Latest News
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London’s Build to Rent Scheme Needs More Support
Key points – The latest report from Lichfields, a national consulting firm, sheds light on the inconsistencies and gaps in planning policies across London boroughs. This issue is particularly evident in the growing sector of Build to Rent (BTR) properties, which are increasingly in demand but are not being adequately supported by local planning authorities.…
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Edinburgh’s Housing Market Sees a Mixed Bag, Dramatic Drops and Surging Sales
The housing market in Edinburgh is complex and varied, with some areas witnessing a significant drop in house prices, while others are experiencing a surge. Here’s a breakdown of the current trends and what they mean for buyers and sellers in the Scottish capital. North West Edinburgh Faces a Sharp Decline In the north-western part…
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Leeds Building Society Launches Innovative ‘Reach’ Mortgages
Key points – In a move aimed at making home ownership more accessible, Leeds Building Society has unveiled its latest initiative: the ‘Reach’ mortgage range. This new suite of mortgage products is specifically tailored to help individuals who struggle with the conventional mortgage application process due to smaller deposits or credit score challenges. Here’s a…
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Tips for First-Time Buyers in a Tough Property Market
Key points – In a period where the property market feels increasingly out of reach for many, especially first-time buyers, it’s crucial to explore all available avenues. The past year has been particularly challenging, with soaring mortgage rates and stringent lending criteria. However, despite these hurdles, there are still ways to achieve homeownership, albeit through…
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2024 A Better Year for Commercial Property
Key points – 2024 is shaping up to be a year of renewed vigor and promising opportunities, according to the latest report from Savills World Research. Let’s break down what this means for investors, home-seekers, and the everyday person interested in the property market. A Positive Turn for Real Estate Investment Researchers from around the…
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Hidden Costs of Homeownership – A First-Time Buyer’s Guide
Key points – First-time homebuyers in the UK, beware: owning your dream home comes with hidden costs that can add over £2,000 to your annual expenses. This warning comes from Aldermore Bank, which conducted extensive research revealing the often-overlooked financial burdens of homeownership. The Breakdown of Additional Costs According to Aldermore’s findings, first-time buyers should…
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Rocketing Rents Across the UK – Latest ONS Data
Key points – The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released data highlighting a significant surge in rental prices throughout the UK. This comprehensive analysis, the first of its kind, offers an in-depth look into how rents have soared in different regions, painting a concerning picture for renters. Unprecedented Rise in Rental Costs The ONS…
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Making the Most of Your Leasehold, A Landlord’s Guide to Profit
Key points – Owning a property as a leaseholder means you don’t have the ultimate ownership; that belongs to the freeholder. Leasehold agreements typically last 99, 125, or even 999 years, starting from when the freeholder creates the lease. As time progresses, the lease term reduces, often diminishing the property’s value. An interesting case was…
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The Enduring Charm of Georgian Houses, a British Favorite
Key points – In the UK, the Georgian era, spanning from 1714 to 1837, represents a time of peace, prosperity, and architectural innovation. This period, often referred to as the “long century” due to its duration, saw the rise of elegant, symmetrical homes that continue to captivate buyers today. According to research by Savills for…
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Landlords Rush to Sell as Tax Allowances Shrink
Key points – The central issue prompting a rush among landlords to sell their properties is the upcoming reduction in the annual capital gains tax allowance. From a generous £12,300 last year, the allowance is plummeting to just £3,000 at the start of the new tax year, a sharp decrease from the £6,000 available this…