Retirement Apartments: What Buyers and Their Families Should Consider
Downsizing into a purpose-built retirement apartment or flat is something that many older homeowners ponder. Here are some things to consider if you, or a friend or relative, are looking into buying in a retirement development.
What do retirement apartments offer?
Retirement apartments, which are part of a purpose-built retirement development, are found in many towns and cities now. They’re built specially to cater for older people – typically 55+ or 60+ and are sometimes known as senior living properties.
A big attraction … Continue Reading…
The Clock’s Ticking: Why Landlords Should Prepare for Making Tax Digital Now
Some landlords will have to change the way they file their tax returns from April next year. Read on to find out if you will be affected.
Here’s a friendly reminder that changes in the way HMRC expects the self-employed, including landlords, to manage their tax returns are coming.
The initiative, called Making Tax Digital (MTD), is about digitising the tax process.
It’s already mandatory for businesses that pay VAT.
And in eight months, it will become compulsory for some landlords who pay income … Continue Reading…
Looking for a Green Home? Here’s What You Must Know
It’s good to be green. But here are some things to bear in mind if you’re considering buying a green home.
What exactly is a green home?
A green home is usually thought of as being a property that is very energy efficient, eco-friendly and sustainable.
A green home will have high levels of insulation, thermal efficiency and water efficiency. It is likely to have solar photovoltaic panels, battery storage and maybe a heat pump or biomass boiler for heating.
Other features of a … Continue Reading…
What is Gas Safety Week, and What Landlords Should Know About It
Gas safety should be a number one priority for all landlords. Gas Safety Week 2025, which runs from 8 to 14 September, is a good time to make sure your properties are 100% gas safe.
What is Gas Safety Week?
Gas Safety Week is a publicity campaign run by industry body Gas Safe Register.
One of its aims is to encourage everyone – landlords, tenants and homeowners alike – to think about gas safety in their property.
This year’s Gas Safety Week theme is … Continue Reading…
August Market Update
It’s been a tough summer for the housing market with little improvement since the Bank of England interest rate reduction in early August. It seems further rate reductions are required to encourage more buyers, particularly first-time buyers to enter the market. Chains are not being generated whilst buyers stand on the side lines.
It doesn’t feel like people are fearful of buying a property, it is more a case that they are still concerned about the economy and world events which … Continue Reading…
What to Consider Before You Invest in a Garden Room
If you’re desperate for more space at home, could a room in the garden be the solution? Here’s what you need to consider first.
With children increasingly living with their parents well into their twenties and thirties, many homeowners are yearning for more living space.
The obvious answer to this quandary is to build an extension.
But when this isn’t feasible (due to limited finances or structural constraints), creating a shed room in the garden can be the answer.
A garden room, also known … Continue Reading…
Should You Fit an EV Charger in Your Buy-to-Let?
There are now 1.3 million electric vehicles on UK roads, with numbers rising 38% over the last year alone.* Here’s what landlords need to know about the demand for electric vehicle charging.
Do you need to fit an EV charger in your property?
There is currently no legal requirement for rental properties to offer EV charging.
However, all new build homes with private parking are now required to offer facilities for EV charging.
Are tenants allowed to charge EVs?
You could already have a tenant … Continue Reading…
Don’t Fall for It! Why Overvaluing a Property Can Spell Disaster
Here are some home truths about property overvaluations that you must read if you’re thinking about listing your property.
If it’s too good to be true…well, you know how the rest of the saying goes.
In fact, you’ve probably used it when a friend or family member has asked you for financial or business advice.
But even if you’re usually the first to spot when something’s not quite right, that doesn’t mean you’re immune to falling for an overvaluation.
There’s something about the emotional … Continue Reading…
Make Handling Tenant Complaints a Breeze With Our Simple, Stress-Free Tips
Even good landlords with good tenants sometimes receive complaints. Here are some top tips for handling any complaints you might receive quickly and easily.
What do tenants complain about most?
According to the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA)*, most complaints aren’t actually about major disasters. They’re about small everyday issues. (Things that are pretty straightforward for landlords to sort out, if you’re well organised.)
Key issues highlighted in a report by the NRLA include problems with heat and hot water, leaking pipes and … Continue Reading…
How Will the New Mortgage Guarantee Scheme Affect the Market?
The Government has recently announced a new mortgage guarantee scheme. Here we’ll explain how it works and what it might mean for the property market.
What is the new Mortgage Guarantee Scheme?
The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme is an official scheme where the government backs mortgages that are larger than a bank or building society may be willing to offer.
In practical terms, this means that buyers who can’t get together a 10% deposit may be able to purchase with just a 5% deposit.
Many … Continue Reading…