Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesLabour is considering a land value tax. Here's what that means https://t.co/ytqtVA5nMS
— Indy Business (@TheIndyBusiness) May 31, 2017
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Land Value Tax - a Labour proposal
Average tenancy deposit data
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesOur latest Tenancy Deposit Ratings are out now. How has the average deposit changed where you are? https://t.co/Q6OAP2zZkp pic.twitter.com/lLIAKaEtIK
— The DPS (@The_DPS) May 30, 2017
Election causing drop in housing demand
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesBuy-to-let tax squeeze should be “scrapped” says high profile Tory peer. See: https://t.co/Gxif8NWr7C
— The Negotiator (@TheNeg) May 30, 2017
BTL taxes should be scrapped
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesBuy-to-let tax squeeze should be “scrapped” says high profile Tory peer. See: https://t.co/Gxif8NWr7C
— The Negotiator (@TheNeg) May 30, 2017
Millennial's housing woes - an animation
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesHow much tougher is the housing market for millennials? #newsnight looks at the #GenerationGap pic.twitter.com/qGXclRy2NV
— BBC Newsnight (@BBCNewsnight) May 30, 2017
Chart of manifesto housing pledges
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesThe main #ukhousing and development policies in the manifestoes - all in one table:https://t.co/KtpAcagHJE #ge2017 pic.twitter.com/upkB1wOh7E
— Francesco Mellino (@fmellino_) May 30, 2017
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Housing is on the political agenda
Housing is escalating up the political agenda: https://t.co/DCWeddbLc6 New blog by @ggilmorekf on @SpectatorMoney #HousingManifestos #GE2017 pic.twitter.com/s0yYzmKGZI— Knight Frank (@knightfrank) May 24, 2017
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesFrom bit-part player to centre stage, housing pledges are now a big feature of the main parties manifestos https://t.co/mgGqhqCTgv pic.twitter.com/ozrQeQGnjx
— ResolutionFoundation (@resfoundation) May 25, 2017
Lenders pull back from BTL
As lenders pull back on buy-to-let, where can you get the best deals? https://t.co/GYC5kG2f09— Hollis Morgan (@Hollis_Morgan) May 24, 2017
Email:info@propertyhawkbtlmortgages.co.uk
Tel: 029 2069 5446
BTL mortgage costs drop 3%
Buy-to-let mortgage costs drop 3% https://t.co/78cuCS34pJ— FTAdviser (@FTAdviser) May 24, 2017
Email:info@propertyhawkbtlmortgages.co.uk
Tel: 029 2069 5446
No-frills property developments
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesCould no-frills homes be the answer to London’s housing shortage? https://t.co/QJ1MKb3ODW pic.twitter.com/cx1gg9bbks
— ES Homes & Property (@HomesProperty) May 24, 2017
Mortgage graphs - Wales, NI and Scotland
First-time buyer and remortgage activity grows year-on-year in Scotland in the first quarter. https://t.co/eWwxZ2LP5c pic.twitter.com/2by3NV3J9S
— CML press office (@cmlpressoffice) May 24, 2017
Home buying activity in Northern Ireland up 3% year-on-year in first quarter. https://t.co/PnWoSkCD1b pic.twitter.com/njDpWkVTva
— CML press office (@cmlpressoffice) May 24, 2017
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesHome buying activity in Northern Ireland up 3% year-on-year in first quarter. https://t.co/PnWoSkCD1b pic.twitter.com/njDpWkVTva
— CML press office (@cmlpressoffice) May 24, 2017
Deposit disputes over garden maintenance
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesGarden maintenance is another common cause of dispute. Find out how to claim in our dispute insight guide here - https://t.co/fx53dPwVK7 pic.twitter.com/WOfMCUzFJs
— mydeposits (@mydeposits) May 24, 2017
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
BTL moving north
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesEight out 10 brokers see north as buy-to-let hotspot https://t.co/MaILO5BW1i
— FTAdviser (@FTAdviser) May 24, 2017
UK resi-market trends - KF report
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesOur detailed assessment of the latest market trends across the UK residential market is here: https://t.co/IThmOUsVxL @ggilmorekf pic.twitter.com/e77h8L1C4V
— Knight Frank (@knightfrank) May 23, 2017
Buying at a property auction
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesBuy your next home at auction - it's simple, quick and you may even bag a bargain https://t.co/bYSTxLwFsF
— Telegraph Property (@TeleProperty) May 24, 2017
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Can a couple avoid tax on jointly owned rental?
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesCan a couple avoid paying tax on a jointly owned rental #property? https://t.co/Gw1EKS554O
— NorthwoodUK (@northwooduk) May 23, 2017
BTL Market Intelligence Report
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesAccess free expert buy-to-let knowledge for yourself with our latest Market Intelligence Report https://t.co/TznY46C47H pic.twitter.com/lQpTrd6nn8
— Martin & Co (@MartinCoUK) May 22, 2017
Coventry BS overhauls BTL criteria
Coventry overhauls landlords' interest cover ratio rules https://t.co/5h0LeJ0gfV— FTAdviser (@FTAdviser) May 23, 2017
Coventry brings in 125% buy-to-let ICRhttps://t.co/bQOjE7C6Pc
— Mortgage Strategy (@MortgageStrat) May 22, 2017
Search the whole BTL mortgage market free
The Conservative Manifesto for landlords
- Longer Term Tenancies - incentivising landlords to offer longer term agreements.
- A Fair Debt Policy - enabling debt ridden tenants to obtain legal protection from further interest, charges and enforcement action for a period of up to six weeks. ( page 60 of the manifesto )
- Strengthening equality laws - giving more powers to investigate/prosecute landlords picking tenants on the basis of ethnicity, religion or gender.
- Energy Efficiency - upgrading of all fuel poor homes to EPC band C by 2030.
All landlords need to know about the Conservative manifesto https://t.co/6gOy1xQeZX— NLA (@nationalandlord) May 22, 2017
Conservative Party Manifesto: Theresa’s 12-point plan for property https://t.co/XsEVev0oMy pic.twitter.com/X8jE9jTuag
— ARLA Propertymark (@arla_uk) May 23, 2017
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesImportant piece from @JudithREvans on how @Conservatives aim to improve efficient functioning of land market https://t.co/quFJDocDB7
— CentreProgCapitalism (@ProgCapitalism) May 24, 2017
Flats outperform the rest
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesFlat prices outpace all other #property types https://t.co/UkCqpePJHp
— NorthwoodUK (@northwooduk) May 23, 2017
Latest mortgage market summary
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesMortgage and #ukhousing market summary. FTBs driving activity, FTBs and homeowner remortgages driving lending. pic.twitter.com/vpmQuiZQ8M
— Mohammad Jamei (@mjjamei) May 23, 2017
Property transactions graph
UK property transactions in 3 months to April 4.1% lower than before the stamp duty rise was announced.#ukhousinghttps://t.co/JHiP5nkicu pic.twitter.com/bJcqWtXCCz
— Noble Francis (@NobleFrancis) May 23, 2017
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesBBC News - Further signs of UK property slowdown in April > client @jeremyleaf comments https://t.co/ffO9x613GP
— Melanie Bien (@melaniebien) May 23, 2017
London new build sales halved
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesNew build sales in London fall by almost half https://t.co/7ex6qWGSTi pic.twitter.com/0FzLGhkatU
— Mortgage Introducer (@MortgageChat) May 23, 2017
Manchester landlord licensing consultation
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesHave any questions about Manchester's new licensing consultations? There's a drop in event today https://t.co/DFx42DFojW
— RLA Landlord News (@RLA_News) May 22, 2017
Investors pile into property funds
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesProperty top pick less than a year after funds gated https://t.co/NFHDW7UbRW
— FTAdviser (@FTAdviser) May 22, 2017
Monday, May 22, 2017
The struggle of London's single tenants
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesSingle tenants are now spending up to 85% of their monthly salaries on rent: https://t.co/hIM6pZxoso pic.twitter.com/UrpVnEp4bv
— ES Homes & Property (@HomesProperty) May 20, 2017
Asking prices rise, but are they selling?
Rightmove's asking price data for May 2017 show that prices are still on the up. The portal reports that asking prices rose for the fifth month in a row, up 1.2% (+£3,626) this month alone, bringing the UK's average property asking price to £317,281.
Rightmove's Miles Shipside comments:
Rightmove's Miles Shipside comments:
“Whilst all-time high asking prices or economic and political uncertainty could be deterrents to would-be home-buyers, this month shows another strong set of figures. Demand is exceeding supply in many parts of the country and continues to push up the prices of newly-marketed homes. Spring is in the air and home movers are springing up the housing ladder.
We normally see a high proportion of market activity in the first half of the year, and in spite of potentially disruptive events the established pattern is continuing. It remains to be seen how much momentum may drop away in the second half of the year with stretched affordability a problem for potential buyers, though competition among lenders who are keen to lend will help some to push their budgets higher. Those with the greatest motivation to move are often those with growing families, with their need for space or access to schools outweighing uncertainties that might cause others to delay their future housing plans.
As well as that shrinking house feeling, parents with young children also have the pressures of travelling times to amenities as well as the weekday school commute. These have to be balanced against under-pressure finances, even more so when the sector with the property type that suits them best is seeing the biggest price jump. What seems to be happening is that moving pressures are understandably taking priority over electioneering and Brexit worries. For many in this group, it seems that moving is definitely on their manifesto.”
What's changed in the housing market this month? Find out in our latest House Price Index: https://t.co/Yj0uceL8Gf #property #news #HPI pic.twitter.com/isYUYtDQEQ— Rightmove (@rightmove) May 22, 2017
Asking prices for homes continue to climb while sales prices slow https://t.co/cfR4mJHqPM— Telegraph Property (@TeleProperty) May 21, 2017
Average asking price for homes in UK hits record high of £317,000 https://t.co/QWEhwcsMzK— Guardian news (@guardiannews) May 22, 2017
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesAfter years of house price hikes - this could be the news London's homebuyers have been waiting for https://t.co/AVBgp22yMH— ES Homes & Property (@HomesProperty) May 21, 2017
HIPS not happening - just a Gove hiccup
'OOPs, Gove did it again.' ( sang to the tune of Britney's classic pop ditty)
On Friday, Tory naughty boy, Michael Gove, dropped another clanger, having decided to proclaim that his party would look to re-introduce the woeful HIPS in their next term.
On Friday, Tory naughty boy, Michael Gove, dropped another clanger, having decided to proclaim that his party would look to re-introduce the woeful HIPS in their next term.
However, following Gove's radio proclamation, his party has come out to deny they would be proceeding with any such re-introductions.
“The last Labour government’s attempted reforms were a failure. Labour’s home information packs duplicated costs and no-one trusted them.”
Maybe the same could be said for Michael Gove.
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance rates
“The last Labour government’s attempted reforms were a failure. Labour’s home information packs duplicated costs and no-one trusted them.”
Maybe the same could be said for Michael Gove.
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance rates
Land Registry transactions updated
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesApril 2017 Transactions now published https://t.co/WN0fHxiRhU pic.twitter.com/s8Cl2ceSm8
— HM Land Registry (@HMLandRegistry) May 22, 2017
Can the Housing White Paper deliver?
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesCan the #HousingWhitePaper deliver? Savills David Jackson gave his view in a round table with @PropertyWeek: https://t.co/gxbaXb6N3L pic.twitter.com/qtjbkX9hrl
— Savills (@Savills) May 22, 2017
BTL offering for Ltd Co's doubles
Buy-to-let offerings for limited companies double https://t.co/6cnKnvj0Eh pic.twitter.com/MqyunxT9qI— Mortgage Introducer (@MortgageChat) May 22, 2017
Email:info@propertyhawkbtlmortgages.co.uk
Tel: 029 2069 5446
Connells see dip in BTL activity
Connell's surveyors have reported seeing a decline in BTL activity.
The proportion of BTL valuations they carried out during April even fell short of the April 2016's post stamp duty slump.
John Bashaw from Connells Survey & Valuation, observes:
John Bashaw from Connells Survey & Valuation, observes:
“The government’s anti-landlord policies have been hitting smaller players. Over the last year, buy-to-let valuations have made up less than 10% of market activity, representing a new low in April.
This could suggest that smaller, private landlords, who typically use buy-to-let mortgages, have not been investing on the same scale as previously seen. Buy-to-let used to be seen as a viable way to gain additional income or to fund retirements, but the gradual removal of buy-to-let mortgage tax relief will make it much harder for the man on the street to invest.
Having said that, buy-to-let valuations only fell 1% month-on-month and so the comparison with the five year average doesn’t always tell the whole story.”
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance rates
This could suggest that smaller, private landlords, who typically use buy-to-let mortgages, have not been investing on the same scale as previously seen. Buy-to-let used to be seen as a viable way to gain additional income or to fund retirements, but the gradual removal of buy-to-let mortgage tax relief will make it much harder for the man on the street to invest.
Having said that, buy-to-let valuations only fell 1% month-on-month and so the comparison with the five year average doesn’t always tell the whole story.”
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance rates
Re-imagining the humble bungalow
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesThe humble bungalow – reimagined https://t.co/h9PFARQDFM #property #bungalow #homes pic.twitter.com/JuMLBEffYg
— Zoopla (@Zoopla) May 20, 2017
Renting cheaper than buying
Renting a home is cheaper than buying in 54% of British cities https://t.co/zO1tSqn3YU #property pic.twitter.com/IdkUF5heIi
— Zoopla (@Zoopla) May 21, 2017
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesRenting is now cheaper than buying in half of the UK's cities https://t.co/U4tBlehsnQ #property
— NALScheme (@NALScheme) May 23, 2017
Friday, May 19, 2017
MT launches 5yr fixed BTL - 3.45%
Mortgage Trust launches five-year fix at 3.45% - https://t.co/w7xGPsrbSu— Mortgage Solutions (@mortgagesols) May 19, 2017
Email:info@propertyhawkbtlmortgages.co.uk
Tel: 029 2069 5446
Transferring BTLs to a company - not easy
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesTax Doctor: Buy-to-let transfer to a company is no soft option https://t.co/pn0rSAJ7eY #property
— NorthwoodUK (@northwooduk) May 19, 2017
Tories eye comeback for 'home packs'
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesConservatives eye comeback for home packs https://t.co/D7sMagEhmt
— FTAdviser (@FTAdviser) May 19, 2017
MT launches limited edition BTL fix
Mortgage Trust launches limited edition buy-to-let fix https://t.co/AXgnBvOvxF— FTAdviser (@FTAdviser) May 19, 2017
Email:info@propertyhawkbtlmortgages.co.uk
Tel: 029 2069 5446
The main parties housing policies
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesUK #Election: Housing Manifesto Pledges. What are parties promising on #housing? https://t.co/rPDnnoxef0 @UKLabour @Conservatives @LibDems pic.twitter.com/PSnqSfOi0U
— Knight Frank (@knightfrank) May 19, 2017
Tory Manifesto - housing
Conservative Party Manifesto: Theresa’s 12-point plan for property https://t.co/onboyCp6d8 via @https://twitter.com/TheNeg— The Negotiator (@TheNeg) May 18, 2017
#torymanifesto pledges to build 1.5m homes by 2022 and end rough sleeping by 2027 - https://t.co/JyZdobxEcw #ukhousing #ge2017 pic.twitter.com/W5zW8VM6be— 24housing Magazine (@24housing) May 18, 2017
#rightmovenews: Conservatives vow to make home buying easier and cheaper if they win the #election >> https://t.co/ydYCUkSvJ5 #tories pic.twitter.com/zO7nb3Be0Z
— Rightmove (@rightmove) May 19, 2017
All the reaction from across the sector on #torymanifesto - https://t.co/efkGHioS8P #ukhousing #GE2017 pic.twitter.com/SqdppJWuiQ— 24housing Magazine (@24housing) May 18, 2017
Theresa May's land compensation reform is bold but housebuilding ambition remains weak. My view: https://t.co/nIkuDuz72w— Daniel Bentley (@danielbentley) May 18, 2017
What advisers must know about Tory manifesto https://t.co/blNA7CJORw— FTAdviser (@FTAdviser) May 18, 2017
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesTory care plan would mean ‘lottery’ for homeowners https://t.co/JmLw5gtb7T— Citywire Money (@CitywireMoney) May 18, 2017
SE London seeing rents rise
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesRevealed: these parts of SE London are seeing rents rise https://t.co/IcRc2qnVOZ
— ES Homes & Property (@HomesProperty) May 18, 2017
Scotland's property prices flat-line
YourMove Scotland have published their house price data for March 2017.
After reporting a strong February, when prices grew 1.1%, March prices flat-lined, up by just 0.1% / £157.
This brings Scotland's annual price growth down to 1.8%, from 2.9% in February.
Despite this underwhelming March, average prices remain at their highest since May 2015 at £173,335.
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance rates
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance rates
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Libdems 'Rent to Buy' pledge
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesLib Dems unveil 'rent to buy' pledge for first time homeowners https://t.co/3SMw6Pn1ui #Housing pic.twitter.com/Ji1ot9eAcz
— Property PR (@propertypr) May 16, 2017
Stamp Duty surcharge = BTL lending plunges
Stamp duty tax raid prompts sharp drop in buy-to-let lending https://t.co/zYhOeJcFjy
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) May 18, 2017
Tax reforms deter buy-to-let landlords https://t.co/0TrZ7GxNdM #property
— Property PR (@propertypr) May 17, 2017
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesBuy-to-let slump after stamp duty change https://t.co/iJAOPvsdll
— BBC Business (@BBCBusiness) May 17, 2017
BTL lending drops by 80% in a year
Buy-to-let lending for house purchase drops by almost 80% > client @jeremyleaf comments https://t.co/7YB2bnrH3Q via @yahooNewsUK
— Melanie Bien (@melaniebien) May 17, 2017
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesBuy-to-let activity drops in April https://t.co/j7NjSpvf3G pic.twitter.com/fCuac5rlCo
— Mortgage Introducer (@MortgageChat) May 17, 2017
Landlord Fergus Wilson faces legal action
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesLandlord Fergus Wilson facing legal action https://t.co/FlWfX260Uo
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) May 17, 2017
UK home buyers down in Q1
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesHome buyers took out 156,000 loans in Q1, down 13% on Q4 2016 and 5% on Q1 last year. https://t.co/1HZyjvYI65 pic.twitter.com/vuAQQcpvh0
— CML press office (@cmlpressoffice) May 17, 2017
Platform cuts BTL mortgage rates
Platform cuts rates on residential and buy-to-let https://t.co/y0M1kHiH0n— FTAdviser (@FTAdviser) May 16, 2017
Search the whole BTL mortgage market free
Policy changes/housing transactions graph
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesInteresting insight from @ggilmorekf @knightfrank into how policy changes might have impacted housing transaction no. over the last 10yrs pic.twitter.com/A8wfRUE6Gx
— Andrew Hay (@AndrewHayKF) May 16, 2017
Labour's Manifesto impact on landlords
Following yesterday's Len Mclusky speech, evaluating Labour's 2017 Manifesto feels as pointless as spending my time assessing whether flying pigs could make it across the Atlantic.
Regardless, here are the bits that might, but seemingly definitely won't, impact on landlords.
- Encourage more three-year tenancies in PRS.
- Introduce an inflation caps on rent rises.
- Ban letting agency fees for tenants.
- Hand renters additional consumer rights.
- Introduce a ‘fit for human habitation' legal minimum standard.
- Make it easier for tenants to take action for sub-standard accommodation.
- Reintroduce the Landlords Energy Saving Allowance (LESA)
On tax, Labour would introduce a 45% income tax rate on incomes over £80,000, and a 50% rate on incomes over £123,000.
They are also banking on Corporation Tax to bring in the receipts, raising it: to 21% from 2018-19, 24% from 2019-20, 26% from 2020-2021. Small-business corporation tax (below £300,000) will be reintroduced at: 20% from 2018-19, 21% from 2020-21.
Some good news: excluding small businesses (under £85k turnover )from the Making Tax Digital scheme.
Finally, just in case you were hoping they might put a stop to Section 24 restriction on mortgage interest relief, think again; there's no mention of changing course.
As regards flying pigs, crossing the Atlantic would surely be impossible. They'd never be able to carry enough water to sustain a trip like that, and surely, attempting a mid flight re-fuel would be too dangerous.
Could a pig fly across the Channel?
Well, maybe just, with a three litre Camelbak strapped to their back, a following wind, and hope in their heart.
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Latest PRS rental data from ONS
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesLatest private rental data available here https://t.co/61oJZJH8cv
— ONS (@ONS) May 16, 2017
House prices to earnings ratio graph
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesHouse prices may be on the turn, but the wedge between earnings and prices in the UK as a whole is still stark pic.twitter.com/Sv3i4yKFuT
— ResolutionFoundation (@resfoundation) May 16, 2017
Landlords warned of Welsh law change
Landlords and agents throughout the UK with properties in Wales are being reminded that they could be unwittingly breaking the law due to changes to the law.
Enforcement powers are now active for Rent Smart Wales. The legislation which came into force last year as a result of the Housing Act (Wales) 2014 now requires all landlords to register themselves and their properties. Additionally, self-managing landlords and agents must obtain a licence following the completion of a relevant training course and passing a ‘fit and proper’ person assessment.
Despite the name, Rent Smart Wales applies to all landlords with property in Wales, not just those who live in Wales themselves. With enforcement powers now active, landlords and agents not compliant could face a variety of sanctions including prosecution, fixed penalty notices rent stopping and rent repayment orders. In addition, landlords may not be able to secure possession of their property using a section 21 notice, if they are operating outside the law themselves.
A searchable register is now available on the Rent Smart Wales website allowing tenants and the wider public to check whether landlords and agents are breaking the law.
The process for complying is straightforward and can be completed online. Once completed, a registration and licence lasts for a period of five years.
Chris Northall, is a private landlord living in Ellesmere, Shropshire but has two rental properties in Wales. Chris recently went through the process,
“Having first heard about Rent Smart Wales on the radio, this prompted me to find out more information about the scheme and whether it was relevant to me, as I’m based over the border in England. Having discovered that I needed to register, I found the process very easy and it has given me peace of mind that I’m not breaking the law.”
Bethan Jones, Operational Manager of Rent Smart Wales added,
“I would urge any landlords or agents with properties in Wales and who have not yet registered or become licensed, to contact us immediately to avoid legal action. We are still keen to assist those who willingly want to comply.
We’ve worked closely with industry experts to develop the Rent Smart Wales scheme, which we firmly believe will help make the private rental sector in Wales a better place for tenants, landlords and agents.”
Further information about the scheme can be found on the website –www.rentsmart.gov.wales – or by calling the helpline on 03000 133344.
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance rates
Enforcement powers are now active for Rent Smart Wales. The legislation which came into force last year as a result of the Housing Act (Wales) 2014 now requires all landlords to register themselves and their properties. Additionally, self-managing landlords and agents must obtain a licence following the completion of a relevant training course and passing a ‘fit and proper’ person assessment.
Despite the name, Rent Smart Wales applies to all landlords with property in Wales, not just those who live in Wales themselves. With enforcement powers now active, landlords and agents not compliant could face a variety of sanctions including prosecution, fixed penalty notices rent stopping and rent repayment orders. In addition, landlords may not be able to secure possession of their property using a section 21 notice, if they are operating outside the law themselves.
A searchable register is now available on the Rent Smart Wales website allowing tenants and the wider public to check whether landlords and agents are breaking the law.
The process for complying is straightforward and can be completed online. Once completed, a registration and licence lasts for a period of five years.
Chris Northall, is a private landlord living in Ellesmere, Shropshire but has two rental properties in Wales. Chris recently went through the process,
“Having first heard about Rent Smart Wales on the radio, this prompted me to find out more information about the scheme and whether it was relevant to me, as I’m based over the border in England. Having discovered that I needed to register, I found the process very easy and it has given me peace of mind that I’m not breaking the law.”
Bethan Jones, Operational Manager of Rent Smart Wales added,
“I would urge any landlords or agents with properties in Wales and who have not yet registered or become licensed, to contact us immediately to avoid legal action. We are still keen to assist those who willingly want to comply.
We’ve worked closely with industry experts to develop the Rent Smart Wales scheme, which we firmly believe will help make the private rental sector in Wales a better place for tenants, landlords and agents.”
Further information about the scheme can be found on the website –www.rentsmart.gov.wales – or by calling the helpline on 03000 133344.
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance rates
The Labour manifesto
BREAKING: Our manifesto for the many, not the few has just gone live. Check it out now and RT ↓ https://t.co/YeRUNSwNVq #ForTheMany
— The Labour Party (@UKLabour) May 16, 2017
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesLabour manifesto housing policies at a glance #ukhousing pic.twitter.com/4PrOQbBroD
— Inside Housing (@insidehousing) May 16, 2017
Zoopla talks up property market
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesThere's a positive vibe around the residential property market, with home values expected to surge by 7.8% https://t.co/lHVgJhj1RV #property pic.twitter.com/i9Tk1w3uXj
— Zoopla (@Zoopla) May 15, 2017
Savills student housing report
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesInvestor interest in UK student housing appears undeterred by Brexit, with value of trade higher in H2 2016 than H1: https://t.co/u4gzBJU6KV pic.twitter.com/gw5EycNZfm
— Savills (@Savills) May 16, 2017
House prices compared with 2007 peak
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesHouse prices in March 2017 compared with 2007 pre-recession peak by region. What a difference 10 years makes...#ukhousing pic.twitter.com/rfahryuhFM
— Noble Francis (@NobleFrancis) May 16, 2017
HMRC considers using landlords as custom agents
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesHMRC ponders turning landlords into customs agents - https://t.co/DP7edXOKl5
— NLA (@nationalandlord) May 15, 2017
More on the 'Leasehold' scandal
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesLeasehold is biggest problem for UK homeowners, study finds https://t.co/ww3znbm5Rf
— Guardian news (@guardiannews) May 16, 2017
Rental growth slows - Countrywide
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesRental growth slows https://t.co/Rqwm6cV5Kl pic.twitter.com/w8vB2ndqj0
— Mortgage Introducer (@MortgageChat) May 16, 2017
'Right to Rent' possible legal action
Government threatened with legal action over immigration checks https://t.co/xqkGW8jFXZ
— Guardian news (@guardiannews) May 15, 2017
Looks like JCWI starting a JR of Right to Rent, demanding a review on basis of evidence of discrimination. https://t.co/wP27ly3sxE
— Nearly Legal (@nearlylegal) May 16, 2017
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesLatest private rental data available here https://t.co/61oJZJH8cv
— ONS (@ONS) May 16, 2017
Latest Land Registry price data - March
— HM Land Registry (@LandRegGov) May 16, 2017
House prices in UK shift to lower gear https://t.co/MCghY2y6NE— BBC Business (@BBCBusiness) May 16, 2017
Spring selling season fails to materialise as house price growth stalls https://t.co/Y0sR0WlWFk— Telegraph Property (@TeleProperty) May 16, 2017
.@ONS House price growth in the year to March 2017 was slowest in the North East (-0.8%) & London (+1.5%).#ukhousing pic.twitter.com/CPbEhjyUwC— Noble Francis (@NobleFrancis) May 16, 2017
Properties saw £1,200 wiped off their value in March as the housing market continued to show signs of slowing down https://t.co/nArEDVlJoS pic.twitter.com/Fufk9ZZHG0— Zoopla (@Zoopla) May 17, 2017
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesTransactions in England in January fell 17% compared to January last year says @ONS. pic.twitter.com/QnUMSIkVCF— Henry Pryor (@HenryPryor) May 16, 2017
'Latest ONS data on rents' - graph
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesPrivate rents increased in the 12 months to April 2017.
— Lichfields ThinkTank (@LichfieldsTT) May 16, 2017
Since January 2008:
London = +29.1%
England (excl. London) = +13.9%#ukhousing pic.twitter.com/PebGci6E0O
Drop in landlords looking to buy
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesApril sees sharp drop in landlords looking for new investment homes - https://t.co/YbgIIS7CO6
— Mortgage Solutions (@mortgagesols) May 15, 2017
Student property set to soar
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesStudent accommodation investment to soar as international investors pile in https://t.co/y10yYWDpYC pic.twitter.com/uyjWLuADCu
— Telegraph Business (@telebusiness) May 14, 2017
Our most popular BTL mortgages
Visit our free online buy-to-let mortgage service to save time and money!
| Max LTV | Initial Rate | Term | Completion fee | Booking fee | Incentives | Lender |
| 80% | 2.64% Discount | 2 Years | 0% | £0.00 | No | Hanley Economic Exclusive |
| 80% | 3.75% Fixed | 2020-04-30 | £995 | £150.00 | No | Paragon Premier Basic Rate & Ltd Company |
| 80% | 4.89% Discount | 3 Years | 2% | £0.00 | No | Saffron BS Semi Exclusive |
| 75% | 1.95% Fixed | 2 Years | £1495 | £150.00 | Free Valuation | Mortgage Trust Exclusive |
| 75% | 2.34% Fixed | 2 Years | £995 | £150.00 | Free Valuation | Mortgage Trust Exclusive |
| 75% | 2.95% Fixed | 5 Years | 2% | £150.00 | Free Valuation | Mortgage Trust Exclusive |
| 75% | 3.24% Tracker | 0 Years | 1.25% | £0.00 | No | N & P Ltd Company |
| 75% | 3.3% Fixed | 2022-10-31 | 0% | £0.00 | Free standard valuation for purchases and re-mortgages. Free standard legal services for re-mortgages only. | Skipton Exclusive |
| 75% | 3.59% Fixed | 2019-06-30 | 1.5% | £0.00 | No | Landbay Semi-Exclusive |
| 75% | 4.25% Fixed | 2022-06-30 | 0% | £150.00 | No | Paragon Premier Ltd Company |
| 70% | 3.79% Fixed | 5 Years | 1.3% | £125.00 | No | Dudley Exclusive |
Our free online buy-to-let mortgage service
aims to provide you with the most competitive buy-to-let mortgages in
the market, whilst helping you choose a product to suit your individual
requirements. You can use the free buy-to-let mortgage finder to get an
instant personalised quote and apply for your mortgage online.
Below is a selection of the most popular
buy-to-let mortgages currently available. For full information on these
products, and all other buy-to-let mortgage schemes available to you,
please use our free online buy-to-let mortgage finder.
If you would like to
discuss your requirements with a member of the support team please
telephone 029 2069 5446 or you can submit a quick enquiry directly to the team by filling in our
online enquiry form.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on
your mortgages.
The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate some
forms of mortgage.
Monday, May 15, 2017
Our BTL Lending Market Report
Developing trends in buy-to-let
Jane Simpson at Property Hawk Mortgages says:
As expected, we have seen some changes recently in the type of buy-to-let mortgage enquiries being received from landlord clients. This has mainly been driven by the tax changes and PRA regulations affecting the buy-to-let sector.
Property Hawk Mortgages (PHM) predicted that there would be a growing interest in longer term fixed rates offering more favourable rental calculations for landlords, but it is quite surprising how pronounced the change in demand has been.
5 year fixed rates
In the first half of 2016, before the market started to change, 2 year rates equated to 80 per cent of PHM’s total buy-to-let business and five year rates equated to only 12 percent. By the end of the second half of 2016, 2 year rates had reduced to 49 per cent of total business and 5 year rates increased to 46 per cent. This was during the period when lenders started to change interest coverage ratios (ICRs) in time for the January deadline.
Year to date in 2017, 2 year rates have equated to 30 per cent of PHM’s applications and 5 year rates made up the majority at 58 per cent. It signals a significant shift in demand and lenders have responded in kind with most providers now offering longer term products to landlords.
Ltd Companies
Similarly, there has also been an increase in demand for limited company products, probably because using a corporate structure enables landlords to avoid the personal tax relief changes that came into effect in April. The change has not been quite as dramatic, but is still indicative of a developing trend in reaction to the new market environment. In the second half of 2016, limited company applications accounted for 12 per cent of PHM’s business and year to date in 2017, this has increased to 21 per cent.
Freehold House Splits
Other recent trends relate to the types of properties that landlords are looking to invest in. PHM has seen an uplift in enquiries about finance for freehold properties split into flats, which can offer higher rental yields in much the same way that HMOs do. There is a good choice of lenders to choose from with several specialist lenders also offering limited company products for freehold splits, including Paragon, Vida Homeloans and Shawbrook Bank. Although most lenders require applicants to be experienced landlords, Kent Reliance will also consider first time landlords for this type of property finance.
New Builds Flats
We have recently noticed waves of enquiries about finance for new build flats, which unsurprisingly coincide with new property developments in the UK. This is a good sign for the housing market and is a niche area of the buy-to-let mortgage market that more lenders are now comfortable with. During the credit crisis in 2008, many lenders felt over exposed and stopped offering buy-to-let finance for new build flats, but in recent years there are more providers to choose from.
Lenders typically consider new build applications on a case-by-case basis depending on the location and size of the block of flats, and may offer lower loan-to-value (LTV) products for this property type. However, there are a few lenders currently offering up to 80 per cent LTV including Mortgage Trust, Paragon Premier and Vida Homeloans.
As a buy-to-let mortgage specialist, Property Hawk Mortgages is used to the dynamic nature of the marketplace and is well placed to help landlord clients to adapt to the ever-changing environment.
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.
Jane Simpson at Property Hawk Mortgages says:
As expected, we have seen some changes recently in the type of buy-to-let mortgage enquiries being received from landlord clients. This has mainly been driven by the tax changes and PRA regulations affecting the buy-to-let sector.
Property Hawk Mortgages (PHM) predicted that there would be a growing interest in longer term fixed rates offering more favourable rental calculations for landlords, but it is quite surprising how pronounced the change in demand has been.
5 year fixed rates
In the first half of 2016, before the market started to change, 2 year rates equated to 80 per cent of PHM’s total buy-to-let business and five year rates equated to only 12 percent. By the end of the second half of 2016, 2 year rates had reduced to 49 per cent of total business and 5 year rates increased to 46 per cent. This was during the period when lenders started to change interest coverage ratios (ICRs) in time for the January deadline.
Year to date in 2017, 2 year rates have equated to 30 per cent of PHM’s applications and 5 year rates made up the majority at 58 per cent. It signals a significant shift in demand and lenders have responded in kind with most providers now offering longer term products to landlords.
Ltd Companies
Similarly, there has also been an increase in demand for limited company products, probably because using a corporate structure enables landlords to avoid the personal tax relief changes that came into effect in April. The change has not been quite as dramatic, but is still indicative of a developing trend in reaction to the new market environment. In the second half of 2016, limited company applications accounted for 12 per cent of PHM’s business and year to date in 2017, this has increased to 21 per cent.
Freehold House Splits
Other recent trends relate to the types of properties that landlords are looking to invest in. PHM has seen an uplift in enquiries about finance for freehold properties split into flats, which can offer higher rental yields in much the same way that HMOs do. There is a good choice of lenders to choose from with several specialist lenders also offering limited company products for freehold splits, including Paragon, Vida Homeloans and Shawbrook Bank. Although most lenders require applicants to be experienced landlords, Kent Reliance will also consider first time landlords for this type of property finance.
New Builds Flats
We have recently noticed waves of enquiries about finance for new build flats, which unsurprisingly coincide with new property developments in the UK. This is a good sign for the housing market and is a niche area of the buy-to-let mortgage market that more lenders are now comfortable with. During the credit crisis in 2008, many lenders felt over exposed and stopped offering buy-to-let finance for new build flats, but in recent years there are more providers to choose from.
Lenders typically consider new build applications on a case-by-case basis depending on the location and size of the block of flats, and may offer lower loan-to-value (LTV) products for this property type. However, there are a few lenders currently offering up to 80 per cent LTV including Mortgage Trust, Paragon Premier and Vida Homeloans.
As a buy-to-let mortgage specialist, Property Hawk Mortgages is used to the dynamic nature of the marketplace and is well placed to help landlord clients to adapt to the ever-changing environment.
Email:info@propertyhawkbtlmortgages.co.uk
Tel: 029 2069 5446
Crossrail properties can still make money
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesHouse prices: can you still make money by jumping on Crossrail? https://t.co/lRktOvdq0B
— Telegraph Property (@TeleProperty) May 13, 2017
Tories promise more Council Housing
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesGeneral election 2017: Council housing increase promised by Tories https://t.co/AO8FYvpzJH
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) May 13, 2017
Landlords add £15.9bn to economy
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesLandlords add £15.9bn to economy, study shows - https://t.co/WG1DR40OKM
— Mortgage Solutions (@mortgagesols) May 12, 2017
Sunday, May 14, 2017
London's new build completions peak
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesNew build home completions in London will peak in 2017, slowing until 2021 according to Savills analysis: https://t.co/5mPJ3kYSve pic.twitter.com/GYuatsLWpT
— Savills (@Savills) May 12, 2017
1 in 3 tenants borrow to pay rent
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesOne in three tenants borrow money to pay rent, says Shelter https://t.co/M0mAFpYf5o
— Guardian news (@guardiannews) May 12, 2017
£700pcm rent per room in a shipping container
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesBethnal Green landlord offers rooms for rent in shipping container https://t.co/4P1mp7yRaF #property
— NALScheme (@NALScheme) May 11, 2017
Saturday, May 13, 2017
BTL investors feeling the squeeze
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesHow can property investors prosper from changes to the UK's #buytolet market? #realestate #stampduty https://t.co/Ocd0nL2yPX
— Coutts (@CouttsandCo) May 10, 2017
TMW extend portfolio landlord lending
TMW to lend to portfolio landlords beyond 30 September - https://t.co/rNsmoDOske— Mortgage Solutions (@mortgagesols) May 11, 2017
Email:info@propertyhawkbtlmortgages.co.uk
Tel: 029 2069 5446
Friday, May 12, 2017
Is property due a price correction?
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesWe could be about to see the perfect housing market correction, says @John_Stepek https://t.co/LNM6uRVa7v pic.twitter.com/Djx9j6sfA5
— MoneyWeek (@MoneyWeek) May 12, 2017
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Bank Rate kept at 0.25%
MPC holds #BankRate at 0.25%, maintains government bond purchases at £435bn and corporate bond purchases at up to £10bn. pic.twitter.com/vPlTLdPDnD
— Bank of England (@bankofengland) May 11, 2017
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesBank of England cuts UK growth forecast https://t.co/DM29eJYXIW
— BBC Business (@BBCBusiness) May 11, 2017
Price drops won't dent faith in BTL
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesHouse price drop won't dent our confidence in buy-to-let https://t.co/hcpvT9L7tC
— The Independent (@Independent) May 10, 2017
BTL repossessions/arrears remain low
Mortgages arrears remain low according to data from the Council of Mortgage Lenders.
The CML report arrears for Q1 2017 fell from the previous quarter.
There were 92,600 resi-mortgages in arrears, 0.84% of all mortgages, the lowest quarterly rate on record.
Q1 2017 saw BTL mortgage arrears over 2.5% of outstanding balance remain stable at 5000, with just 700 BTL properties repossessed during the period.
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance rates
CML data for Q1 2017: 92,600 mortgages were in arrears,1,900 properties were taken into possession. Find out more: https://t.co/rGwoxkzx77 pic.twitter.com/CjcMnjQDcs— CML press office (@cmlpressoffice) May 11, 2017
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance rates
Surveyors see sales dry up
The country is experiencing a dry spell.
Although, forever the optimists, surveyors believe things might pick up next year....
Key observations -
They predict this slow market to continue over the coming quarter, and as an industry, hope that things might pick up in 2018, rather than citing any actual economic indicators.
Some surveyors highlight the issue of overvaluations; with restricted supply possible forcing agents to scrabble for clients by flattering potential sellers with unrealistic asking prices.
"Over valuing remains the scourge of the market. Buyers are positive but will not be led to a high price plateau without stronger evidence of inflation." commented Neil Foster, Newcastle upon Tyne, Foster Maddison Property Consultants.
- Newly Agreed Sales and New Buyer Enquiries are low, and getting lower.
- Stock levels remain low, with no sign of any flood of new listings.
- Sentiment in the industry is this parched market isn't going to change anytime soon.
- Prices up, but only thanks to the dearth of supply.
Surveyors blame the low level of new instructions on a lack of choice to tempt sellers, election uncertainty, and recent stamp duty changes.
They predict this slow market to continue over the coming quarter, and as an industry, hope that things might pick up in 2018, rather than citing any actual economic indicators.
"Over valuing remains the scourge of the market. Buyers are positive but will not be led to a high price plateau without stronger evidence of inflation." commented Neil Foster, Newcastle upon Tyne, Foster Maddison Property Consultants.
So low activity and house prices starting to fall; is a storm brewing or possibly an earthquake?
Video | Today's UK Residential Market Survey shows sales dipping and buyer interest remaining flat. https://t.co/umvNddB5Nr #RICSresi pic.twitter.com/waLVpzvOZO— RICS (@RICSnews) May 11, 2017
Surveyors predict 'flat summer' in housing market https://t.co/oIDuIgApYY— BBC Business (@BBCBusiness) May 10, 2017
'Stagnant' buyer demand puts the brakes on UK housing market https://t.co/76g9fi8hjZ— Guardian news (@guardiannews) May 10, 2017
Surveyors warn of 'flat' summer for house sales https://t.co/3R6LJRZlVI
— FTAdviser (@FTAdviser) May 11, 2017
Take advantage of our discounted landlord insurance ratesHousing market loses steam as stock shortage continues. Read more: https://t.co/W36ZlbTFst— Zoopla (@Zoopla) May 11, 2017