriated that the Department for Communities and Local Government has decided to try to use agents as a scapegoat for the problems of Home Information Packs (HIPs). Commenting on the recent MORI research, Stewart Lilley, President, National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), said: “The information in this research is based on the pre-legislation trials a year ago... 19 Mar 2008 14:12:29 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1307.html C365317B-7542-49FB-A252-A8045372FD42 Rental yields warm up as property values cool down Average rents in the private rented sector have risen by an average of 4 per cent for houses and 2 percent for flats in the three months to the end of February. These averages have been boosted by a 9 percent rise in Prime Central London and a 5 percent rise away from the South East. In the South East itself, rents fell slightly, by 2 percent for houses and 5 percent for flats. 13 Mar 2008 17:11:10 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1298.html 77476531-E5B2-4489-B36C-1401E6B3C26A Housing Revenue Review formally launched Rent policy, including the relationship between council rents and rents set by other social housing providers will be included in the Housing Revenue Account Subsidy system review that was formally launched by Yvette Cooper, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, and Caroline Flint, Minister for Housing and Planning this week. 13 Mar 2008 17:10:51 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1299.html 56259E7A-67F2-4605-84D4-38976A1B6AE0 House prices under pressure from a number of sides Despite evidence of a clearly weakening economy the Bank of England is more concerned by the perceived danger of inflation resurging and is sticking to its remit of keeping inflation at around 2 percent. These are the views of real estate services and money management company Jones Lang LaSalle following a decision by the bank’s Monetary Policy Committee to... 13 Mar 2008 17:10:09 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1300.html 10BA8807-5F64-472A-A5D5-2EC0F545BB64 Landlords get help with 'complicated' tax laws on-line The National Landlords Association (NLA), which represents almost 14,000 landlords, is offering up-dated post-Budget 2008 financial and tax information to landlords as part of its newly launched e-learning programme. The programme, can be used as a structured learning tool offering landlords the... 13 Mar 2008 17:09:49 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1301.html 22D5616B-2259-4118-9FD9-310DBD0F15E7 Stock piles rise again - but it's still rosy north of the border The balance of Chartered Surveyors reporting house prices falls increased to near historical levels in February and stock piles rose to levels not seen for a decade, says RICS’ UK housing market survey published this week. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors house price balance dropped for the seventh month in succession signalling more than half a year of negative market sentiment. 13 Mar 2008 17:09:06 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1302.html 67CD9A2E-E262-41DE-B32C-6094454A1F45 Established investors reap the benefits Demand for rental properties has continued to grow and landlords have seen their yields increase says the RICS Lettings Survey published this week. However, access to the buy to let market became harder for would-be-landlords as mortgage products became scarcer. 7 Mar 2008 16:58:12 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1294.html 3F6D74A0-0FA5-40B1-B0F6-C6469AC2D199 Landlords need branding A new report published by GLA Economics and the British Property Federation (BPF) calls for the creation of a brand-driven home rental market, similar to the USA and Germany. It recommends that affordable home levies on developments built specifically for rent should be cut, to make development more viable for large institutions. 7 Mar 2008 16:57:55 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1295.html D4AFFF43-13C9-41B0-BDA8-8401AE5065C0 Get advice to ensure you make the most out of changes to CGT The latest changes to the capital gains tax (CGT) regime is good news for buy to let landlords and investors according to chartered accountants Harris Lipman. Last month, Chancellor Alistair Darling confirmed plans first outlined in his October 2007 pre-Budget report to scrap taper relief on capital gains tax (CGT) from April 2008. 7 Mar 2008 16:57:36 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1296.html 1A342CD8-F4BF-45E6-AC82-BCFAC02F2425 Residential Landlord - In brief The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee voted to maintain the official Bank Rate paid on commercial bank reserves at 5.25 percent on Thursday. Commenting on the decision, Simon Rubinsohn, RICS chief... 7 Mar 2008 16:57:02 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1297.html 7917A38F-8BBA-4709-874A-642674EC7CB8 Revenue and Customs start hunt for undeclared rental income HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is targeting buy to let property investors for back taxes on undeclared rents. And tax experts are warning, 'if you get one, don’t ignore it'. The campaign is one of a series of new type interventions designed to avoid lengthy, traditional tax investigations. 4 Mar 2008 18:29:31 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1290.html 9D898460-400D-482A-BFD7-194A45E8ACB7 Waiting for the hammer to fall at property auctions The success rate for residential properties sold at auction fell to the lowest level for three years as buyers retreated from auction houses due to tighter lending conditions and greater uncertainty over the outlook for house prices. 4 Mar 2008 18:29:05 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1291.html 570E7056-2EB2-47EF-9F2F-86B220DBB016 Landlords work together to combat anti-social behaviour Social landlords in Coventry have been praised by the Government for their work in cracking down on crime and anti-social behaviour. Communities Secretary Hazel Blears highlighted the Coventry scheme as a pioneering example of landlords working together across... 4 Mar 2008 18:28:40 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1292.html 5AF387B7-C8EC-40CA-9554-AC74DA42863B Prosecuted for refusing to confirm property ownership A landlord who would not confirm his ownership of a property despite being given ample opportunity has been successfully prosecuted. Zafar Shah, of Great West Road, Hounslow, admitted one charge relating to his failure to comply with an order from... 4 Mar 2008 18:27:58 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1293.html 3F9DBFA7-F8B4-48A5-A6B8-293340469AFB OFT seeks court order against letting agent The OFT has issued High Court proceedings against Foxtons Limited seeking a declaration on the application of the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contract Regulations 1999 (UTCCRs) to certain terms in Foxtons' lettings agreements with landlords. 27 Feb 2008 16:39:00 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1286.html 2A8C5CE7-9EDC-4B02-9B80-5A4B1CB11778 Buy to let lending on the increase Data from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has revealed a rise in buy to let lending in the second half of 2007, pushing the number of outstanding buy to let mortgages over the one million mark. The figures show a £2.9bn increase from the first half of the year as a result of 179,100 loans and remortgages... 27 Feb 2008 16:38:43 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1287.html 7540A8C6-B5CC-404B-A6A3-31F3AB46671F Invest in Property show at Old Billingsgate Courses for landlords are among the special features included at The Invest in Property Show, being held at Old Billingsgate between 27 - 29 March. There will be 100 industry experts giving seminars during the three days, plus more than 20 investment briefings... 27 Feb 2008 16:38:20 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1288.html BB1BBE7C-31A1-4D9F-AA2D-3B40632D3240 Mixed feelings over future homes for aging population plan The opinions of planning and housing experts are divided over the government’s new ‘Lifetime Homes, Lifetime Neighbourhoods: A National Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society’ initiative, launched as part of its commitment to deliver three million new homes by 2020 and up to 10 eco-towns. 27 Feb 2008 16:25:16 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1289.html 1AFD0C28-B743-48AE-A8FE-0E5C626A477D Sale-and-rent-back code of conduct welcome but still not enough says director The long-awaited introduction of a code of practice to crackdown on unscrupulous 'sale-and-rent-back' providers should be welcome news for the consumer, but until a clear outline and details of the code is announced, it is far too early to celebrate, claims an equity release specialist. 25 Feb 2008 10:42:31 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1282.html BAD3CFB3-36D2-4497-B859-778B886DD73A Watch out for 'side-line' letting agencies Recent research shows that almost 70 percent of sales agents who do not currently offer a lettings service would consider moving into this area to supplement their income if the residential market slows substantially. Many have already done so. 25 Feb 2008 10:42:06 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1283.html 3E00EE12-F88F-441A-9DC4-42D391C6F8E9 Three year rental guarantee from developer Following increased demand for rental property, developer Dandara, has unveiled plans to guarantee the rental income on selected investment properties across its Manchester developments for the next three years. 25 Feb 2008 10:41:40 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1284.html 47727944-4AC5-4359-837D-1CD7EA193248 Residential Landlord - In brief Gross mortgage lending rose to an estimated £26.5 billion in January, up 11 percent from £23.9 billion in December, and reached a similar level to January 2007 when it was £26.6 billion, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML). 25 Feb 2008 10:41:15 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1285.html 00EF1BD0-EA2E-4ACD-A5E1-BB3F45CE2629 Government needs help from professional rented sector says BPF There has been a further 10 percent drop in housing starts according to latest government figures which has prompted the British Property Federation (BPF) to again push its argument that the way forward is for ministers to recognise how the professional rented sector... 20 Feb 2008 14:07:45 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1278.html 1D832F60-23AC-4D50-BD4E-B4EFE971D099 Sex toys top list of items tenants leave behind Sexy toys are the number one item left behind by departing tenants, according to a new survey by The Deposit Protection Service (The DPS). The research revealed the array of unusual items that people leave behind, which are discovered by surprised landlords as they clean up. 20 Feb 2008 14:07:25 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1279.html 343A8C56-0A60-4979-BEE3-172E7E0B189F Darling refuses to roll over Rock The fall out from the Northern Rock affair took a few more predictable twists this week following the government’s announcement that it planned to nationalise the bank. Speaking on Monday in the House of Commons Labour chancellor Alistair Darling said he had to make a statement before the market opened. 20 Feb 2008 14:07:03 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1280.html 05FFC9C7-8D39-44FB-85D2-1DA3A14AC898 Repossessions still on the increase The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has seen repossessions double in the last two years and a big rise in people needing help following the growth in sale and rent back schemes. And, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) the fourth quarter... 20 Feb 2008 14:06:35 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1281.html C555F76E-D539-453A-BDD2-FE5EA0BAADFD Don't kill off the private rented sector pleads ARLA The way forward in the buy to let market is to license all letting agents delegates were told at the annual conference of the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA). Those attending also heard a plea for the government not to regulate the rental market out... 15 Feb 2008 17:59:20 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1274.html 4E45A74E-8FA1-4CC4-8830-FE027467DE9F Decline in demand for property picks up speed There was an increase in the number of surveyors reporting house price falls in January, said the RICS’ UK housing market survey published this week. The RICS house price balance dropped for the sixth month in succession signalling half a year of negative... 15 Feb 2008 17:59:03 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1275.html 721ADFD3-6E81-408A-B1C6-E730B494F136 Record number take out fixed rate mortgages While mortgage affordability deteriorated in 2007, the CML expects the two base rate reductions since December will help to ease debt servicing burdens into 2008. Affordability for first-time-buyers worsened through 2007. By December first-time buyers contributed around 20.7 percent of their income towards mortgage... 15 Feb 2008 17:58:44 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1276.html AA9A5D64-5AFB-4309-BC0F-9F8946CC9586 Branson has Northern Rock in his sights The good news for Richard Branson’s Virgin Group is that it has been named by the government as frontrunner in the race to take over Northern Rock. The bad news is that if the group fails to answer the government’s request to increase its bid, the beleaguered bank could... 15 Feb 2008 17:58:12 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1277.html 080EB6FF-C81F-43A5-AB21-A3796C09111C Repossessions not as bad as expected - but don't be complacent While the spectre of a rise repossessions seems to be hanging over this year like the sword of Damocles, fewer than one in 400 mortgages led to repossession in 2007, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders. 12 Feb 2008 18:28:15 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1270.html 704CA392-468E-4261-8993-8C1FDA880B81 Large houses can be let on long term basis A shortage of large houses for sale during 2007 was the driving force behind the growth in the number of substantial houses let by residential landlords on a long term basis - that is for leases of an initial term of two to five years, some with options to extend for a further similar period. 12 Feb 2008 18:27:51 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1271.html D1DA771E-585C-4297-A8A2-200DAD2C6115 Interest rate cut welcome but hardly a surprise The Bank of England’s decision to cut interest rates by 0.25 percentage points to 5.25 has been welcomed by property specialists, but some are still critical of the time it has taken the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to react to the current economic situation. 12 Feb 2008 18:27:34 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1272.html 58F07A99-4ACE-410D-AAD6-023969622ADC Buy to let landlords in it for the long-term UK landlords are still committed to buy to let in the long-term despite recent market turbulence, according to independent research commissioned by The Money Centre. In a survey of almost 500 landlords, more than half said they expect to stay involved in property letting for more than 10 years... 12 Feb 2008 18:27:15 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1273.html 1E303529-5560-44BE-A703-056FB1AEB05B Bank cuts base rate Relief to the sagging property market has come in the form of a base rate cut from the bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee which today voted to reduce the rate by 0.25 per cent to 5.25 per cent. It also appeared to think it necessary to give reasons why it could not go lower. 8 Feb 2008 10:46:16 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1265.html 4E55E460-2F7C-4FB0-ABB5-4CA8C8CAA10C New trade association for property buyers A new property industry trade association - The Property Buyers Association (PROBAS) - was formally launched this week, together with a Code of Practice for its members. The Association’s creation follows discussions between leading players in the sale-and-rent back sector and other interested... 8 Feb 2008 10:45:45 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1266.html 20A39561-91B6-4D97-841B-8A4975F19173 ARLA chief hits out at 'baffling' government initiatives Enhanced professional qualifications all the way up to Foundation Degree level has been put in place to help drive the rental market forward, delegates were told at the annual ARLA conference in London this week. 8 Feb 2008 10:44:44 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1267.html 72633857-91C2-49BF-8227-42521C441974 Show organiser insists UK is still 'tops' for investors The UK remains the top spot for potential private property investors, with France, the Canaries, Bulgaria and Dubai following closely behind while Croatia and Italy are also attracting a lot of attention, according to research for the Invest in Property Show. 8 Feb 2008 10:43:10 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1268.html 9EEF5F32-0D9B-4649-A72A-70B1D86C0491 Professional rented sector the 'Cinderella' of UK housing The British Property Federation (BPF) is holding its residential conference in London today (Tuesday) and will again be promoting its belief that a professional rented sector similar to that of the USA and Germany could house the millions of people unable to get on the housing ladder. 5 Feb 2008 13:44:05 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1261.html DEE19638-1440-4AE1-A525-E94E1C37F39F Take advantage of grants to help with EPCs A specialist buy to let mortgage provider has urged landlords to review the energy efficiency of their properties ahead of new energy performance rules being introduced later this year. Paragon Mortgages has issued a reminder that from 1 October landlords... 5 Feb 2008 13:43:35 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1262.html 8C86EF80-7C6A-4214-9F07-C2D50B397947 Rise in student numbers increases demand for rentals The UK’s student accommodation sector is no longer a niche property market and is now recognised as an asset class in its own right by financial institutions and investors, claims a new report. 5 Feb 2008 13:43:10 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1263.html CEFC04A4-9FCC-4987-A003-E38F637D66BD Contents cover not on tenants' priority list One in 10 tenants who do not have insurance believe that their landlord’s insurance policy covers their contents which is rarely the case. This means, says Zurich Insurance, that UK renters are gambling nearly £8billion of personal possessions by not protecting themselves against bad weather or crime. 5 Feb 2008 13:42:29 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1264.html 9D06490B-1385-4CAD-91AB-E6372CC8421F Nationwide 'sanguine' about buy to let Even given gloomy predictions about the housing market, it will still be possible for property investors to make 'reasonable returns' from the rental market, the Nationwide has suggested. However, its latest monthly survey suggests house prices hardly moved in January, moving down by a mere 0.1 per cent, and even that demand 'may have bottomed out'. 2 Jan 2008 14:24:56 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1257.html 833F1B2F-80C1-4F97-9A9C-337E9D831497 Friendly side of renting revealed One in 10 renters aged between 25 and 34 count their landlord as a friend, Alliance & Leicester has discovered. And nearly one in five (18 per cent) say they would happily send a gift or card to their landlord to express their gratitude if they had gone out of their way to help them. 2 Feb 2008 14:24:09 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1258.html 9D7078E3-68B3-4E23-82AF-49CCD0A7574B 'Glimmer of light' on mortgage front Mortgage lending patterns look uncertain for 2008, the Council of Mortgage Lenders has admitted. 'The extent to which lenders will be able to meet mortgage demand in 2008 remains uncertain, as does the strength of demand itself. 2 Feb 2008 14:23:00 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1259.html 81531C56-9417-4EE6-85AD-98C27C02F29E Britain a nation of 'home hoppers' A third of British homeowners have owned four or more homes, and the majority are looking to move up the property ladder, the Halifax has found. 'An overwhelming majority of the population (77 per cent) are still in pursuit of their ideal home'. 2 Jan 2008 14:20:49 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1260.html BE7DCB8F-1BDA-4448-9895-411028EFFDE2 London prices hold while others fall House prices in England and Wales dropped by 0.4 per cent in December, taking the average price to £184,469, the Land Registry has calculated. It is the first fall for England and Wales since August 2005, although three regions bucked the downward trend. 31 Jan 2008 12:24:46 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1253.html 518AE0E2-CB99-4171-8A94-CF783872C650 Rents are rocketing Last year private rental income rose at the fastest rate for at least seven years, Paragon Mortgages has reported. Income rose 2.5 per cent in December and 8.1 per cent over the last quarter. Rental yields, at 6.2 per cent reached their highest level since 2006, said the lender. 31 Jan 2008 12:24:26 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1254.html 0AD0AB10-7F56-49D5-95C8-CAD74B61E44D Landlord fined for DIY gas installation Landlords have been warned to use only competent CORGI registered gas fitters to work on domestic gas appliances in their properties. This came after the Health and Safety Executive successfully prosecution a Rhondda landlord who had decided to carry out gas work himself. 31 Jan 2008 12:24:09 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1255.html B7655F3F-C8FF-4030-9610-33574CFED983 Affordability still worsens All the talk might be of falling house prices, but the cost of becoming a home purchaser has still worsened by 351 per cent since 1996, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has calculated. A first time buyer couple, both on lower quartile earnings (totalling £26,595 after taxes), will now have to save up to the equivalent of 104 per cent of joint take home pay... 31 Jan 2008 12:23:50 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1256.html 22CE43C3-3971-4A9D-9B88-AAF238D289B9 Government review will assist landlords and tenants promises minister A major review to improve the private rented sector was today announced by Housing and Planning Minister Yvette Cooper. With almost 2.6 million homes in England being rented from over half a million private landlords, Cooper has commissioned an independent review to look at what problems tenants and landlords... 28 Jan 2008 12:44:17 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1249.html EAB19174-3788-463B-9557-B8D410286634 Relaxed investment rules could help establish high quality rental market Amendments to regulations on Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) could play a major role in the provision of high quality rented homes for those who can't afford to buy their own and don't qualify for social housing. 28 Jan 2008 12:43:57 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1250.html 75260F38-66AD-4DA4-AEC1-A9D15E623A45 More homeowners selling up to avoid downturn Although the jury is still out over whether we are facing a full blown recession or simply a slowdown of the economy it is reported that more home owners are selling their properties because of fears that they won’t be able to cope with repayments. 28 Jan 2008 12:43:36 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1251.html 0B25385C-1857-4308-BB1B-58B49762522B New website for information on Tenancy Deposit Scheme The Tenancy Deposit Scheme is launching an improved website for users together with step-by-step on-line advice at the Annual Conference of the Association of Residential Letting Agents, (ARLA), next month (3 February). 28 Jan 2008 12:43:13 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1252.html E9E73936-AFDE-4216-AA55-07B27A9D5439 Demand for rented accommodation to remain high in 2008 Demand from tenants is expected to be particularly strong during 2008, a view endorsed by most close industry observers according to the latest Assetz House Price Watch published recently. The report says continued immigration will keep demand for... 23 Jan 2008 11:06:58 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1245.html 169736AD-F018-41BA-BD9C-7C6E4BD00CC1 Could there be a sting in the tail to mortgage lending banner year? 2007 as a whole proved to be the strongest ever year for gross mortgage lending, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders. It reached an estimated £362 billion, up 5 percent from £345 billion in 2006, and above the CML’s forecast in October 2007 of £360 billion. 23 Jan 2008 11:06:41 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1246.html 05FACA0C-7831-4707-8609-A83152B1D8F5 Stock market falls may force MPC into rate cut The largest fall on the world's stock market since 9/11 this week and the worst start to the year for the London Stock Exchange since 1936 when records began has fuelled speculation that the Bank of England will make a further cut in interest rates. 23 Jan 2008 11:06:12 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1247.html 6D9E1D10-1185-4AC4-8907-43D8DDB7B321 Government attempts to lure private bidder for 'Rock' A move to entice fresh bids from the private sector for Northern Rock has been announced by the Government. A financial package drawn up by Goldman Sachs contains an intricate bond issue, but in simple terms £24bn of Bank of England loans will be... 23 Jan 2008 11:05:47 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1248.html 8F5677F4-BC64-4184-88E6-A12F446DF11C BPF conference to debate rented sector The British Property Federation’s (BPF') annual residential conference will debate rental on 5 February when speakers will include the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Sir Simon Milton, Stephen Nickell, chair of the National Housing and Planning Advisory Unit and Shelter's Adam Sampson. 18 Jan 2008 12:48:20 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1241.html 12F0AC90-5A6E-4473-9C3F-C986BDBB792C Watch out dodgy landlords - here comes the NASARB A new association whose aim is to crack down on unscrupulous landlords is due to be set up today (Friday, 18th January) by a committee at a meeting in London. The association, called the National Association of Sale and Rent Back or NASARB for short... 18 Jan 2008 12:47:46 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1242.html 1295C83C-F750-4841-9D25-7F530C778411 Another Northern Rocky ride The Northern Rock roller coaster took savers, shareholders, board members and tax payers on another ride this week. On Tuesday the Northern Rock board breathed a sigh of relief after staving off most of the plans rebel shareholders, in the form of hedge funds SRM Global and RAB Capital... 18 Jan 2008 12:47:22 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1243.html 9E6EFADC-7F9D-48FD-924D-A8B2A27F96D1 Residential Landlord - In brief Scottish Equitable has introduced delays of up to 12 months for its customers wishing to withdraw money from its commercial property fund. Friends Provident took similar action last month. 18 Jan 2008 12:46:47 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1244.html 9C273EA5-72A3-4578-B082-C8A19ED6DF42 Call to cut down deaths from CO poisoning Residential landlords’ responsibilities concerning the checking of gas appliances were discussed as part of a general commons debate into deaths by Carbon Monoxide poisoning and the use of detectors last week. 15 Jan 2008 16:05:04 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1237.html 31D91AD6-A3F0-4082-8DA2-98B7416870C4 Confusion over green energy Residential landlords who may need to make their properties more eco-friendly are faced with a fresh debate over how to achieve green energy targets, following proposals in a new private members' bill which the property industry believes could actually undermine its fight against climate change. 15 Jan 2008 16:04:37 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1238.html E0A64F8E-C709-478E-A1A2-F628079A422D New Agency will have key regeneration role Opportunities for rented accommodation in new communities will result from England's 10 new Eco-towns being planned by the government which this week set out more details of the work of the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) will play in delivering the three million new homes pledged by the... 15 Jan 2008 16:03:56 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1239.html 8405FD32-BE29-4013-A8C1-715947A250EB Changes in housing benefit tops agenda at landlord fair Every landlord who rents out property in the London Borough of Hounslow is being invited to a special event to find out about how new legislation will affect them. This year Hounslow Council's annual landlord fair takes place at the conference centre... 15 Jan 2008 16:03:24 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1240.html 781A9A4A-35B7-4FC0-B740-88BCF9D0F85A Now eyes are fixed on February after MPC holds rate People need to remember that when making Buy to let investments - whether in a bull or bear market - that it is buying well that ensures a good investment. This was the view given by Neil Young, CEO of Property Portfolio Managers, Young Group shortly after Thursday’s vote by the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy... 11 Jan 2008 18:06:42 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1233.html 0FB650B0-5A14-4C0D-A8B8-7B91506247C9 Tough times ahead - but there’s light at the end of the tunnel A 'Tonight with Trevor McDonald' investigation shown on ITV this week attempted to determine why Britain's housing market is slowing down after the past decade's boom. The programme suggested that the misery of repossession could affect far more people than... 11 Jan 2008 18:05:39 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1234.html 9D9BF619-8B4D-4A69-A037-20FC387904FB Complete tax returns early to avoid disruption The Forum of Private Business (FPB) is urging residential landlords who need to submit self-assessment tax returns to do so early to avoid disruption. Tax workers are voting whether to go on strike shortly before the deadline for completed forms... 11 Jan 2008 18:05:18 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1235.html 40459FD7-B72F-44E8-BBCA-93C51E9FE46B Safety warning after death of toddler Tenants have been told by the Health and Safety Executive to contact their landlords if they see or hear any see any similar signs of the water heating problem that led to the tragic death of a 10 month old toddler. 11 Jan 2008 18:05:01 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1236.html DDB00293-EF58-41B5-8437-575A35381F1F Landlords stirred but not shaken by credit crunch Buy to let landlords have not been shaken by the credit crunch, the latest ARLA quarterly review has concluded. Nine out of 10 landlords surveyed during the last quarter of 2007 said they had no intention of selling their properties for an average 17 years or so. 9 Jan 2008 18:43:31 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1229.html B702AE4C-6A91-437E-9D6E-57004780D18F 'Buy to let figures outweigh any negative outlook' There was an average of 8.3 percent annualised growth for the 12 months prior to November 2007, the latest Assetz House Price Watch has concluded. Based on five major UK house price indices, the analysis shows a 1.6 percent decrease in the rate of growth from the.... 9 Jan 2008 18:43:03 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1230.html 98E87006-5A0A-45C4-9677-502EA55D729A LESA tax bills for those who claim The deadline for tax returns is looming, but if you are a residential landlord and have insulated your rental properties, you can reduce your income tax bill by claiming a deduction against your profits of up to £1,500 per property. 9 Jan 2008 18:42:36 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1231.html 7B0E6F10-E1CF-495C-A04E-BC911A4C6E0C e-conveyancing means faster deals Residential landlords buying and selling property have been promised a speedier service when dealing with the Land Registry following its decision to sign up to full membership of the e-business standards body PISCES (Property Information Systems Common Exchange Standard) as part of its commitment to... 9 Jan 2008 18:42:17 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1232.html FAE03530-EEE9-470A-8340-F9E068D77622 'Financial stress' will cause more repossessions The New Year has just begun and property experts have been dusting off their crystal balls in an attempt to predict what the future has in store for the 2008 housing market. Some believe the credit squeeze caused by interest rates, the sub prime US market, and the on going Northern Rock situation is not going to have... 7 Jan 2008 15:08:13 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1225.html 7DA1A778-15FF-4594-A284-7E868D790C0E London price falls 'slightly lower than expected' While many are predicting a downturn in house prices in 2008, Land Registry figures for England and Wales showed they increased by 0.6 per cent in November, taking the average house price to 186,009 pounds. 7 Jan 2008 15:05:33 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1226.html 863F2D8A-C453-4BEF-98EA-89AFBD95A479 Gloomy outlook not that surprising says CML The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has responded to the findings in the credit conditions survey published by the Bank of England last week. The survey reported that the amount of secured credit lenders made available to consumers in the fourth quarter had... 7 Jan 2008 15:05:09 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1227.html DC0F52BB-624A-461B-A1B0-3C955DD8FBA1 HIPs under attack again The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) has reaffirmed its stance over scrapping the controversial home information pack (HIPs) legislation following fierce criticism over the Communities and Local Government's (CLG) handling of the Packs by its own select... 7 Jan 2008 15:04:20 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1228.html 4888AD69-ADDF-4407-A0A2-5115F5394CE9 Further rate cuts unlikely to reignite market says Nationwide For even the most seasoned buy to let investor, 2007 has been a rollercoaster ride. Tighter credit conditions, up and down interest rates and HIPs on all homes have all had to be taken into consideration when making buying and selling decisions. 3 Jan 2008 17:22:16 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1221.html 2E153204-CA50-406F-A73A-D1F9B4C84D47 'No sign of strong tenant demand abating' 2007 was an eventful year for the lettings market, characterised by exceptionally strong demand from tenants; new legislation to protect tenants' deposits; a series of interest rate rises; and ongoing debate over the future of the market. 3 Jan 2008 17:21:40 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1222.html E4BB7BDE-C514-49A5-83B3-B652D9E9C7CF Stock levels rise as sellers are spurred on by HIPs introduction The number of properties on agents’ books took an unusual turn in November as stock levels increased. With the final phase roll out of Home Information Packs (HIPs) introduced on 14th December, many owners of one and two bedroom homes rushed to... 3 Jan 2008 17:21:22 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1223.html 998E6112-2686-4F8E-BE9D-57D691A44937 Decline in mortgage lending a sign of slowdown claims CML Gross lending declined to an estimated 30.7 billion pounds in November, down 8 percent from 33.5 billion in October and 8 percent from 33.2 billion in November 2006, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML). 3 Jan 2008 17:20:44 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1224.html E4EFFB16-8D1D-473E-AC83-5A82E8FC32A2 A year of two halves Buy to let investment could slow into 2008 as the range of mortgage products diminishes in light of the credit crunch. But Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) research shows that there is little evidence of widespread sales of investment properties taking place. 21 Dec 2007 11:49:28 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1217.html E5BCA419-AF43-4F07-A70D-4709D5249B7E Top tips for landlords and tenants Independent property consultancy Knight Frank has produced its own top five tips for tenants when making an offer on a property and for landlords who rent out their own homes. Landlords renting out their homes: 1. Try and view the property as a business... 21 Dec 2007 11:49:02 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1218.html 88192D44-0015-4EC9-A98F-A34BE2D94634 Home ownership dream is now a nightmare says report A new report from Citizens Advice reveals how the dream of home ownership has turned sour for many people on low incomes who have taken out mortgages or secured loans with sub-prime lenders only to end up deep in debt and facing the prospect of homelessness. 21 Dec 2007 11:48:39 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1219.html 47ACC6FA-B9AA-4646-88D2-64CB4790B2DB New tenants' associations give local people a voice THREE new tenants’ associations have been formed on Hounslow Homes estates, improving residents' opportunities to have a say in how their estates are managed. The three associations, namely Tivoli, Laurel and Gloucester in Hounslow; Hogarth in... 21 Dec 2007 11:48:04 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1220.html D3737E08-E8B5-49F9-BF85-E516EC44AEF6 Rental growth still on an upwards curve The growth in tenant demand for rental property moderated as demand for flats fell away due to an oversupply in the market, said the RICS Lettings Survey published this week. Rental growth continued its upward curve as the impetus for would-be-buyers to step onto the property ladder remained subdued by... 19 Dec 2007 15:19:48 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1213.html 96016DEB-2A27-4435-85A1-660F8E776E2A Care can overcome buy to let pitfalls Buy to let has never been without its risks but the spotlight is now on this market more than ever before, due to higher interest rates and uncertainty in the UK’s housing market. This has unsettled some residential landlords, in particular those with a few properties and those who are new to the buy-to-let market. 19 Dec 2007 15:19:22 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1214.html 4A71502A-4F75-4CF5-8526-DEF606DE19CB Rental voids expected to fall The fourth quarter of 2007 has seen much speculation surrounding where the housing market and the buy to let sector are heading in 2008. Mortgages for Business, the independent buy-to-let mortgage broker, has compiled information based on 2007 and made a number of predictions for the New Year. They are as follows. 19 Dec 2007 15:19:00 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1215.html 9457CDF9-E8AA-4A5E-9FAD-C3F31181116E Calls for OFT to reopen HIPS investigation A personal property search business claims the housing market is being blighted in some regions by local authorities who are denying Home Information Pack (HIPS) providers and personal searchers access to view public records. The company, Richards Gray... 19 Dec 2007 15:18:34 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1216.html 00F76789-BC84-4B45-852F-765B747AD8F4 Government to 'review' private rented sector review A review of the private rented sector has been commissioned by Housing Minister Yvette Cooper. She made the announcement in a speech to the Housing Corporation and Chartered Institute of Housing in which she also outlined a package of measures and... 13 Dec 2007 16:56:05 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1209.html B2711865-D359-46E0-81F6-A4A0D99F8F8F Renting on the rise as homeowners bail out of property market Britain's obsession with home ownership is rapidly becoming a thing of the past as renting makes a comeback claims National Homebuyers. The company reports it has seen the 'Sell-and-Rent-Back' part of its business double in the past year. 13 Dec 2007 16:55:18 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1210.html 0C0F34B9-7D64-4910-BE32-57C970A911E9 Change in tax laws could hit buy to let family businesses Couples and families who let property could fall foul of new 'income-shifting' tax legislation aimed at family businesses even if they are not set up as a company, a tax expert at PKF Accountants & business... 13 Dec 2007 16:54:39 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1211.html 2D32EA04-C5B2-4F69-9503-93C81C2E54FE RL news - In brief If the Government is really serious about reducing carbon emissions from existing housing stock, a speedier, and more realistic grant scheme to encourage existing home owners to incorporate energy saving products such as solar hot water systems into their homes says Kevin Brennan... 13 Dec 2007 16:52:36 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1212.html 00714DF8-3AE7-4EDE-98A9-5F974D645AF6 Interest rate cut eases the pressure The Bank of England decision to cut interest rates to 5.5 percent from 5.75 percent last week has been welcomed throughout the property industry. The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) welcomed the reduction because the move will ease pressures on lenders and borrowers. 11 Dec 2007 18:00:00 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1205.html 5FF0A35C-C4D8-4D94-9A5F-40EE385CB77A Buy to let confidence still high claims Young Group Neil Young, CEO of Young Group, commenting on his company’s latest Young Index figures, said: "Mark Twain famously remarked ‘Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated’. The same can be said of the buy to let industry. 11 Dec 2007 17:56:36 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1206.html 985578F4-BDB9-4225-903C-55157559D528 Elderly to get more help with repairs Residential landlords may benefit from Government plans to strengthen Home Improvement Agencies (HIAs), the locally based not-for-profit organisations that helps elderly tenants and homeowners with repairs and maintenance. It is one of several new programmes announced by Communities and Local... 11 Dec 2007 17:56:13 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1207.html CFCE875C-6501-44C4-BB7A-BECF2BF179E8 Let industry self regulate Caroline Pickering, Chair of The National Approved Lettings Scheme is calling for the industry to look to voluntary accreditation schemes such as the Government supported NALS scheme as opposed to statutory regulation. 11 Dec 2007 17:55:45 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1208.html F2B50386-39C8-49D1-996E-F8B39288C649 Rents rise as prices take a fall While the Paragon buy to let index was showing buy to let rental incomes are increasing, house prices fell by 0.8 percent in November, bringing the annual rate of increase down to 6.9 percent according to the Nationwide House Price Report for the month. 4 Dec 2007 17:04:39 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1197.html C912E446-F962-4CF1-8E98-218E82DC750C Unlicensed landlord put tenants at risk A landlord who rented out unlicensed accommodation and failed to comply with legal notices handed down by Hounslow Council has been fined more than £14,000. Caradon Estates Limited pleaded guilty to 10 charges at Brentford Magistrates' Court on November 23 relating to three houses in the London Borough of... 4 Dec 2007 17:04:02 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1198.html E9CE5A81-A6D9-4898-B2C8-F5C829DFFF1C More councils join the NLA Sixteen more local authorities have joined the National Landlords Association (NLA), after a new initiative aimed at extending the co-operation between the association and local government. More than 80 local authorities throughout the country now work with the NLA as associate members to help promote... 4 Dec 2007 17:03:37 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1199.html 4AC5565F-DFC8-48E7-9783-5EB4A3D1CB98 Residential Landlord news - In brief After earlier signs of recovery, shares in Northern Rock fell again on Monday amid news that the sale of the bank could be decided by an auction. Reports had been circulating that a sale was expected before Christmas. Now Chancellor Alistair Darling expects a bidding war to start this week. 4 Dec 2007 17:02:06 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1200.html E09A8914-CB94-4A1A-A654-0A11E6396E5A High levels of income and property shortages in rental market Tenant demand in the private rented sector remains at the highest levels seen for five years. This has led to an increase in rents achieved, according to the latest quarterly survey of member letting agents, published by Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) this week. 30 Nov 2007 17:26:44 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1193.html 101FCA88-43A7-48ED-9A44-1DA303D1E4A1 HSE goes on show to highlight gas dangers The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning landlords to make sure that their gas safety checks are up to date and their gas appliances maintained in a safe condition. By law, all landlords must have gas appliances, including heating systems, checked annually by an installer registered with... 30 Nov 2007 17:26:03 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1194.html 13826F8B-788F-435E-930C-66ACEAD20033 Housing downturn offers 'an opportunity' Most property investors in South Wales would welcome a downturn in the housing market, with almost all those questioned in a new survey saying that they are planning to buy more property next year. Research conducted by buy to let financing specialists Kingswood... 30 Nov 2007 17:25:20 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1195.html AB86DE1B-0131-4A3F-AF0B-F06373120435 Chancellor defends Northern Rock action The government could have let Northern Rock go down, but “it would have had very serious consequences for the banking system and the British Economy” claimed chancellor Alistair Darling during a speech at the CBI’s annual conference which began this week. 30 Nov 2007 17:25:02 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1196.html 3CD2FB68-0124-4666-919E-B5F52D29080A More anger as HIPs extends to smaller properties Plans by the government to roll out the final phase of home information packs (HIPs) in three weeks time has been met with dismay by sections of the property industry. Some claim it will force first-time-buyers to remain in the lettings market. 28 Nov 2007 16:28:10 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1189.html 0C6ACDC2-5700-4CD7-9C4A-AEF76280C16B Another landlord fined for having no licence Warwick District Council’s clampdown on landlords who are not properly licensed or do not meet minimum health and safety standards continued this week when they successfully prosecuted another Leamington landlord. 28 Nov 2007 16:27:37 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1190.html 5981C55E-30D4-4440-A879-F72D55DD7FE1 Elderly warned against unregulated sale-and-rent-back Older consumers should be wary of the growing number of unregulated 'sale-and-rent-back' schemes who promise a quick sale of their home at less than market value, warns Key Retirement Solutions, the independent equity release specialist. 28 Nov 2007 16:27:09 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1191.html C3FBFFFB-8AF1-4B43-BD3F-A0A66364A242 Migrant workers rely on private rented sector New immigrants tend to fill voids in the housing stock left behind or rejected by other households rather than taking property from local residents. And migrant workers, who have restricted rights to welfare benefits, were reliant on the private rented sector for... 28 Nov 2007 16:26:49 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1192.html CEC8CD6A-A6A5-4D18-A421-60D2F5739C90 Buy to let lender hit by funding problems Shares in Paragon, the country’s third biggest buy to let lender, fell by more than 25 percent and were suspended this week after the company admitted it is facing funding problems. This dip came despite the group making record profits of... 23 Nov 2007 14:49:14 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1185.html DB9DB260-15A1-487A-821C-9C2F98AB3F1C Chancellor blocked Rock rescue bid claims Bank of England Governor The list of controversial issues surrounding beleaguered Northern Rock gets longer by the day following the latest claims that Chancellor Alistair Darling personally blocked a £30 billion rescue attempt by Lloyds TSB a week before the run on the bank... 23 Nov 2007 14:51:17 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1186.html 48003439-F1A1-4F55-81DE-C61A01E5FCF6 Homes to let offers better solution to housing supply shortage Building homes to let would be a much better solution to the current housing supply problems claims The British Property Federation (BPF). The Federation’s comments were part of its response to John Callcutt's recent review into housing supply. 23 Nov 2007 14:52:36 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1187.html 81233D5C-7C9F-4BA8-9822-51E0AF0BA4AB Landlords must replace battery powered alarms It’s the beginning of the end for battery powered smoke alarms in rented accommodation in Scotland. New legislation demands that any smoke alarm installed by a landlord - and this includes replacement alarms - must be mains powered. 23 Nov 2007 14:53:03 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1188.html 3572A3BC-D0BB-42DF-B12B-C31693C371BA Buy to let will affect house price inflation The latest Nationwide survey claims that economic tailwinds are turning into headwinds, and house price inflation is expected to drop from the current rate of 9.7 percent to 0 percent by this time next year. The main findings from the forecast were... 20 Nov 2007 16:51:35 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1181.html 6DB37069-8A09-4872-93EA-53379902F32C Rental yields start to improve Rental yields are showing signs of recovering from their long-term downward spiral, says data produced by Landlord Mortgages according to a report by moneyextra.com. A report on the website says rental yields in Scotland have increased by 0.18 percent over the last quarter... 20 Nov 2007 16:51:35 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1182.html D8838048-6F6D-40FD-9A82-88F8DC1E5437 Quick return for Plymouth investor An investor, who purchased a buy-to-let property at Redrow’s Treverbyn development near Plymouth, found tenants within two weeks. Heating engineer Brendan Wavish, 34, bought a two-bedroom apartment at the new venture in Plympton as he believed it had rental potential. 20 Nov 2007 16:51:35 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1183.html 5EF92684-8AA6-4B72-8251-29CB56594BC0 Residential Landlord - In brief The biggest threat to Britain’s buy-to-let sector is over-regulation says Rob Thomas from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML). Thomas, a senior policy adviser, claimed during a speech at the Mortgage Business Expo in London that the market is still robust, despite problems with financial markets... 20 Nov 2007 16:51:35 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1184.html 5D0EDA15-533D-4559-B84C-11EA5688AB57 High level of satisfaction for tenants and landlords In the second audit of the UK lettings sector and just over one year since the first Customer Service Audit results were announced, the National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS) in association with Nottingham Trent University has revealed even higher levels of landlord and tenant satisfaction with the standards of service... 20 Nov 2007 16:55:44 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1177.htm E14D0EE1-0C5A-4495-AFD3-B78F29074BD7 Landlords take advantage of tenant ignorance claims report A national newspaper has repeated claims that landlords are mistreating millions of tenants because they don't know their basic statutory rights according to a recent national newspaper report. A story produced by The Sun said that broken boilers, landlords turning up unannounced and the withholding of deposits... 20 Nov 2007 16:58:14 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1178.htm CFB6241A-9044-4B11-8C27-22FD92BA7174 Decline in gross mortgage lending Latest figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) show higher borrowing costs contributed to a decline in gross lending in September, with the bulk of the impact being felt on lending for house purchase rather than remortgaging. 20 Nov 2007 16:58:48 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1179.htm C225EE1C-1A6B-4338-B55F-CF9FB3200F6A Land registry wants compulsory registration Land Registry is seeking views on proposals to introduce two new triggers that would lead to compulsory registration of title. The proposed new triggers are: * appointment of a new trustee of unregistered land held in trust, where the land vests in the... 20 Nov 2007 17:01:07 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1180.htm 1C48681E-B9F6-48B0-8BC9-EBF969BDAE0C Damage and cleaning top TDS disputes Published statistics have given the first real glimpse of how successful The Tenancy Deposit scheme (TDS) has been during the six months since it became a legal requirement in the Private Rented Sector. 217,134 landlords have joined to the scheme, covering 282,364 tenancies that house 428,769 tenants. 20 Nov 2007 17:01:39 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1173.htm 6165C64C-41D9-4714-A8DB-4DB753FB1AEE Landlord forced to repay students A landlord who failed to properly license his flats for multiple occupancy in Leamington Spa is being made to pay 15 of his university student tenants more than 18,000 pounds in what is believed to be the first case of its kind in England. 20 Nov 2007 17:02:11 GMT http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/news1174.htm FFEFEEEB-749F-492B-A120-04B3A3BE270C