Rates increasing despite the recent bank rate cut
Today
We look at why mortgage rates increased following the Bank of England's choice to reduce the bank rate, and should you fix now?
UK 2024 Autumn Budget: Housing
16 days ago
On 30th October 2024 the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves delivered the Autumn budget which we had previously been warned would be “difficult”. Below we have summarised the main housing points.
Bank of England Holds Base Rate at 5%
20 Sep 2024
With UK inflation remaining at 2.2% which is slightly above the Bank of England’s 2% target, the decision was made on Thursday 19th September to keep the base rate at 5%.
Virgin Money & Hive Launch Retrofit Boost “Green” Mortgage
13 Sep 2024
Virgin Money and Hive Energy introduce new "green" mortgage product called Retrofit Boost Mortgage with the aim to help homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their home by offering cashback between £3,000 and £15,000
Prices for UK houses drop in July 2024
15 Jul 2024
The average seller’s asking price dropped by 0.4% in July, a bigger drop than we have typically seen.
Overpaying mortgage vs money into savings
18 Jun 2024
Should you overpay your mortgage? If you can put extra cash away you need to seriously consider whether you should pay more off on your mortgage or put it into a savings account.
What is the most popular time of year to buy a house?
13 May 2024
Does the time of year make a difference in house purchases? The answer is, yes and no.
The popularity of buying a house can vary depending on various factors such as regional trends, how the economy looks, and of course personal circumstances.
Reasons to Remortgage your Home
19 Mar 2024
If you are looking at remortgaging your property but you are unsure whether it’s the right decision, we have listed five reasons why it might be for you.
How Will The Proposed EPC Changes Impact Landlords?
22 Aug 2022
If you’re a landlord & you’re unaware of the proposed upcoming legislative changes, see how this new bill could impact the UK rental market.
Things You Need To Know When Getting A Buy-To-Let Mortgage
4 Mar 2022
Purchasing a property and then letting it out to tenants is a great way to earn additional income and the more properties you own, the more you can earn.
Tips on Buying a Property with a Tenant in Occupation
There are a few reasons why you might be buying a property with a tenant still in occupation (a sitting tenant).
Electrical Safety Regulations - An April Deadline for Landlords!
From the 1st of April, Landlords are now obliged to have an electrician undertake an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
The Number of Mortgages Available is Now at a 12 Year High!
Moneyfacts, the independent mortgage market monitor of all things ‘mortgage’ has reported that overall mortgage availability rose in January 2021, to 3,215 products!
10 Reasons to Invest in UK Property
There are still many reasons why the UK property market could be considered one of the best investment opportunities in the world. Here are ten reasons why.
Top 10 Tips for Successfully Letting Your Property
Here we list 10 things you should consider doing to enhance your return on capital.
Lease Extension Fees - Don't Get Caught Out
Flats, in particular, are usually owned leasehold because in very simple terms, to own the freehold of a property is basically to own the land below and the air above and, in the case of a flat, clearly this isn’t possible.
How to Speed Up Your Buy to Let Mortgage Application
The process of obtaining a buy to let loan usually takes between 4 - 6 weeks, although, as with all purchases, there are a variety of steps to the process which will delay or even stall the process.
Negotiating Tips When Buying a Property
What can you do to improve your negotiating position? Here are a few simple tips that too many people ignore.
New Electrical Safety Standards Guidelines for Landlords.
The regulations apply to new tenancies commencing on or after 1 July 2020 and inspections relating to properties subject to existing tenancies must be undertaken before 1. April 2021.
Stamp Duty Holiday
The chancellor has announced a temporary holiday on stamp duty up to £500,000 as part of a number of measures to help stimulate the economy. We have listed below the key facts following this announcement.
What documents do I need to support my mortgage application & when?
Applying for a mortgage can seem an intimidating and complicated process. Thankfully this is something we do every single day, so we can do much of it for you. Simple.
Where can I get an Energy Performance Certificate?
You must have an Energy Performance Certificate before you start marketing your property. Buildings that don’t need an EPC include...
The Latest Interest Rate Cut and How it Affects You.
Generally referred to as ‘the base rate’, when it falls it is usually (but not always) an indication that lending rates generally will also fall.
Mortgage Required Launch Video Appointments
If you can’t come to us we can quickly set up a video or phone appointment.
COVID-19 - Mortgage Payment Holiday for Landlords
Whether you are an owner-occupier or a private landlord, the most important thing is not to panic or put your head in the sand.
The best books for Buy to Let Landlords & Property Investors
Here we look at just a few of the great books out there that might interest the buy-to-let landlord or property investor.
10 Ways to Minimise the Risk When Investing in Property.
To minimise the risk when investing in property there are a variety of measures you should take and precautions you can make. Here are just a few...
Do I Have to Change My Mortgage to Rent Out My Home?
Almost all, if not all, lenders will either prohibit you from letting your home to a third party or they’ll set restrictions and have formal requirements around notification, etc.
Can I Let My Property Without a Buy to Let Mortgage?
The simple answer is no. At least, you can, but it’s a very bad idea.
New Legislation for HMO Landlords
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government have recently introduced new guidelines for HMO landlords.
Stamp Duty Refunds for 10,000 People with Second Home Error.
More recently, the UK government introduced a relatively complex scale of tax bands aimed in large part at discouraging the purchase of second homes and property used for buy-to-let investment.
Stamp Duty Changes for Buy to Let Landlords
The UK Government have been keen to discourage the small private buy to let investor. From April 2016, anyone purchasing an additional buy to let property must pay at least an extra 3 per cent in stamp duty land tax.
New Requirements for Portfolio Landlords on Buy to Let Properties
As part of a portfolio of measures aimed at cooling demand from the buy-to-let market, the UK’s Government have recently introduced several fiscal measures aimed at achieving a reduction in those interested in entering the private buy-to-let market.
Landlords - See How the Latest Changes Will Affect You
27 Oct 2017
The Buy to Let landscape is changing. The government fully intends to collect more tax from landlords and the option to buy and rent out property may no longer be open to just anyone who can raise a deposit.
Landlords – Are You up to Speed with the Changes?
29 Aug 2017
There have been so many changes in the Buy to Let sector, that I thought it was time for a general round up.
Energy Performance Certificate rating is changing for landlords
The 1st April 2018 will see any properties rented out in the private rented sector requiring a minimum energy performance rating of E on an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). If you don’t have this rating, you are unlikely to be able to legally rent out your property after this date.
5 Tips for Buy to Let Investors looking to Reduce their Capital Gains Tax liability.
Capital Gains Tax (CGT), as the name suggests, is charged upon the increase in value of an asset held by an individual. It is payable only when the gain is realised (i.e. a property sold or, in many cases, transferred) by that individual.
What are the New PRA Rules for Buy To Let Mortgages
The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) is a part of the Bank of England and is responsible for the regulation and supervision of banks, building societies, credit unions, insurers and major investment firms.
How to Choose A Buy to Let Property.
Once you have made the decision to invest in a residential Buy to Let property, it’s worth sticking to a few basic rules. This is likely to make the whole process simpler and easier to manage further down the line.
Gas Safety Responsibility for Landlords
As Landlord you inherit several responsibilities around the need to secure your tenant’s safety. One of these includes the requirement for an annual Gas Safety Certificate.
5 Top Tips for Buy to Let Investors
With banks offering tiny returns on cash savings and ISAs and the fairly recent stock market volatility still fresh in people’s minds, investing in property is still considered by many to be the best way to invest their money.
Why are landlords setting up a limited company to purchase buy to lets?
18 Oct 2016
The solution for some seems to be to set up a limited company within which to purchase the buy to lets.
How much Deposit do you need for a Buy to Let Mortgage?
Borrowing money for a ‘buy to let’ investment is different to borrowing for your own home. The interest rate is usually higher in comparison and the deposit required is usually between 20% and 40% of the property’s value.
Legal requirements for Landlords fitting carbon monoxide detectors
From the 1st October 2015 regulations require smoke alarms to be installed in rented residential accommodation and carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with a solid fuel appliance.
What is the Right to Rent Scheme?
If you are looking to rent out your property in Maidenhead after 1. February 2016 the UK will require Landlords to undertake ‘Right to Rent’ checks on all tenants.
Buy to Let Stamp Duty Changes
27 Nov 2015
Anyone buying a 2nd property will see an additional 3% on their stamp duty rate from April 2016. This means that tax bill on a buy-to-let property costing £250,000 will jump from £2,500 to £8,800.
New Buy to Let Mortgages
3 Nov 2015
Interest rates are so low that mortgage lenders can’t really cut them any more in order to win business. Instead of fighting it out in a rate war, providers are looking for new markets or niche areas for lending.
Why do people Buy to Let?
Buying property as an investment has proved to be a successful and lucrative investment decision for some and here we will address some of the benefits and pitfalls those new to the market should consider.
2015 Summer Budget
8 Jul 2015
The Chancellor has largely left mortgages alone in recent budgets, but last week he came out fighting.
Why buy a Property at Auction?
By far the most dramatic and exciting way to buy a property is by auction.
Recent posts
We look at why mortgage rates increased following the Bank of England's choice to reduce the bank rate, and should you fix now?
UK 2024 Autumn Budget: Housing
16 days ago
On 30th October 2024 the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves delivered the Autumn budget which we had previously been warned would be “difficult”. Below we have summarised the main housing points.
Talking about money with kids
23 days ago
In an increasingly cashless society, money is an intangible concept for children to grasp. In the days of coins and notes, kids could see money as something physical you require to purchase goods and services.
In order to help teach your children about money, we have listed some tips below;
Labour Autumn Budget Predictions: Housing
28 days ago
The UK’s chancellor, Rachel Reeves will deliver the Labour government’s autumn budget at the end of the month, we take a look at what could be announced in relation to housing.
Recent research from Halifax has revealed the most sought-after locations for first time buyers in Britain.
The data which was taken from the Halifax House Price Index looked at areas outside of London where those looking to purchase their first property were buying. Despite high property prices and increased rates, these first time buyer hotspots have remained popular.
How can I look after my mental health?
7 Oct 2024
Taking care of your mental health means looking after your emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. There are several ways we can practice self-care that will help to improve our physical and mental health. This can help to reduce our risk of illness, manage stress, and boost our energy levels!
First Time Buyer to do List
4 Oct 2024
Buying your first home is very exciting but it can also be very daunting which is why we have set out a “to do list” to help you get started.
Bank of England Holds Base Rate at 5%
20 Sep 2024
With UK inflation remaining at 2.2% which is slightly above the Bank of England’s 2% target, the decision was made on Thursday 19th September to keep the base rate at 5%.
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