Spam email is annoying.
Every now again we get someone accusing us of sending spam email, which always feels a bit rich, considering we've just provided them a service that hands out free solicitor prepared tenancy agreements and free property management software. A relevant weekly email newsletter, with a clear unsubscribe link at the top and bottom of the email, and a reminder email linked to the tenancy which again has a clear unsubscribe button. If that's spam then bring on the fritters.
What we don't do is share or sell on any user contact details unlike a lot of other landlord and property sites. I find myself getting a whole bunch of emails offering me discounted foreign property that I never subscribed to or have even heard of, be careful what you sign up for.
So if you are wondering where they are coming from, they are nothing to do with us, they're thanks to the likes of the people below who kindly sent me through this offer, that I shan't be partaking in.
As I've already said, I find spam very annoying, as you probably do too.
"Good Morning,
We believe you may be interested in hearing about our database which is a comprehensive verified list of Residential Landlords in the UK.
The database contains 25,923 Landlords with all contacts having a direct email address, priced at £529, reduced from £2,100
The database is supplied in an Excel Spreadsheet and data fields are: Landlord Name, Address, Direct Telephone Number and Email Address.This database is offered to the market with a 1 year unlimited use licence for your company. We also have the option for you to purchase the database outright at an additional cost of £150. Our standard pricing structure is as follows: 10p per record for your specific selection of records - minimum purchase of 1000 records; however, for those wishing to purchase the entire database we offer it at a price of £529.
We also offer a range of other data including Residential Letting Agents, Commercial Property Agents and many others.
Please contact us to discuss your requirements. Kind Regards,Terri "
No thanks Terri. Ham not spam!
Thursday, May 31, 2012
BTL mortgages best current products
Max LTV | Initial Rate | Term | Completion fee | Booking fee | Incentives | Overall Cost for Comparison |
80% | 4.79% Discount | 2 Years | £2999 | £130.00 | No | 8.2% APR |
80% | 5.79% Discount | 2 Years | 3% | £130.00 | No | 7% APR |
75% | 4.89% Fixed | Aug 31 2014 | £995 | £0.00 | No | 5.1% APR |
75% | 4.25% Discount | 2 Years | 2.5% | £250.00 | No | 5.5% APR |
70% | 4.25% Discount | 2 Years | 0% | £199.00 | Free valuation up to £335 for purchases and remortgages and free legals on remortgages only. | 6% APR |
70% | 3.74% Discount | Jul 31 2014 | £899 | £0.00 | No | 5.9% APR |
60% | 5.49% Fixed | 2 Years | 2.5% | £130.00 | No | 6.9% APR |
60% | 3.25% Discount | 2 Years | £1750 | £250.00 | No | 5.3% APR |
Search the whole BTL mortgage market free
Tel: 029 2069 5446
IMPORTANT! Due to current market conditions, lenders
are withdrawing and replacing products with little or
no notice. Please check our website regularly to see the most
up-to-date products available.
Your home may be repossessed if you
do not keep up repayments on your mortgages.The Financial
Services Authority does not regulate some forms of mortgage.Wednesday, May 30, 2012
The Lords debates future housing strategy
The question under the last government was did they even have one.
The lack of any clear policy has played directly into the hands of private residential landlords, we really can't deny that and as far as I can see will continue to.
Read through the hot air, bluster and hopeful proposition put forward in the Lords in this summary in the Guardian.
Do I Need Landlord Insurance?
Landlords letting property may be surprised that there is no legal requirement for them to have building or content insurance for their buy-to-let. One of our landlords was recently told by their letting agent that the letting agent is legally required to have a copy of the landlords insurance with them. How true is this?
The reality is that a landlord is not required to have any landlord insurance. However, many lenders do insist on it as part of the mortgage agreement. One of my lenders writes to me each year requesting a copy of my current insurance policy. The reality is that if you aren't insured and your buy-to-let does burn down you will still be left with your outstanding mortgage debt, a pile of worthless bricks and a very large rebuilding bill. Not advisable!
Landlord Insurance - professional rates
The reality is that a landlord is not required to have any landlord insurance. However, many lenders do insist on it as part of the mortgage agreement. One of my lenders writes to me each year requesting a copy of my current insurance policy. The reality is that if you aren't insured and your buy-to-let does burn down you will still be left with your outstanding mortgage debt, a pile of worthless bricks and a very large rebuilding bill. Not advisable!
Landlord Insurance - professional rates
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Uk house price graphics
Infographic provided by Gateway Homes
Changes in council tax on second homes
Landlords and second homeowners are expected to face changes in their council tax as the Government looks to end the mandatory discounts on holiday homes and long term vacant properties.
The new plans are set to bring in an extra 420 million a year.
Read more in the Independent
The new plans are set to bring in an extra 420 million a year.
Read more in the Independent
Scottish tenants extortionate fees
SCOTLAND’S letting agents have been accused of charging “extortionate and
unjustified” fees by the charity Shelter saying more than 90 per cent of agents
charge upfront costs.
Shelter launched an advice service this month to help tenants get refunds, and landlords have returned more than £32,000 in fees in two weeks as a result.
But almost 250,000 renters in Scotland could still be due refunds.
Read full article in the Daily Record
For landlord legal advice go to our Landlord legal forum
Shelter launched an advice service this month to help tenants get refunds, and landlords have returned more than £32,000 in fees in two weeks as a result.
But almost 250,000 renters in Scotland could still be due refunds.
Read full article in the Daily Record
For landlord legal advice go to our Landlord legal forum
Monday, May 28, 2012
Mortgage rates fall as SWAPS in decline
Landlords biggest worry has always been rising interest rates and the resulting increased mortgage costs. The good news is that SWAP rates which are often used as a predictator of a rise in fixed rate borrowing costs have been on the decline over recent months as markets have factored in a faltering economic UK recovery and a potential euro break up.
Mortgage Rates
The result is that short term buy-to-let mortgage rates have fallen back resulting in the emergence of some attractive 2 and 3 year rates over the last few months. For example the 3.25% 2 year discount mortgage being offered by the Rugby Building Society.
Interest Rate Rise Recedes
The latest predictions from the money markets predict that interest rates may not rise until early 2016. This is great news for many landlords concerned that an imminent rise in rates would bring about a dramatic increase in mortgage costs.
Free property management software, Free tenancy agreements
Mortgage Rates
The result is that short term buy-to-let mortgage rates have fallen back resulting in the emergence of some attractive 2 and 3 year rates over the last few months. For example the 3.25% 2 year discount mortgage being offered by the Rugby Building Society.
Interest Rate Rise Recedes
The latest predictions from the money markets predict that interest rates may not rise until early 2016. This is great news for many landlords concerned that an imminent rise in rates would bring about a dramatic increase in mortgage costs.
Free property management software, Free tenancy agreements
Thursday, May 24, 2012
BTL mortgages - best products
Max LTV | Initial Rate | Term | Completion fee | Booking fee | Incentives | Overall Cost for Comparison |
80% | 4.79% Discount | 2 Years | £2999 | £130.00 | No | 8.2% APR |
80% | 5.99% Fixed | Jul 31 2014 | £1100 | £199.00 | No | 6.5% APR |
80% | 5.88% Fixed | 3 Years | 2.5% | £0.00 | Free legal fees for remortgage | 6.2% APR |
75% | 4.89% Fixed | Aug 31 2014 | £995 | £0.00 | No | 5.1% APR |
75% | 4.98% Fixed | 2 Years | £1999 | £0.00 | Free legal fees for remortgage | 5.7% APR |
70% | 3.74% Discount | Jul 31 2014 | £899 | £0.00 | No | 5.9% APR |
70% | 3.85% Discount | 3 Years | £995 | £0.00 | No | 5.3% APR |
65% | 5.84% Fixed | Jun 30 2014 | 0% | £150.00 | Free valuation for properties valued up to £500,000 (excludes Scotland) | 5.3% APR |
65% | 3.99% Tracker | Jun 30 2014 | 0% | £250.00 | Free valuation up to £700 for purchases and remortgages and free legals on remortgages only. | 4.7% APR |
60% | 3.25% Discount | 2 Years | £1750 | £250.00 | No | 5.3% APR |
60% | 3.59% Fixed | Aug 31 2014 | 2.5% | £0.00 | £500 cashback on completion | 5.1% APR |
5.1% APR |
Search the whole BTL mortgage market free
Tel: 029 2069 5446
IMPORTANT! Due to current market conditions, lenders
are withdrawing and replacing products with little or
no notice. Please check our website regularly to see the most
up-to-date products available.
Your home may be repossessed if you
do not keep up repayments on your mortgages.The Financial
Services Authority does not regulate some forms of mortgage.
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Landlords remain lowly leveraged
Residential landlords have always been less leveraged than other property owners and investors.
Many landlords own outright their residential property. The latest survey from BDRC Continental bares this out. Their landlord panel reveals that over a quarter of landlords (28%) own their rental portfolio without any finance.
This give landlords plenty of equity to borrow against in order to expand their residential investment portfolio in the future.
Mortgage Search - whole market
Many landlords own outright their residential property. The latest survey from BDRC Continental bares this out. Their landlord panel reveals that over a quarter of landlords (28%) own their rental portfolio without any finance.
This give landlords plenty of equity to borrow against in order to expand their residential investment portfolio in the future.
Mortgage Search - whole market
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Olympic torch - flicker or flame?
I'm just about to head out to watch the Olympic torch stroll past the end of my street. All I'm expecting is a bus with someone in a shell-suit holding a gold cone with a candle in. Should I really be such a negative ninny or does all this nationalistic hype and propaganda have any substance whatsoever?
I mean is this summers excitement really going to bring any 'legacy' or is it just a temporary bout of wasteful global boasting on our behalf that's a bit like 'the neighbour' who gets a brand new leased car on the drive a month before he gets his house repossessed.
Lets hope not.
I mean good news today about interest rates, down again, and even though we got a 'could be more creative' report from the IMF today they say that generally we weren't going in completely the wrong direction.
Much fist pumping and cheering to come, I hope.
UPDATE - OK, I've just got back. It was 'a bus with someone in a shell-suit holding a gold cone with a candle in.', plus a coca-cola bus with lots of over excited PR bunnies screaming for us to scream back. Surely the only Olympian thing coke have done for the countries health is put a ring of tooth decay in our kids front teeth, let's hope the economy is stronger than the Olympic committee's morale stance on sponsorship partners.
I mean is this summers excitement really going to bring any 'legacy' or is it just a temporary bout of wasteful global boasting on our behalf that's a bit like 'the neighbour' who gets a brand new leased car on the drive a month before he gets his house repossessed.
Lets hope not.
I mean good news today about interest rates, down again, and even though we got a 'could be more creative' report from the IMF today they say that generally we weren't going in completely the wrong direction.
Much fist pumping and cheering to come, I hope.
UPDATE - OK, I've just got back. It was 'a bus with someone in a shell-suit holding a gold cone with a candle in.', plus a coca-cola bus with lots of over excited PR bunnies screaming for us to scream back. Surely the only Olympian thing coke have done for the countries health is put a ring of tooth decay in our kids front teeth, let's hope the economy is stronger than the Olympic committee's morale stance on sponsorship partners.
Rents are up again..but who cares!
According to Property Hawks Rentindex rents are on the rise again.
Up 1% over the month and heading towards the all time high of £615 hit last year.
But quite frankly who cares! The sun is shining and landlords like every body else should be out enjoying it ...not looking at crappy websites. Enjoy!
Landlord insurance - best rates
Up 1% over the month and heading towards the all time high of £615 hit last year.
But quite frankly who cares! The sun is shining and landlords like every body else should be out enjoying it ...not looking at crappy websites. Enjoy!
Landlord insurance - best rates
Monday, May 21, 2012
Landlord sipps a political lead balloon
An influential select committee of MPs is urging the government to streamline pension and tax laws for landlords to stimulate investment in private rented housing.
The Communities and Local Government Select Committee are pushing for the inclusion of BTL property in self-invested personal pension schemes (SiPP).
Property Hawk got very excited about the prospect of this happening about five years ago until Gordon Brown made a last minute u-turn.
I'm not so sure it's going to happen for a while, not with a Tory government still reeling from the abolition of the 50 percent tax rate. Let's be honest the average voter does not want to see property landlords making further profits.
It strikes me this would be too much of a political lead balloon.
But we're still hoping. Maybe one day.
The Communities and Local Government Select Committee are pushing for the inclusion of BTL property in self-invested personal pension schemes (SiPP).
Property Hawk got very excited about the prospect of this happening about five years ago until Gordon Brown made a last minute u-turn.
I'm not so sure it's going to happen for a while, not with a Tory government still reeling from the abolition of the 50 percent tax rate. Let's be honest the average voter does not want to see property landlords making further profits.
It strikes me this would be too much of a political lead balloon.
But we're still hoping. Maybe one day.
New 3.25% 2 year discount BTL
Property Hawk Mortgages is offering a fantastic new buy-to-let mortgage - a 3.25% 2 year discount up to 60% LTV with a flat fee and no early repayment charge!
Property Hawk Mortgages is pleased to provide this excellent buy-to-let mortgage with Hinckley & Rugby Building Society. This 3.25% 2 year discount with a flat fee is highly competitive in the 60% LTV bracket and could be a great choice for landlords.
Andy Young at Property Hawk Mortgages says: “We are delighted to offer this new exclusive buy-to-let mortgage with Hinckley & Rugby. The initial rate and flat completion fee make this a highly competitive product in the 60% LTV bracket. For those looking for a great rate and flexibility, this product has the additional benefit of having no early repayment charges.”
Gill Vernau at Hinckley & Rugby Building Society says: “We are expecting this new exclusive to drive good levels of business from landlord clients with higher deposits and it complements our existing product range very well.”
Search the whole BTL mortgage market free
Property Hawk Mortgages is pleased to provide this excellent buy-to-let mortgage with Hinckley & Rugby Building Society. This 3.25% 2 year discount with a flat fee is highly competitive in the 60% LTV bracket and could be a great choice for landlords.
Andy Young at Property Hawk Mortgages says: “We are delighted to offer this new exclusive buy-to-let mortgage with Hinckley & Rugby. The initial rate and flat completion fee make this a highly competitive product in the 60% LTV bracket. For those looking for a great rate and flexibility, this product has the additional benefit of having no early repayment charges.”
Gill Vernau at Hinckley & Rugby Building Society says: “We are expecting this new exclusive to drive good levels of business from landlord clients with higher deposits and it complements our existing product range very well.”
Search the whole BTL mortgage market free
Tel: 029 2069 5446
IMPORTANT! Due to current market conditions, lenders
are withdrawing and replacing products with little or
no notice. Please check our website regularly to see the most
up-to-date products available.
Your home may be repossessed if you
do not keep up repayments on your mortgages.The Financial
Services Authority does not regulate some forms of mortgage.Saturday, May 19, 2012
Property for tenants that love cricket
Now here's an unusual USP for marketing a buy-to-let property when writing your rental advert. What about a property with a view over the local cricket ground. Perfect for cricket loving tenants.
The property is being sold on the instructions of J Gershinson FRICS and V Liddell MRICS of Allsop LLP as Joint Fixed Charge Receivers
Warne Court, Village Road, Enfield, London EN1 2FD
Freehold Modern unbroken purpose built gated development
Comprising 12 self-contained apartments (8 x two bedroom, 4 x three bedroom)
Fully let subject to 12 Assured Shorthold Tenancies
Total current rent reserved £194,400 per annum
Approximate gross internal area (excluding common parts) 1,001.53 sq m (10,780 sq ft)
Overlooking Enfield cricket ground
Secure undercroft parking
Offers in excess of £3,500,000 are invited for the freehold interest subject to the existing tenancies and subject to contract.
For further information, please contact:
Robbie Underhill
Email: robbie.underhill@allsop.co.uk
Tel: 020 7344 2659
Anthony Dixon
Email: anthony.dixon@allsop.co.uk
Tel: 0207 344 2625
Mortgage Search - whole of market
The property is being sold on the instructions of J Gershinson FRICS and V Liddell MRICS of Allsop LLP as Joint Fixed Charge Receivers
Warne Court, Village Road, Enfield, London EN1 2FD
Freehold Modern unbroken purpose built gated development
Comprising 12 self-contained apartments (8 x two bedroom, 4 x three bedroom)
Fully let subject to 12 Assured Shorthold Tenancies
Total current rent reserved £194,400 per annum
Approximate gross internal area (excluding common parts) 1,001.53 sq m (10,780 sq ft)
Overlooking Enfield cricket ground
Secure undercroft parking
Offers in excess of £3,500,000 are invited for the freehold interest subject to the existing tenancies and subject to contract.
For further information, please contact:
Robbie Underhill
Email: robbie.underhill@allsop.co.uk
Tel: 020 7344 2659
Anthony Dixon
Email: anthony.dixon@allsop.co.uk
Tel: 0207 344 2625
Mortgage Search - whole of market
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Property Hawk - contacting us.
Property Hawk does have contact telephone number so that you can speak to us if really necessary. But if you have a query about the Tenancy Agreement, Property Management Software or letting your property the best way of getting a speedy response is always to email your specific enquiry. We guarantee that we will get back to:
Need to know something fast... then email us: enquiries@propertyhawk.co.uk
Free property management software, Free tenancy agreements
Need to know something fast... then email us: enquiries@propertyhawk.co.uk
Free property management software, Free tenancy agreements
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
BTL mortgages current best products
Max LTV | Initial Rate | Term | Completion fee | Booking fee | Incentives | Overall Cost for Comparison |
80% | 4.79% Discount | 2 Years | £2999 | £130.00 | No | 8.2% APR |
80% | 5.99% Fixed | Jul 31 2014 | £1100 | £199.00 | No | 6.5% APR |
80% | 5.88% Fixed | 3 Years | 2.5% | £0.00 | Free legal fees for remortgage | 6.2% APR |
75% | 4.89% Fixed | Aug 31 2014 | £995 | £0.00 | No | 5.1% APR |
75% | 4.98% Fixed | 2 Years | £1999 | £0.00 | Free legal fees for remortgage | 5.7% APR |
70% | 3.74% Discount | Jul 31 2014 | £899 | £0.00 | No | 5.9% APR |
70% | 3.85% Discount | 3 Years | £995 | £0.00 | No | 5.3% APR |
65% | 5.84% Fixed | Jun 30 2014 | 0% | £150.00 | Free valuation for properties valued up to £500,000 (excludes Scotland) | 5.3% APR |
65% | 3.99% Tracker | Jun 30 2014 | 0% | £250.00 | Free valuation up to £700 for purchases and remortgages and free legals on remortgages only. | 4.7% APR |
60% | 3.25% Discount | 2 Years | 1.75% | £250.00 | Free valuation on properties valued up to £1m | 5.3% APR |
60% | 3.59% Fixed | Aug 31 2014 | 2.5% | £0.00 | £500 cashback on completion | 5.1% APR |
Search the whole BTL mortgage market free
Tel: 029 2069 5446
IMPORTANT! Due to current market conditions, lenders
are withdrawing and replacing products with little or
no notice. Please check our website regularly to see the most
up-to-date products available.
Your home may be repossessed if you
do not keep up repayments on your mortgages.The Financial
Services Authority does not regulate some forms of mortgage.Government report recommends tax simplication
The House of Commons Communities and Local Government select committee has recently explored how the economy can generate more housing in its' 280 page document 'Financing of New Housing Supply'. In one section it looks at the contribution that residential landlords can make. It concludes rightly that private landlords have a massive part to play in increasing residential supply. I think that policy makers often overlook the contribution that small private landlords make. We may not be building huge tower blocks or sprawling housing estates but many small landlords make a huge contribution to housing supply by bringing unused and inhabitable stock back into use or carrying out small scale developments.
The conclusion of the Committee is broadly positive being that :
"We recommend that the Government bring forward a set of proposals to
simplify the tax and regulatory structures that apply to private landlords. These
proposals should aim to create an environment in which small private landlords are
encouraged to expand their portfolios and invest in new build housing."
Unfortunately, simplification doesn't mean 'more generous'. If government really wants to lever in more investment at little expense to the public purse then they need to give us a more favourable tax regime where residential landllords are treated on a par with business and residential investment is not seen merely as an investment. I've talked before about the tax changes needed to encourage more investment from landlords.
For those with the time to read the full report you can download it here.
Mortgage Search - financing your investment
The conclusion of the Committee is broadly positive being that :
"We recommend that the Government bring forward a set of proposals to
simplify the tax and regulatory structures that apply to private landlords. These
proposals should aim to create an environment in which small private landlords are
encouraged to expand their portfolios and invest in new build housing."
Unfortunately, simplification doesn't mean 'more generous'. If government really wants to lever in more investment at little expense to the public purse then they need to give us a more favourable tax regime where residential landllords are treated on a par with business and residential investment is not seen merely as an investment. I've talked before about the tax changes needed to encourage more investment from landlords.
For those with the time to read the full report you can download it here.
Mortgage Search - financing your investment
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Deposit Protection - A Summary
The rules controlling the protection of a tenants deposit have recently been tightened.
Here is a useful summary of the requirements of the Housing Act 2004 on tenants deposits.
If you need to ask a question about your tenants deposit then post a specific question to our new landlord legal forum.
Landlord insurance - professional rates
Here is a useful summary of the requirements of the Housing Act 2004 on tenants deposits.
If you need to ask a question about your tenants deposit then post a specific question to our new landlord legal forum.
Landlord insurance - professional rates
Monday, May 14, 2012
BTL lending pushes out FTB's again
The Telegraph heralds the 'return of the buy-to-let investor' and plays the old 'pushing first time buyers out of the market'.
The article stems from the fact that buy-to-let mortgage numbers have rose again, up by a third during the first three months of this year in the CML's most recent figures.
The bricks and mortar haven seems to hold up against the flakey alternative investment markets, at least you can see what you've got for your money.
The bricks and mortar haven seems to hold up against the flakey alternative investment markets, at least you can see what you've got for your money.
The CML reported 32,300 buy-to-let loans completed during the first three months of the year of
the year, up 32 per cent on last year.
Meanwhile the number of mortgages lent to first-time buyers is reportedly still dropping as lenders remain nervous about low deposits percentages with a still uncertain property market. Choosing a landlords typical 25 - 30 percent deposit over a 5 -10 percent FTB deposit.
You can't blame them really, can you?
Well you can, nasty bankers, bad bankers! It's all your fault that the country's in the sh1t, nothing to do with government and individuals borrowing excessively, living on the never, never to fund unrealistic and unsustainable expectations. No, no, no, it's the bankers, that right, not 'our' fault at all.......
BTL mortgage search tool - whole market search - free
Housing Act 1988 as ammended
Finding the most up to date version of the Housing Act 1988 which governs the letting of property under the Assured Shorthold Tenancy can be a nightmare. This is because the original legislation has been changed, added to and generally "mucked about" so much over the years. We have therefore to thank Jeffrey Shaw of Netheredge Law for providing us with an up to date version of the Housing Act 1988. This should always be a landlords definitive starting point in establishing what their legal rights and responsibilities are.
Landlord Legal Forum - post your legal questions for FREE
Landlord Legal Forum - post your legal questions for FREE
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Buy-to-let lending up by 29%
Buy-to-let lending appears to be one of the few areas of increased lending in the economy according to the latest figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML). Up 29% in terms of the number of property purchases in the first 3 month of the year, to 17,190 advances.
This sounds a pretty healthy increase. Landlords who traditionally have a relatively low gearing on their property assets are obviously making hay off the back of increasing rental demand and rising rents.
Another boom? Not likely - given the restrictive credit markets but relatively speaking landlords are borrowing and investing. In fact buy-to-let mortgages now make up 12.8% of the total value of buy-to-let mortgages compared to from 12.6% at the end of 2011 and 12.2% at the end of the first quarter of 2011.
The total number of buy-to-let mortgages stands at just over 1.4million, with a total value of £159.4billion.
We ain't booming but were certainly ain't bust either. Amen!
Mortgage Search - NO BROKER FEES
This sounds a pretty healthy increase. Landlords who traditionally have a relatively low gearing on their property assets are obviously making hay off the back of increasing rental demand and rising rents.
Another boom? Not likely - given the restrictive credit markets but relatively speaking landlords are borrowing and investing. In fact buy-to-let mortgages now make up 12.8% of the total value of buy-to-let mortgages compared to from 12.6% at the end of 2011 and 12.2% at the end of the first quarter of 2011.
The total number of buy-to-let mortgages stands at just over 1.4million, with a total value of £159.4billion.
We ain't booming but were certainly ain't bust either. Amen!
Mortgage Search - NO BROKER FEES
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Pssssst. What's that sound?!
Can you hear it? The gentle pssssst sound. What is it? It's the slow hissing sound as the massive property bubble of the noughties deflates. As we can see from the Nationwide's graph average real house prices have been falling consistently since 2007. This process has been slowed and controlled by a massive monetary stimulus from the Bank of England by maintaining ludicrously low interest rates. Where will it end? Difficult to say...The problem with property bubbles and busts are they are all contingent on finance. With Greece and Europe braced on the edge of a precipice and more restrictive banking regulation imminent then banks aren't going to release their purse strings any time soon. All I see is the psssst sound continuing unless the Euro breaks up and than we will be treated to an almighty farting noise. How apt!
Mortgage Search - whole of market
Mortgage Search - whole of market
Wednesday, May 09, 2012
BTL mortgages current rates
Max LTV | Initial Rate | Term | Completion fee | Booking fee | Incentives | Overall Cost for Comparison |
85% | 5.99% Fixed | 2 Years | 1% | £130.00 | No | 6.6% APR |
80% | 5.79% Discount | 2 Years | 3% | £130.00 | No | 7% APR |
80% | 4.79% Discount | 2 Years | £2999 | £130.00 | No | 8.2% APR |
75% | 4.89% Fixed | Aug 31 2014 | £995 | £0.00 | No | 5.1% APR |
75% | 5.29% Fixed | 2 Years | 3% | £130.00 | No | 6.9% APR |
70% | 4.25% Discount | 2 Years | 0% | £199.00 | Free valuation up to £335 for purchases and remortgages and free legals on remortgages only. | 6% APR |
70% | 3.74% Discount | Jul 31 2014 | £899 | £0.00 | No | 5.9% APR |
60% | 5.49% Fixed | 2 Years | 2.5% | £130.00 | No | 6.9% APR |
60% | 3.25% Discount | 2 Years | 1.75% | £250.00 | Free valuation on properties valued up to £1m | 5.3% APR |
Tel: 029 2069 5446
IMPORTANT! Due to current market conditions, lenders
are withdrawing and replacing products with little or
no notice. Please check our website regularly to see the most
up-to-date products available.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgages.The Financial Services Authority does not regulate some forms of mortgage.Tuesday, May 08, 2012
Tenants evicted for Olympic gold.
A tenant here had to move out, apparently. |
I do question the reality of this situation that stems from a press release from Shelter that seems vague at best. I can't see many landlords in the area going down this route myself, especially following a lot of data showing that the demand for Olympic rentals have been a lot more sluggish than initially hoped.
It sounds like Shelter have been desperately searching for this one at the bottom of the 'hear say reservoir' to further boost their score for PR sensationalism which they would truly get a gold medal for.
But, hey ho certain readers love it, and it echoes nicely with those wanting to believe that our society is as unjust as Chinas when it comes to human rights.
Back in the real world, I think this situation will be as rare as British Gold Medals in the athletics.
Read BBC article on tenants kicked out for Olympics
All Quiet On The Lettings Front...but
It's all quiet on the lettings front as I survey the headlines on the jungle telegraph in the comfort of my local pub.
Rents nationally continue to tick slowly up buoyed by a lack of supply and plenty of renters who are unable or don't want to take the plunge and buy.
I had a message from the surveyor of one of my buy-to-lets that my buy-to-let property was not eligible under the CERT Scheme for loft insulation BUT I was for some reason eligible for cavity wall insulation. Not really what I wanted. I'm a little dubious about cavity wall insulation fearing that it will act as a bridge for water ingress leading to rising damp in my two maisonettes. I already have problems with condensation in both properties and fear that any additional heat conservation measures will just exacerbate the problem. The good news is that the funding could be up to 100% and the tenants save up to £135 per year. I feel I need to investigate further. Am I being paranoid? Any advice or experience from other landlords would be greatly appreciated.
On the Property Hawk front we have recently launched our landlord legal forum which we hope will develop into a useful resource over the coming months & years. We are currently just tweaking the layout of the landlord legal forum and if you are patient with us whilst we gets to grips with it. If you have any suggestions for categories feel free to let us know and why not sign up for it here and get posting.
So generally it's all quiet on the lettings front....but I'm sure it wont last!
Landlord Insurance - professional rates
Rents nationally continue to tick slowly up buoyed by a lack of supply and plenty of renters who are unable or don't want to take the plunge and buy.
I had a message from the surveyor of one of my buy-to-lets that my buy-to-let property was not eligible under the CERT Scheme for loft insulation BUT I was for some reason eligible for cavity wall insulation. Not really what I wanted. I'm a little dubious about cavity wall insulation fearing that it will act as a bridge for water ingress leading to rising damp in my two maisonettes. I already have problems with condensation in both properties and fear that any additional heat conservation measures will just exacerbate the problem. The good news is that the funding could be up to 100% and the tenants save up to £135 per year. I feel I need to investigate further. Am I being paranoid? Any advice or experience from other landlords would be greatly appreciated.
On the Property Hawk front we have recently launched our landlord legal forum which we hope will develop into a useful resource over the coming months & years. We are currently just tweaking the layout of the landlord legal forum and if you are patient with us whilst we gets to grips with it. If you have any suggestions for categories feel free to let us know and why not sign up for it here and get posting.
So generally it's all quiet on the lettings front....but I'm sure it wont last!
Landlord Insurance - professional rates
Saturday, May 05, 2012
Landlords - Protect Your Tenants Deposits TODAY
Landlords that haven't protected their tenants deposit need to act today.
If you haven't you could be subject to new stringent tenant deposit legislation being brought in by new legislation.
To see the details read this article on Tenancy Deposit Changes.
Landlord Insurance - Instant cover online
If you haven't you could be subject to new stringent tenant deposit legislation being brought in by new legislation.
To see the details read this article on Tenancy Deposit Changes.
Landlord Insurance - Instant cover online
Friday, May 04, 2012
Haunted Tenancies
Over the many years that I have advised Landlords on their tenancies I have heard many excuses from tenants about non-payment of rent, but the one I read this morning was a new one.
Tenants in New Jersey, USA are suing their landlord as they claim that they have been forced to leave the property by a poltergeist. They claimed that they experienced slamming doors, flickering lights and eerie voices whispering 'let it burn'. Their claim is for return of their deposit and rent paid.
It may be that the house was haunted - who knows!, but I will wait to see if I come across similar excuses for non-payment of rent
If you do require any advice on non-payment of rent or any other problems with tenants please email me at propertyhawk@fidler.co.uk
Rebecca
Free property management software, Free tenancy agreements
Thursday, May 03, 2012
Japanese knotweed regulated treatment
Real live triffids! |
So obviously this press release caught my attention as it dropped through Property Hawks virtual mailbox, well pinged more than dropped I suppose.
Anyway to get to the PR point, the UK trade body the Property Care Association (PCA) has launched a new group – dedicated to the removal and control of Japanese Knotweed. I say three cheers to that !
The PCA has been working with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) - supported by the Council of Mortgage Lenders and The Building Societies Association - together with Japanese Knotweed control companies that currently operate within the UK, to develop the Invasive Weed Control Group.
This new aspect of the Association coincides with the publication of new guidance from RICS entitled Japanese Knotweed and Residential Property, authored by Phil Parnham.
The guidance - along with the development of the PCA’s Invasive Weed Control Group to signpost consumers to professional treatment companies - now offers assurance and certainty in tackling the problem.
Stephen Hodgson, general manager of the PCA, which has its headquarters in Huntingdon, said: “For several months, the PCA has been working with sections of the Japanese Knotweed control industry to provide representation, accreditation and trade association services.
“Ultimately this work has drawn together a set of standards that will ensure consumers can identify companies - through the PCA - that have the skills, infrastructure, knowledge and integrity to eliminate this troublesome weed properly and cost-effectively.
“Our role as an established trade body, with a reputation for high standards, ensures a recognised and effective route for the delivery of this work.
“What we can do now is promote certainty. We have standardisation, consistency and best practice standards in the treatment industry.”
Further information is available at www.property-care.org where a list of professional Japanese Knotweed control contractors is available.
Tuesday, May 01, 2012
BTL mortgages best options
Max LTV | Initial Rate | Term | Completion fee | Booking fee | Incentives | Overall Cost for Comparison |
85% | 5.99% Fixed | 2 Years | 1% | £130.00 | No | 6.6% APR |
80% | 4.79% Discount | 2 Years | £2999 | £130.00 | No | 8.2% APR |
80% | 5.79% Discount | 2 Years | 3% | £130.00 | No | 7% APR |
75% | 5.29% Fixed | 2 Years | 3% | £130.00 | No | 6.9% APR |
75% | 4.89% Fixed | Aug 31 2014 | £995 | £0.00 | No | 5.1% APR |
70% | 3.74% Discount | Jul 31 2014 | £899 | £0.00 | No | 5.9% APR |
70% | 4.25% Discount | 2 Years | 0% | £199.00 | Free valuation up to £335 for purchases and remortgages and free legals on remortgages only. | 6% APR |
60% | 3.25% Discount | 2 Years | 1.75% | £250.00 | Free valuation on properties valued up to £1m | 5.3% APR |
60% | 5.49% Fixed | 2 Years | 2.5% | £130.00 | No | 6.9% APR |
Tel: 029 2069 5446
IMPORTANT! Due to current market conditions, lenders
are withdrawing and replacing products with little or
no notice. Please check our website regularly to see the most
up-to-date products available.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgages.
The Financial Services Authority does not regulate some forms of mortgage.
Any One For Tennis?
Landlords looking for a prime London investment opportunity want to check out the latest offering from Allsop. This freehold residential investment opportunity is located in Maida Vale, London. It's USP is in it's rear garden. Tenants have access to several tennis courts in the back garden. Ideal for those with aspirations of making it to Wimbledon eventually.
The residential investment properties 116 - 118 Sutherland Avenue, Maida Vale, London W9. I know it well as my bus used to pass by in when I was living in London. Located near Little Venice this pair of unbroken period properties is converted to provide a total of 20 flats:
No. 116 comprises 10 flats
No. 118 comprises 10 flats Overall approx.
Gross Internal Area (excluding common parts): 965.23 sq m (10,389 sq ft) Subject to 15 Assured Shorthold Tenancies and 7 Regulated Tenancies Total current rent reserved £276,649 per annum Extensive communal gardens including a tennis court Two flats benefit from private patios, four flats from direct access to communal gardens and four flats have balconies Asset management opportunities
Offers in excess of £6,000,000 subject to contract.
Adam Kerven
Email: adam.kerven@allsop.co.uk
Tel: 020 7344 2628
Anthony Dixon
Email: anthony.dixon@allsop.co.uk
Tel: 020 7344 2625
Free property management software, Free tenancy agreements
The residential investment properties 116 - 118 Sutherland Avenue, Maida Vale, London W9. I know it well as my bus used to pass by in when I was living in London. Located near Little Venice this pair of unbroken period properties is converted to provide a total of 20 flats:
No. 116 comprises 10 flats
No. 118 comprises 10 flats Overall approx.
Gross Internal Area (excluding common parts): 965.23 sq m (10,389 sq ft) Subject to 15 Assured Shorthold Tenancies and 7 Regulated Tenancies Total current rent reserved £276,649 per annum Extensive communal gardens including a tennis court Two flats benefit from private patios, four flats from direct access to communal gardens and four flats have balconies Asset management opportunities
Offers in excess of £6,000,000 subject to contract.
Adam Kerven
Email: adam.kerven@allsop.co.uk
Tel: 020 7344 2628
Anthony Dixon
Email: anthony.dixon@allsop.co.uk
Tel: 020 7344 2625
Free property management software, Free tenancy agreements
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