'Is the future BTL?' asks RICS

Is the UK's future buy-to-let? Our Chief Economist discusses the topic: https://t.co/nAH2SNdpcQ #RICSresi #Economics pic.twitter.com/ZHwPCF8LAC

— RICS (@RICSnews) March 2, 2016

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BTL could still be pension pot of gold

Why buy-to-lets could still be a pension pot of gold despite stamp duty changes: https://t.co/N8cQdazdq9 pic.twitter.com/sPEHn3BbPm

— ES Homes & Property (@HomesProperty) March 2, 2016

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1,200 PRS homes in central Manchester development

1,200 private rented homes to be built in the centre of Manchester - https://t.co/tdYFGFcqnj #ukhousing

— 24housing Magazine (@24housing) March 2, 2016

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Don't touch crowdfunded property with a bargepole

Something I would agree with wholeheartedly.....

First-time buyers: don’t touch property crowdfunding products with a bargepole https://t.co/CZNdBpUqjM pic.twitter.com/ONAofBynaS

— MoneyWeek (@MoneyWeek) March 1, 2016

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Average BTL property returns £22k a year

The average BTL property has provided an annual return of £22,000 according to LSL property latest calculations.

The £22k figure is a 14-month high,  equating to a 12% return over the year to January, made up from £13,594 property price growth added to £8,394 of rental income.

But before any champagne corks are popped, or non-landlords air stampede into the comments box with their trollish disgruntlement,  this figure doesn't include any expenses, mortgage payments, rental voids or other maintenance costs, which would throw up a very different figure.

However, overall, the figures remain positive - for now, thanks largely to a chronic UK housing shortage that continues to pump up, both prices and rents.

LSL director, Adrian Gill, comments: 

“Landlords’ balance sheets are looking healthier than at any point since 2014, and property investors are looking at an excellent rate of return from their portfolios.”

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Council Tax Anomolies

I was contacted over the last few days by Will who raises the following point about how landlords are charged for Council Tax in his own words:

For the last two occasions when my tenants have moved out, at two separate properties in two different Council jurisdictions, I have been liable for paying Council Tax the day after they vacate the property (if no new tenancy take up residency within 7 days) despite both sets of tenants having their Assured Tenancy contract still applying, whether actually within term or in principle rolling on after the term has expired.  It appears that the respective Councils are protected by the Law in this regard that the landlord is financially responsible for an un-resided unfurnished property, but why should a landlord have to start paying so soon?  This appears to be a very unfair system, especially if it was the tenants who started the dissolution of the tenancy and the landlord was good in the treatment of the tenants.

We all know that Councils are currently hard pushed for cash but should this negate the need for fairness?  As you know, in the old days the landlord was given up to six months grace in entirety at each rental property before having to start paying Council Tax.  Is it possible for you to start a petition or raise on the political agenda to have a fairer compromise situation enacted?  If I am missing a trick or I do not have the full facts and can get round this situation, please advise!

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