3 year property price forecast

New three-year forecast predicts house price changes in your region https://t.co/JAYaS9jaRa pic.twitter.com/hqiNJb7Ohq

— ES Homes & Property (@HomesProperty) August 31, 2016

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Why HB claimants remain in London

Our blog explores why despite housing benefit reforms, claimants remain in London https://t.co/O0qs0P8I6f pic.twitter.com/s1ggPpP0gN

— New Policy Institute (@npi_research) August 31, 2016

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House prices pick up ...slightly

Nationwide's scores for August are in  ....

Nationwide's Chief Economist, Robert Gardner, gives his spin on the property market:

“UK house prices increased by 0.6% in August, resulting in a slight pick up in the annual rate of house price growth to 5.6%, from 5.2% in July, although this remains within the 3- 6% range prevailing since early 2015.

“The pick up in price growth is somewhat at odds with signs that housing market activity has slowed in recent months. New buyer enquiries have softened as a result of the introduction of additional stamp duty on second homes in April and the uncertainty surrounding the EU referendum. The number of mortgages approved for house purchase fell to an eighteen-month low in July.

“However, the decline in demand appears to have been matched by weakness on the supply side of the market. Surveyors report that instructions to sell have also declined and the stock of properties on the market remains close to thirty-year lows. This helps to explain why the pace of house price growth has remained broadly stable." 

Housing market outlook

“What happens next on the demand side will be determined, to a large extent, by the outlook for the labour market and confidence amongst prospective buyers.

“It is encouraging that the unemployment rate remained at a ten-year low in the three months to June, though labour market trends tend to lag developments in the wider economy. 

It is also positive that retail sales increased at a healthy rate in July, up almost 6% compared to the previous year, even though consumer confidence fell sharply during the month."

However, business surveys suggest that the manufacturing, services and construction sectors all slowed sharply in July, and, if sustained, this is likely to have a negative impact on the labour market and household confidence.

“Most forecasters, including the Bank of England, expect the economy to show little growth over the remainder of the year. Indeed, these concerns prompted the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to implement a range of stimulus measures at the start of August, which will provide support to economic activity and the housing market."

Read in full - Nationwide's House Price Index for August 2016

UK house price growth sees slight pick-up, Nationwide says https://t.co/K6FmK8FJKq

— BBC Business (@BBCBusiness) August 31, 2016

House price growth defies post-Brexit gloomy forecasts - but will it last? https://t.co/RVmaJXPEB6

— Telegraph Property (@TeleProperty) August 31, 2016

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July lettings market rosy reports ARLA

The July data from ARLA shows their agents have an average of 184 rental properties on their books.

This figure, an increase of 5% on June, is down by 3% on July 2015 data.

The majority of ARLA agents observed that rental prices remained static, with 71% reporting no change.

ARLA's M.D, David Cox observes ( albeit through industry rose tinted glasses) : 

“Despite reports that the housing market is spiralling out of control post-Brexit, our results paint a very different picture, and indicate that the future is bright for the rental market. 

Supply is up, as we’d expect at this time of year, and the number of tenants experiencing rent hikes hasn’t changed in three months. 

While we obviously need new houses to balance the growing gap between supply and demand, what’s positive is that the situation isn’t worsening as a direct result of June’s Brexit result.”

Read the ARLA press release for July 2016 here

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Fall in number of mortgage approvals

UK mortgage approvals fell to an 18 month low in July, according to Bank of England data https://t.co/KPVjLlI8hW

— This is Money (@thisismoney) August 30, 2016

Mortgage approvals fall 5% in July https://t.co/VhPHgrfnxQ

— BBC Business (@BBCBusiness) August 30, 2016

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Why a pension beats a BTL flat...or does it?

Why a pension beats a buy-to-let flat hands down https://t.co/L2DxrSQueT pic.twitter.com/jscbXo96Am

— MoneyWeek (@MoneyWeek) August 30, 2016

Or alternatively ...

'Property a better bet than pensions' says BoE economist https://t.co/0HT0OOP8I7

— NLA (@nationalandlord) August 30, 2016

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London property prices to recover in 2018

Modest house price drops predicted for 2017, with recovery tipped for 2018 https://t.co/JAYaS9jaRa pic.twitter.com/AMD8ZU2jw4

— ES Homes & Property (@HomesProperty) August 30, 2016

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New 2 yr BTL tracker from 2.69%

New 2 year tracker rates from 2.69% with a free valuation and no ERCs provide a flexible solution for landlords.

Free legal fees for remortgages.

Property Hawk Mortgage has launched two new 2 year tracker rates for buy-to-let clients with no Early Repayment Charges (ERCs) and a free valuation.

• The rental calculation is 125% at 5.50%.
• At the end of the deal period, customers will revert to the lender's Standard Variable Rate less a discount of 1.75% (currently 4.04%) until the 5th anniversary.
• As no ERCs apply during this period, customers can at their leisure, sell their property, remortgage to another lender, switch to another Accord product or remain on the discounted rate.

In the current uncertain market conditions, these products offer a high degree of flexibilty for landlords.

Accord tracker product details:

- 2.69% 2 year tracker up to 65% LTV
- 2.90% 2 year tracker up to 75% LTV
- Reverts to SVR less a discount of 1.75% (currently 4.04%) until 5th anniversary
- Rental calculation of 125% at 5.50%
- Free standard valuation for purchases and remortgages
- Free legal fees for remortgages only
- No Early Repayment Charges
- £130 booking fee

- £300 completion fee
- An application fee will normally apply

To discuss you mortgage requirements please contact the Support Team on:

Email:info@propertyhawkbtlmortgages.co.uk

Tel: 029 2069 5446

Search the whole BTL mortgage market free 

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.

Most homes sales less than asking price

Eight in ten homes go for less than asking price in July - and estate agents blame post-Brexit vote jitters https://t.co/P8QsDdKHeJ

— This is Money (@thisismoney) August 19, 2016

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Section 21 notice which one to use?

 
Here is the quickest and most succint guide to which section 21 notice to use and what notice to give your tenants from our legal partners at Seatons 

Which Section 21 Notice?

After October 2015 – always use 6A

Pre October 2015:

o   If in fixed term then s21(1)

o   If out of fixed term and there is no mention of what happens at the end of the term (i.e. no mention of periodic tenancy) then s21(1)

o   If always contractual then s21(4)

o   If out of fixed term but tenancy mentions periodic tenancy therefore making it contractual rather than statutory then s21(4)

What notice period?

With the s21(1) just has to be two months.

With the s21(4) has to be at least two months and at end of tenancy period.

For more guidance on how to fill in a section 21 notice

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Tips for new landlords from Savills

Thinking of becoming a landlord? Read our tips for letting out a residential property: https://t.co/H3TV9Yonzd pic.twitter.com/OwBIifXHRU

— Savills (@Savills) August 17, 2016

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Fall in young adults owning a home

The percentage of young adults owning homes dropped from 55% in 1996 to 29% in 2015 https://t.co/JNHCUKovVO #fivefacts

— ONS (@ONS) August 17, 2016

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Landlording life and death

Landlording can not only be a serious occupation it can be a matter of life and death.  I was shocked today with a text from one of my tenants  who in the first sentence wanted to paint the bathroom.  In the next breath he just dropped in the fact that his mum had unexpectedly died.  What do you say? 

Dealing with the death of a tenant

I've never yet had to deal with a death of a tenant in one of my properties.  The text from my tenant just reinforces the fact that landlords do get involved in the lives in their tenants and sometimes this can be life or death.  There was a recent post in the Landlord Forum on obtaining vacant possession after the death of tenants.  I hope I never have to experience this as I can only imagine the practicality of having to deal with your dead tenants belongings and their family being horrendous.

It does remind you that being a landlord is about dealing with real life and real life situations.  That makes it more than a job!

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Are negative interest rates a harbinger of falling house prices?

What does this say about the economic climate when you can't give away money? Negative interest rates such as those witnessed in Japan are not good news for people investing in property based assets.  It's saying that potential borrowers don't want to borrow money to invest in assets which have  a serious risk of falling values.  Property prices can go down as well as up least we forget.

Daily Fail: RBS becomes the first bank to set negative interest rates: It's charging large firms to hold cash - so… https://t.co/UHLMHwDUKA

— housepricecrash (@housepricecrash) August 20, 2016

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Letting Agent deposits - are they safe?

New moves by the Government to make mandatory the protection of letting agent client account money in much the same way as holiday makers have their holidays protected by the industry scheme ABTA has been announced.  The measures on client money protection were flagged when Housing Minister Gavin Barwell announced a consultation exercise with the letting industry to ascertain their views.

Many tenant & landlords at risk

In his announcement the Housing Minister indicated that the letting agent industry currently holds approximately £2.7 billion of funds.  If the agent does not have protection then potentially both landlord and tenant stand to lose their funds if the letting agent disappears or goes out of business.
Since the launch of a voluntary Client Money Protection Scheme it is thought that between 60-80% of letting agents and their clients funds are now protected.

You can read all about an agents view on the regulation of the client funds.  For full details of the Client Money Protect visit their website or have a look at the infographic below:

What is Client Money Protection?

Client Money Protection (CMP) protects the money held by a letting agent (i.e. rent and tenancy deposits where the deposit has not been properly protected by an agent through a statutory scheme), meaning tenants and landlords can recover their funds if a letting agent steals that money or uses it fraudulently.

Is it the same thing as tenancy deposit protection?

No. Tenancy deposit protection is a legal requirement for a landlord or letting agent to protect a tenant’s deposit, it does not cover rent money. Where an agent steals a protected deposit or uses it fraudulently there is recourse for recovery through the deposit scheme’s insurance.

Currently, CMP is not a legal requirement for lettings agency firms, although SAFEagent is campaigning to change this.

How does CMP work?

All letting agents registered with SAFEagent are part of a Client Money Protection Scheme that reimburses consumers in the event that a letting agent uses their money fraudulently or steals it.

There are several CMP schemes in the sector operated by NALS, ARLA, NAEA and RICS to which agents voluntarily belong. The scope of these schemes varies and consumers should contact their agent for full details of the scheme they are covered under.

What does SAFEagent do?

SAFEagent campaigns for full and mandatory CMP - which protects landlords and tenants from the worst practices in letting agency.

SAFEagent is a reliable mark denoting firms that protect landlords and tenants’ money through Client Money Protection

Set up by the industry, the initiative ‘by agents for agents’ is administered by The National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS). It is recognised by the Government, and supported by industry organisations and consumer bodies. It is referred to in the Government’s How to Rent guide.

According to research from YouGov, undertaken for SAFEagent, 61 per cent of renters incorrectly believe their rent and deposit money is protected by law.

Although mandatory CMP is now finally on the Government’s agenda with amendments to the Housing and Planning Act, it is not yet mandatory and many consumers are still at risk.

I’m a tenant, when I give my money to my letting agent is it protected by law?

Not unless the agent is signed up to a CMP scheme. According to SAFEagent, at the moment at least 1 in 5 tenants and landlords aren’t protected by CMP. The only way to ensure your money is safe and protected is by using a letting agent who has CMP. Before entering into a contract you should check this with your agent.

How can people ensure their agent has CMP?

Firstly, ask! Before handing over any money, your agent should be able to tell you if they are part of a Client Money Protection scheme. Ask them which scheme and then ring the organisation and check it out. If they are not part of a scheme ask them why not?

Consumers should look for the SAFEagent logo, in the agent’s window or on their website. This is an easily identifiable consumer mark denoting the letting agent is subscribed to a Client Money Protection Scheme.

You can also visit www.safeagents.co.uk to find a SAFEagent in your area

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Slowdown hits Westminster and Kensington

Revealed: summer slowdown hits Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea house prices hardest: https://t.co/iDeLtRYWtR pic.twitter.com/bD5NaalGs8

— ES Homes & Property (@HomesProperty) August 18, 2016

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MPs call for new homelessness strategy

New homelessness strategy is a must, say MPs https://t.co/bXxtyVNxS9 #ukhousing

— Guardian Housing (@GuardianHousing) August 18, 2016

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Savills Nottingham Property Auction Catalogue

With just 2 weeks to go, take a look at the catalogue for the #Nottingham auction on 01/08: https://t.co/trwUj2owQW pic.twitter.com/rj3iNUtFRK

— Savills Auctions (@SavillsAuctions) August 18, 2016

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Those wanting to move hits 9 year high

Revealed: the number of home owners looking to move has reached a 9-year high https://t.co/6zD0cfvLuu pic.twitter.com/OfLhbs9oOV

— ES Homes & Property (@HomesProperty) August 18, 2016

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London new-build oversupply sees slide in prices

Oversupply of new-build homes in London sees prices start to slidehttps://t.co/J589nkgkqn pic.twitter.com/6ROpSreQWq

— Zoopla (@Zoopla) August 17, 2016

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Burnham pledges Manchester PRS clean up

Labour’s Manchester mayoral candidate, Andy Burnham has promised to introduce a landlord licensing scheme across Greater Manchester if he gets elected.

Mr Burnham also states that if elected as Mayor he would take on further powers to regulate rent increases and property standards in the private rented sector.

As part of his proposals, the Labour leader wannabe, has outlined a ‘community buy-back fund’, that would fund council purchases of private rented homes that fail to meet a ‘decent homes standard’.

Good luck with that one Andy. It sounds as if you might be incentivising property investors to let property's fall into a state of 'rack and ruin'.

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The falls in UK house building since 1980

The level of house building in the UK has fallen by nearly 40% between financial year ending 1980 & 2015 https://t.co/JNHCUKovVO #fivefacts

— ONS (@ONS) August 17, 2016

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£40k fine for overcrowded HMO property

Brent Council has successfully had another landlord fined for overcrowding.

Landlord, Tilak Raj Sarna has been left with a bill of £39,540 from his case at Willesden Magistrates' Court.


The court heard description by Brent Council Officers of a Wembley rental house crammed with 24 people living in 'squalid conditions'.

Although the property had been granted a HMO licence, that was for a maximum of seven people, but when Brent Council Officers made a spot check of the property they discovered it to be inhabited by seven families along with their 10 young children.

Squalid conditions were outlined by Brent Council Officers  -

• A cockroach infestation
• Missing smoke alarms
• Overloaded electrical sockets 
• Inadequate fire doors
• Cold and damp rooms
• Overflowing bins 

Mr Sarna was found guilty of a number of charges relating to overcrowding and fire safety offences at the House in Multiple Occupation.

He was also ordered to pay £33,000 in fines, £6,420 in court costs and a £120 victim surcharge.

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Furnishing a holiday home

What furnishing shall I include in my holiday home?

I'm going through to extensive process of furnishing my luxury Bakewell Accommodaion.

The list of items required by holiday makers is extensive.  Everything from cork screws to upmarket shower gels.  Because holiday makers tend to be more discerning and demanding than your average buy-to-let tenant then standards are much higher.  After all a stay in a holiday let could be somebodies holiday for the year that they have scrimpt and saved all year to afford.

For a landlord like me who is new to the world of letting out a holiday let then this helpful guide for a holiday let by a specialist holiday let insurance business.  To take a look at the self catering cottage inventory list. 

FTBs hit by sneaky mortgage rate rise

First-time buyers punished as UK's biggest lenders 'sneakily' raise mortgage rates  https://t.co/DA1T9bK9Tq

— Telegraph News (@TelegraphNews) August 16, 2016

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Talking up a London property crash

Don’t blame Brexit – we’re long overdue a fall in London property prices, says @MerrynSW https://t.co/tJsXsWwykM pic.twitter.com/9BQ5Ifgf3o

— MoneyWeek (@MoneyWeek) August 17, 2016

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Tenants bought 12,246 council homes

“12,246 council homes were sold to tenants under right to buy in 2015-16, but only 2,055 replacements were started” https://t.co/5yhOvfo7TR

— Guardian Housing (@GuardianHousing) August 16, 2016

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ONS house price data for June

The ONS house price data for June 2016 has the UK average house price growth at an annual rate of  8.7% (up from last month's 8.5%  ).

The average UK house price is now £214,000 according to the ONS new HPI data, £17,000 up on June 2015 a monthly increase of £2,100.

UK #houseprices rise 8.7% in the year to June 2016 (0.2 percentage points higher than May 2016): https://t.co/Xujd7gudnl

— ONS (@ONS) August 16, 2016

Average UK house price rose £17,000 in year to June. Yep, they're still way out of reach for average earners: https://t.co/QLmXXpa9vV 📈

— Shelter (@Shelter) August 16, 2016

House prices rose in run-up to EU referendum despite uncertainty https://t.co/SXFZJdmmLM

— Telegraph Property (@TeleProperty) August 16, 2016

House prices climb £2.1k in June with East of England property surging despite Brexit uncertainty https://t.co/V5ydPHGsrm

— This is Money (@thisismoney) August 16, 2016

Average house price up, but not in Aberdeen:https://t.co/pd5qJS9kxS

— Douglas Fraser (@BBCDouglasF) August 16, 2016

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London Council letting agency flops

Haringey Council launched its own letting agency back in October 2015 and it's a flop. 

The council agency, branded Move 51 Degrees North ( catchy ?? )  has let out just 2 rental properties over the course of these ten months!

With the agency start up and running costs totalling £406,618 that is not what anyone could describe as  a 'stellar performance', nor would it be the kind of business to set the crowdfunding platforms all a twitter. 

I've known far bigger letting agency flourish from a stool in a coffee shop, with the outlay costs of a laptop, a mobile phone and a two shot cappuccino. 

Thankfully for us its only tax payers money gone down the pipe- (breaths out an a exasperated sigh)

Sadiq Khan - take note.

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Landlords and the new energy regulations

Meeting the standard:

How the government’s new energy regulations could affect you

In less than two years from now, landlords could face fines of up to £150,000, if their rented property has an energy rating which falls below the required minimum standard.

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, or MEES regime, was set out by the government in March 2016 and seeks to improve the efficiency of both domestic and non-domestic buildings. The new regulations will be brought into effect from 1 April 2018 for all new lettings of commercial and residential properties in England and Wales. Under these regulations, it will be unlawful for landlords to grant a new lease of properties which have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating below ‘E’.

From 1 April 2023 onwards, MEES will then apply to all lettings, both new and existing, and a landlord will be in breach of these regulations if they continue to let a property which falls below the minimum energy rating criteria. Poor energy performance is not restricted to old or obsolete buildings (subject to specific exceptions and exemptions), meaning the regulations raise significant issues for landlords.

As such, careful planning and preparation will be required to mitigate the potential impact, so that landlords should take action now if they wish to avoid legal headaches in the near future.

Practical points

The terms of any leases, both new and existing, need to be reviewed to ensure landlords have the necessary tools to deal with MEES, as and when the regulations come into effect.

Landlords will need to consider:

· Who is going to pay for any necessary energy efficient works?

· What access to provisions are there in your lease, both to inspect the property for MEES purposes and to carry out any necessary MEES works?

· How will MEES impact upon rent reviews, service charges and dilapidations claims?

· What obligations are contained within your leases to prevent your tenants from obtaining an EPC certificate, which will result in triggering MEES, or alternatively, carrying out alterations which negatively impact on the EPC rating of a property?

In cases where properties have an EPC rating less than ‘E’, landlords will need to put an energy efficiency plan in place to bring the property up to the required standard. Failure to do so will result in civil penalties, and could incur that fine of up to £150,000, unless one of the exceptions or exemption criteria applies.

Exceptions and exemptions:
Various exceptions and exemptions apply to the new regulations which landlords will need to consider. Broadly speaking, properties with short leases of less than six months, or those with long leases of 99 years or more will be exempt, as will listed buildings and temporary or religious properties.

More specifically, there are three exemption criteria which allow landlords to let, or continue to let, properties which do not meet the relevant EPC rating:

1. Cost-effectiveness

Where a landlord can demonstrate they have carried out all of the recommended improvements to the property and if these are not cost-effective within a seven-year payback.

2. Third party consent

Where a landlord is unable to obtain the necessary consent of a third party to carry out the required energy efficiency improvements.

3. Devaluation

Where compliance with MEES would devalue a landlord’s property by five per cent or more.

Strict rules apply to anyone seeking to claim the benefit of these exemptions and landlords will likely need to seek input from a specialist surveyor and solicitor to confirm whether they can claim. Any exemption that is sought will last for five years and must be recorded on a central periodically reviewed register.

If you are a landlord, Shulmans can assist you with a proactive strategy to minimise the potential impact of MEES on your property. T

To discuss further, please contact Luke Maidens in our property litigation team.

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Wasp nests - a landlords responsibility?

Wasp nest removal - a landlords responsibility?

I received a call this morning saying that my tenant has a wasp nest and that the wasps were entering the bedroom were the tenants young kids sleep.  Obviously, there was no intention to pull on my heart strings here.

Legislation governing removal of pests from a rental property

The legislation governing the removal of pests and vermin in a rental property is clear.  Unless there is specific provision in the tenancy agreement to the contrary the removal of pests such as: wasps, rodents, bed bugs are the tenant responsibility once they take up residency.  However, if as in my case the tenants have been longstanding (over 10 years) and they pay the rent then to make a big issue about the removal of one wasp nest seems a little petty.  I could argue the toss with them but sometimes, it pays to be a little generous.  In this case I have caved in.  On who is responsible for maintaining the garden ....that's another issue!

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Asking prices fall post-Brexit

Some truly post-Brexit data has landed on the Property Hawk virtual doormat.

Rightmove's House Price Index for August has asking prices on properties coming to market down slightly, at 1.2% or £3,602. Don't panic though, this drop only echoes the summer slowdown expected at this time of year.

Miles Shipside, Rightmove's market analyst reflected on the data:

“Many prospective buyers take a summer break from home-hunting, and those who come to market at this quieter time of year tend to price more aggressively. This summer is also affected by both Brexit uncertainty and the aftermath of the buy-to-let rush in March to beat the stamp duty deadline. Most sellers seem to recognise that buyers may want some extra encouragement to get them to put their towel on a property to reserve it as well as on their sunbed! The average fall in new seller asking prices at this time of year has been 1.2% over the last six years, so this month’s fall is exactly in line with the long-term average. The largest price falls at this time of year were -2.0% and -1.3% in 2014 and 2010, with the smallest fall being -0.8% in post- election boosted 2015.

It will be welcome news for some northerners that the traditional north-south divide may be taking a rare turn in their favour. London has seen its price boom curtailed by punitive stamp duty and over-stretched affordability and has been in re-adjustment for a year or more, mostly affecting Inner London. At this time of year interest from buyers of more expensive properties that typify much of London and its commuter belt tends to tail off more, as they are often discretionary movers. Having waited for the referendum result, it now seems that some are also waiting until the summer holidays are over before reviewing their course of action.

There is pent-up demand with potential buyers still enquiring in very large numbers though obviously more muted compared to 2015’s post-election highs. While the summer sales slowdown has come early in some locations with the run-up to the referendum subduing activity in May and June, there are still hundreds of thousands of buyer enquiries every week. Buyers can often get a better deal at this time of year if estate agents match them up with motivated sellers. By autumn we should get a clearer view of the strength of any post-referendum hangover, though that also depends on buyers’ confidence to turn this interest into action. The latest interest rate cut making already cheap-to-borrow money even cheaper should act as an added boost to confidence.”

Average UK house price falls by £3,602 in August, says Rightmove https://t.co/WGFOIp00cX

— This is Money (@thisismoney) August 15, 2016

Summer slowdown hits house prices, but number of rental properties booms https://t.co/0V6dcpKoxf

— Telegraph Property (@TeleProperty) August 14, 2016

What's happening in the world of #houseprices this Aug? See latest figures: https://t.co/qYNafEmsyT #property #news pic.twitter.com/Z0xuID2HDN

— Rightmove (@rightmove) August 15, 2016

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Moving flat costs £2k - cheaper options

Moving flat now costs £2k with letting agent fees - but there are cheaper ways: https://t.co/62uSCw8KIK pic.twitter.com/ztsiBvHcPR

— ES Homes & Property (@HomesProperty) August 15, 2016

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The Housing Act's impact on London

Housing Act is deeply damaging legislation | Letters https://t.co/jQkzYrARAn

— Guardian news (@guardiannews) August 15, 2016

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Converting a garage into a rental

Have you ever thought of converting your garage to flat to boost #income? Via @HomesProperty #rental https://t.co/NFCOV1CMtM

— Simon Fisher (@TheBetterLetter) August 13, 2016

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Property auctions - buying garages and ground rents

Our auction isn't all houses and flats – how about garages or ground rents? Explore the options on the Savills blog: https://t.co/Z8vJ64beFo

— Savills Auctions (@SavillsAuctions) August 15, 2016

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UK construction output falls in June

UK construction output falls in June https://t.co/JDEnw371kH

— BBC Business (@BBCBusiness) August 12, 2016

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Brexit impact on demand and supply

How could Brexit change supply and demand in the mainstream and prime rental markets? https://t.co/tFtcTqOMz0 pic.twitter.com/PK6AKLhV6N

— Savills (@Savills) August 12, 2016

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How to fill out a Section 21 Notice for possession (updated)

Filling out a section 21 notice (for possession)

The Section 21 Notice or form is the starting point for any landlord getting your buy-to-let property back from a marauding tenant.

The Section 21 Notice itself is pretty easy to fill in yourself with just a handful of fields to enter the information into.  It should take no more than 5 minutes to complete.

The whole process of filling in the Section 21 Notice correctly has been made much easier (in theory) by the recent changes in the legislation which means it is no longer essential to get the dates for possession exactly to correspond to the end of a rental period.  The event of the The Assured Shorthold Tenancy Notices and Prescribed Requirements (England) Regulations 2015 (SI 2015 No. 1646) it also means that the Section 21 Notice has become a prescribed form. However, for many landlords including myself it has introduced a range of complexity and confusion into which section 21 notice to use and how to fill it in.

How to fill out a section 21 notice 

I have looked in detail at identifying the correct section 21 form.  Below is a short section from Property Hawks FREE Section 21 Notice. This landlord form is generated through the Property Manager leaving you to just have to fill out the date that the tenant needs to leave your rented property.

Find out HERE how to fill out a Section 21 Notice.

Property Hawk Section 21 Notice details

1. To: sam white (THE TENANT)
2. You are required to leave the below address after .....THE DATE POSSESSION IS REQUIRED..................... (1) If you do not leave, your landlord may apply to the court for an order under section 21(1) or (4) of the Housing Act 1988 requiring you to give up possession.
1, building, Nottingham, ng2 (THE RENTAL PROPERTY)
3. If you have a fixed term AST, this notice is only valid for six months from the date of issue. If you have a rolling or periodic tenancy, e.g. you rent the property on a week by week or month by month basis, this notice is only valid for four months from the date of issue.

(1) Landlords should insert a calendar date here. The date should allow for the service period, and in effect be two months plus two days if the notice is served by post, e.g. where a notice is posted first class on 15 December 2015, the earliest a tenant may be required to give up possession is after 17 February 2016. Where landlords are seeking an order of possession on a statutory periodic tenancy under section 21(4) of the Housing Act 1988, the notice period should also not be shorter than the period of the tenancy (up to a maximum of six months), e.g. where there is a quarterly periodic tenancy, the date should be three months from the date of service.

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No impact from Brexit reports Grainger

Residential landlord Grainger says Brexit has not impacted business https://t.co/4OV1HKgpwU #property

— NALScheme (@NALScheme) August 12, 2016

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New Ealing licensing scheme from Jan 1st

New licensing schemes to be launched in London borough of #Ealing from 1st Jan 2017|via @RLA_News https://t.co/WnVZ1Kqs59 #HMO #landlords

— Landlord Action (@LandlordAction) August 10, 2016

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Right-to-buy reforms needed urgently

Right-to-buy reform urged as council leaders fear for social housing https://t.co/xSSz96VzeD

— Guardian news (@guardiannews) August 11, 2016

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Property market sluggish reports HMRC

Property market still sluggish as stamp duty and Brexit threat take hold https://t.co/X5imscHZ3j

— Telegraph Property (@TeleProperty) August 11, 2016

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House prices set to rebound in 12 months

Houses prices set to rebound within 12 months. Demand for City space also bounces back. https://t.co/rXUXoryWeu pic.twitter.com/Waaj5oSWnZ

— Brian Milligan (@brianmilli) August 11, 2016

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How to style your rental property

How to style your rental home: Interiors expert Sophie Ashby reveals her top design tips: https://t.co/dF2Ds4zEf6 pic.twitter.com/d6OwTU8k7Q

— ES Homes & Property (@HomesProperty) August 10, 2016

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RICS surveyors feeling negative

RICS surveyors are having a gloomy old time of it.  A slow market is not a happy one for surveyors or agents.

Their latest survey, (July 2016) reflects the lack of stock in the housing market, with surveyors reporting another fall in new instructions. 

With surveyors increasingly reporting that 'supply is at or around record lows in most parts of the UK'. 

Anecdotal reports from surveyors put the stale market place down to the tax change on investment properties and the ongoing fall-out from the EU referendum as the cause. 

Simon Rubinsohn, RICS Chief Economist comments:

"The housing market is currently balancing a raft of somewhat mixed economic news alongside the latest policy measures announced by the Bank of England, which have already begun to lower cost of mortgage finance. Against this backdrop, it is not altogether surprising that near term activity measures remain relatively flat. However the rebound in the key twelve month indicators in the July survey suggest that confidence remains more resilient than might have been anticipated.

Critically, it is hard to escape the stark message regarding supply that is evident in the latest set of results with RICS data showing inventories on agents books around historic lows on average. This is a long running story that may have been exacerbated by recent events but clearly needs urgent action from the new government."

Read in full - RICS Residential Market Survey for July 2016

How house prices have risen at their lowest rate in three years https://t.co/QIhf9rMtip

— This is Money (@thisismoney) August 11, 2016

The @RICSnews figs on housing market are consistent with 1% fall in house prices in next 3 months - via @samueltombs pic.twitter.com/pjrXHdXkGY

— Mark Broad (@markabroad) August 11, 2016

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Property market holding its breath says LSL

• Annual price growth slows to 5.5% in July 
• Transactions down 20% over the quarter compared to Q2 2015 

The LSL property services HPI for July admits its still too early to draw any post-Brexit conclusions. The market remains in flux, with low supply levels meeting a market place of anxious buyers, it's funny old times.

Their annual house price inflation is slowing, down from 8.9% back in February to to 5.5% for the 12 months to the end of July. 

July itself, did see the market gain slightly, with the average sale price up 0.2% or £700. 

These price gains are set amidst a slow market place with transactions levels down 20% in Q2 2016 compared with Q2 2015.

LSL director, Adrian Gill comments: 

“Brexit may well have an impact on the housing market, but it’s not showing yet. Even when it does, there will be positive as well as negative influences on the market, which clearly has some strong long-term drivers for continued house price inflation.”

John Tindale, Acadata housing analyst comments:

"Frustratingly it is still too early in the housing timeline for any definitive conclusions to be drawn about the effect on the UK’s property markets of the decision to leave the EU. Halifax in its HPI release this month stated “Overall, it remains too early to determine if there has been any impact on the housing market as a result of June’s EU referendum result”

Read in full  - the LSL House Price Index for July 2016

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Property on the market hits a record low

Number of homes on the market at record low as Brexit uncertainty hits house prices https://t.co/AtBBXXAZ3w

— Telegraph Property (@TeleProperty) August 10, 2016

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BTL repossessions fall to just 500 in June

The Council of Mortgage lenders have reported another fall in repossessions. The CML's June data saw BTL property repossessions fall from 700 in May to 500 during June. This fall in repossession is a continuation of the downward trend across both BTL and owner occupier properties.

 

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Where to find the deepest discounts on property

Revealed: where to find the deepest discounts on property https://t.co/OrZ1xac2hN pic.twitter.com/YZeFRXHOXc

— Zoopla (@Zoopla) August 11, 2016

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The stigma of renting

The stigma of renting and the legacy of new towns | Letters https://t.co/RQzsGSMEmO #ukhousing

— Guardian Housing (@GuardianHousing) August 9, 2016

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The BTL pre-April spike charted by CML data

The buytolet spike to beat the April hike in stamp duty is illustrated by this chart published today by the CML: pic.twitter.com/MP0nZDNUi6

— Andrew Verity (@andyverity) August 10, 2016

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Most landlords only have one property

Most landlords only have one rental property according to research by the Council of Mortgage Lenders and the London School of Economics, although this figure has been evolving. 

Back in 2010 the research showed 78% of landlords owned a single rental property, but six years on and that figure has fallen to 63%. 

It appears many single property landlords have bought another one or two properties over the intervening years, with the proportion of landlords with small portfolios of 2-4 rental properties growing from 17% in the 2010 to 30% this year.

Despite this shift, the majority of PRS landlords still see themselves as part-timers, with the percentage of landlords saying that managing property was not their main occupation increasing to 95% - up from 92% in 2010.

87% of landlords manage their portfolio financials as private individuals and not as companies.

In terms of revenue, 90% of landlords report that rental profits makes up under half of their total income.

NOTE : This 2016 survey covers English landlords only, whereas the 2010 survey was UK wide.

Read - Still small but growing: How have landlord characteristics changed since 2010? on CML 

Read - How have landlord characteristics changed since 2010? on Politicshome

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Top 20 places in London to make money

Property investment: top 20 places to make money in London https://t.co/YECxGKqm9l pic.twitter.com/fBYkF10sQk

— Telegraph Property (@TeleProperty) August 9, 2016

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Holiday Homes - the secret of zip & link

Since buying my first ever holiday home in the Peak District I am discovering a whole new language just as I did when becoming a buy-to-let landlord back in the 90s.  So my new term is 'zip and link' beds. 

What are zip & link beds?

For the uninitiated the zip and link beds are a brilliant invention for any holiday home.  They allow the owner to have the flexibility of renting their property with a majestic Super King Size bed which in a moment can transform itself into two 3 foot single beds.  This immediately increases the appeal of any holiday rental by allowing you and your guests the flexibility of sleeping arrangements.  A 2 bed holiday cottage can transform from accommodating 2 to 4 in a thrice by unzipping the mattress and unlinking the bed.  Even the headboards are designed to look as if they go together.

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Fall in affordable new builds

Affordable starts were 21% of the overall total last year. Compares to nearly 50% back in 2009. pic.twitter.com/AJd83z4ZMf

— Paul Wellman (@PaulWellman_EG) August 8, 2016

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Homelet sees small rise in average rents

Homelet's Rental Index have published their data from July. 

It shows rents are still going up, but increases are slowing.

• Average UK rent (excluding Greater London) is now £779 per month, up 2.3% over the year.
• Average London rent is now £1,599, up 4% over the year.

 Homelet's Martin Totty comments -

“Ultimately, rents will be determined by supply and demand in the private rental sector; what we know here is that population growth will continue to increase demand, and that the housing stock isn’t growing quickly enough to meet that demand. However, with rents ultimately limited to a tenant’s ability to pay, rents are likely to continue to climb, albeit at the slowing pace noted most recently.

We won’t know exactly how Brexit is impacting the private rental sector and it will be several months yet until we see some clearly established trends in the marketplace. Expect to see some interesting insights from the HomeLet index in the months ahead. It seems likely that with lenders concerned about the prospect of falling house prices, loans to value in the mortgage market are going to become less generous, which may see more people turn to the rental sector rather than buying a property.

However, it’s possible we may also see renewed interest in the London rental market as foreign investors seek to pick up investment property to make the most of the big exchange rate advantage following the fall in the pound. We may also see foreign investment increase outside the capital, in other cities across the UK. This coupled with recent figures showing that the number of people becoming homeowners is falling across the country, the demand for rental accommodation is likely to remain strong.”

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Many families could not afford a months rent if they lost job

Many families could not afford a month's rent if they lost job - Shelter https://t.co/CCksjaDMDW

— National Housing Fed (@natfednews) August 9, 2016

1 in 3 families are a month's pay from losing homes. The @guardian on how precarious the situation is for millions: https://t.co/dZV4zUWnRM

— Shelter (@Shelter) August 9, 2016

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Buying a beach hut

As I sit, waiting for the sun to re-appear from yet another large cloud, this popped up.

Beach huts: learn more about buying a piece of British summertime: https://t.co/9W2AOYFl8C pic.twitter.com/u6354lZcAQ

— Savills (@Savills) August 9, 2016

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How to fill out a tenancy agreement

One of the responsibilities of being a landlord is having to fill out an array of landlord forms and letting documents.  A pain but it has to be done.  That's why Property Hawk has produced a number of simple guides on how to fill them out.

How to fill out a tenancy agreement? 

Filling out a tenancy agreement doesn't have to be time consuming.  By following out straight forward guide a landlord should be able to complete and download this crucial legal document and then fire it straight off to be printed or approved by the tenant.  Simple.  The guide also takes you through the 8 steps of filling out the tenancy agreement using our online property management system along with all the required fields.

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Our most popular BTL mortgages

Max LTV	Initial Rate	Term	Completion fee	Booking fee	Incentives	Lender
85%	4.99% Discount	2 Years	2.5%	£130.00	No	Kent Reliance
80%	2.89% Discount	2 Years	0%	£0.00	No	Hanley Economic Exclusive
80%	3.5% Fixed	2018-11-30	£1499	£150.00	Free Valuation	Mortgage Trust Exclusive
75%	2.59% Fixed	2018-11-30	£1999	£150.00	Free Valuation	Mortgage Trust Exclusive
75%	2.69% Discount	2018-08-31	£1299	£0.00	Free Valuation (on properties up to and including £500,000)	Newcastle Building Society
75%	2.95% Fixed	2018-08-31	0%	£0.00	Free Valuation (on properties up to and including £500,000. ) Newcastle Building Society will pay for some of the legal fees for the re-mortgage including the basic professional fee and standard disbursements. The basic fee payable does not include a Telegraphic Transfer Fee (£30) where this fee is applicable and any non standard work such as but not inclusive too : Assured Short hold Tenancy Checks, Transfer of Equity, Removing Second or Subsequent Charges and Completing electronic Identification Checks.	Newcastle Building Society
75%	2.95% Fixed	2018-11-30	£1499	£150.00	Free Valuation and free standard legal services (other fees may apply).	Mortgage Trust Exclusive
75%	3.49% Fixed	2 Years	1.5%	£100.00	No	Axis Bank
75%	4.09% Fixed	2021-10-31	£1999	£125.00	No	Foundation Prime
75%	4.59% Fixed	5 Years	2%	£100.00	No	Axis Specialist
65%	3.55% Fixed	2019-10-31	£1499	£150.00	No	Paragon Premier Ltd Company

 

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