Lettings

The new year has certainly started on an upbeat note for the lettings sector. A survey by Finbri found more than 50% of UK property investors intend to expand their property portfolios in 2023. 

There is no shortage of online energy guides detailing how to reduce energy consumption and lower fuel bills but much of the advice is aimed at homeowners. While installing solar panels, air source heat pumps and cavity wall insulation are good ideas, they aren’t the sort of home improvements tenants are always able to make.

Any letting agent worth their salt will undertake reference checks on potential tenants. Referencing is a vetting process to ensure only the most genuine, trustworthy and financially-sound renters can reserve a property.

The latest Statistical Briefing from The Dispute Service – which uses data from the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, SafeDeposits Scotland and TDS Northern Ireland – has highlighted the top three reasons for deposit disputes across the UK during 2021-2022.

From the 1st October in England and the 1st December in Wales, there are regulatory changes around smoke detectors and fire alarms that all landlords will need to implement with immediate effect, as there will be no ‘grace’ period and fines can be issued from day one.

Lending experts have noted that landlords are increasingly considering new build homes for their next buy-to-let, as they tick so many boxes when it comes to changing regulations. Here are three reasons why buy-to-let and new build can go hand in hand:-

What you think Generation Z want from a rental property and what they would actually like may surprise landlords hoping to target students, recent graduates and young professionals. A new survey of more than 2,500 people aged between 16-25, featured in an article published by PBSA News, set out to establish what was important to them in a rented home.

Being a landlord is about running a profitable investment, but for some, it is becoming harder to protect margins and generate a meaningful income. Now is a good time to examine your landlord status  – is it best to be a private operator or a limited company?

If you follow politics, you’ll know it’s a case of ‘all change’ at the Conservative party. While the headline news is the resignation of our Prime Minister and the voting-in of a new leader, there was a reshuffling within the lower ranks that may have an effect on the property market.

After years of delays and deliberations, the Renters’ Reform Bill has finally been crystalised in its associated White Paper. Titled the Fairer Private Rented Sector White Paper: a new deal for renting, the contents will soon become law and shape the way lettings is run.

Even mortgage lenders have their part to play in our quest to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The Government has asked banks and building societies to encourage the purchase of eco-efficient properties by offering buyers advantageous products billed as ‘green mortgages’.

While the property industry waits for a date when the Renters’ Reform Bill becomes law, there is an imminent change for all current owners and future buyers of leasehold properties. Here are five important points for anyone involved with a leasehold property.