Category Archives: News

What the Budget Means for the Lettings Market

Now the dust has settled on the Budget, let’s look at what it might mean for landlords and buy-to-let investors.

The overall themes behind the Budget, according to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, were economic stability and growth, investment and putting more money in our pockets. But there were also £40bn of tax rises to fill the infamous £22bn black hole Labour says it’s inherited.

The key changes that might affect landlords were:

Stamp Duty increase for additional properties

The big story here was the increase … Continue Reading…

Interest Rate Cut… Is Tomorrow the Day?

The Bank of England meets tomorrow (Thursday 7 November) to set the official Bank Rate or base rate as it is also known.

This is the rate that banks and building societies use to set the interest rates they charge borrowers.

The last interest rate reduction was in August, from 5.25% to 5%.

At the end of this summer, some experts were predicting there could be two more rate cuts this year.

So, it was something of a surprise when, at the Bank’s last … Continue Reading…

How the Best Landlords Do the Basics Brilliantly

Have you ever wondered how some landlords seem to run successful portfolios and others don’t seem to crack the rental property puzzle?

In our experience, we’ve seen what the best do that the rest don’t.

And the answer is surprisingly simple; they do the basics brilliantly.

The best landlords have weathered many storms over the years, from interest rate rises and market turmoil to regulatory and tax changes.

And they’ve seen countless Prime Ministers, Chancellors and Housing Secretaries (there’s been a revolving door in … Continue Reading…

Market review

Over the next days all of us will be digesting the outcome of the budget and what it means to us individually. The housing market, which has stalled in recent weeks, has likewise been waiting for the Chancellors speech so it can move forward.

Realistically, the main driver for the housing market at the moment now lies with interest rates and if the Bank of England feel the time is right to reduce them. No doubt, over the next few days … Continue Reading…

What The Budget Means for the Property Market

With PM Keir Starmer warning it would be painful, the new government’s first Budget has been hotly awaited for some weeks now.

In this article, we’ll look at what the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, announced – paying specific attention to what will affect the property market.

The Chancellor started by giving forecasts which suggest inflation will rise slightly, to 2%+, over the next few years. And that economic growth will be modest – only 1-2% yearly.

She reminded us all about … Continue Reading…

Good News If You’re Looking for a Mortgage

Think back to this time in 2022, and you’ll recall the mortgage market was in complete disarray.

In the aftermath of the Mini-Budget, there was a frenzy of activity – none of it good for homebuyers or people looking to renew their mortgage.

Worried lenders were pulling products left, right and centre, and the average two-year fixed deal jumped by 2% in just a month.

But that was then, and this is now.

Two years later, the mortgage market has rebounded, as demonstrated by … Continue Reading…

The Renters’ Rights Bill: Three Things Landlords Should Know

The Renters’ Rights Bill is a big news story in the property rental world right now.

And there are lots of myths and inaccurate information being punted around.

In this article, we’ll give you straight answers to three of the most common questions landlords are asking us.

Will I be able to evict tenants if I need to?

The honest answer is: yes and no.

All tenancies will be periodic tenancies. There will be no fixed-term shorthold tenancies as there are now. Tenants will be … Continue Reading…

Seven Days until the Budget – Will It Be Painful for Homeowners?

PM Keir Starmer has already issued a warning that next week’s Budget will be painful… to help fill a ‘£22 billion black hole’ of debt. So, could this Budget be painful for homeowners? In this article, we’ll take a look at what Chancellor Rachel Reeves might be planning.

Capital gains tax

It seems highly likely that there will be changes to capital gains tax (CGT) – the tax you pay on gains you make when selling an asset, such as a property … Continue Reading…

Our National Coverage Is Expanding

Richard James have been members of Relocation Agent Network for approximately 30 years, this gives us access to both buyers and sellers who are looking to relocate through associated estate agent offices across the UK.

The network has grown considerably this year and now has 730 offices nationwide, including more than 50 in the London area to which a customer can be referred to. This is to either help them buy a new home or to assist in selling their existing … Continue Reading…

Key Things to Look Out for in Next Week’s Budget

After months of fevered speculation, Chancellor Rachel Reeves will unveil her autumn Budget next week (Wednesday 30 October).

As the announcement could have important implications for landlords, let’s consider what might be included in it.

But first, a caveat

Leaks and rumours accompany the lead-up to any major fiscal event, and this Budget – Labour’s first for 14 years – has been no different.

There has been lots of speculation including some news articles that could only be described as scaremongering.

What we know is … Continue Reading…