Posts with tag: Landlord News

Landlord News on Feedspot’s ‘Top 10 UK Landlord Blogs and Websites to Follow in 2018’

Published On: June 12, 2018 at 8:56 am

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We were happy to recently discover that Landlord News currently holds 4th place for top landlord blogs and websites in the UK on Feedspot, the online content reader.

In order to determine these rankings, Feedspot looks at the quality of a blog’s content, it’s ranking on Google, social media popularity and the traffic of visitors, amongst other factors.

It is great to be included on such a list, especially as it includes other great names in the industry, such as the Residential Landlords Association, who currently hold the top position.

We pride ourselves on supplying the latest news and advice for landlords, including trends in the property market, changes to the law and tips for building a successful buy-to-let business. Having started our blog in 2009, we have been passionately writing in order to keep all property professionals up-to-date.

In particular, one of our most popular topics this year has been the change in Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) in April. This change means that it is now illegal for landlords to grant a new lease (even to existing tenants) on a domestic or commercial property with an EPC rating below E.

In more recent news, the Tenant Fees Bill has been the latest hot topic, creating discussion about proposed changes to the number of weeks’ rent that can be required for a tenancy deposit, along with a ban on letting fees.

Being placed as 4th on this list is a great achievement, and we will continue to find ways to make our blog bigger and better, to eventually climb even further.

As well as our articles, we also provide free guides, useful to all landlords, whether they are new to the sector, or veterans. We also send out a monthly newsletter to all who are registered, providing a monthly roundup of all the news we have reported on. You can sign up for free today on our website.

Index of Private Housing Rental Prices for Great Britain: February 2018

Published On: March 21, 2018 at 10:09 am

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Categories: Lettings News

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The Index of Private Housing Rental Prices (IPHRP) is an experimental price index tracking the prices paid for renting property from private landlords in Great Britain.

The report shows that private rental prices paid by tenants in Great Britain rose by 1.1% from January to February 2018, the rate of growth here being unchanged in those 12 months.

In England, private rental prices grew by 1.1%, Wales grew slightly more at 1.4%, and Scotland 0.4%.

In the capital, London has seen an increase of 0.1%, coming in at 1% below the average for Great Britain as a whole.

The IPHRP covers Great Britain as a series of price indices, and doesn’t measure newly advertised rental prices. Instead, it reflects overall price changes for privately rented properties. Whilst Northern Ireland is not currently included, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) is working to secure private rental data for the entire UK.

The 12 month growth rate of private rental prices paid by tenants in Great Britain has seen signs of a slow down since 2015. It has however  increased by 1.1% in the last 12 months, leading up to February 2018. This has largely been driven by a slowdown in London over the same period; its growth rate (0.1%) is currently at its slowest since 2010, when in September it was at -0.4%.

From January 2011 to February 2018, private rental prices increased by 15.6%. However, London has a great impact on this, and if you exclude the capital, private rental prices increased by 12.6%.

What does this mean for the private rented sector? Kate Davies comments

The Executive Director of Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA), Kate Davies, commented on the ONS’ Index of private housing rental prices (IPHRP) in Great Britain in February:

“These figures reaffirm how subdued private housing rental statistics have been in the last few months. Whilst that may be giving tenants some temporary respite from higher rents, the flip-side is that landlords will be facing downward pressure on their cash-flows and profitability. This comes at a time when successive policy changes in the buy-to-let (BTL) sector have proved detrimental, with net BTL investment falling by 80% since 2015.

“We are already concerned that availability of private rental homes is unlikely to keep up with household numbers. We therefore ask the Government to recognise the benefits that a strong Private Rented Sector (PRS) brings for the UK, and the importance of maintaining a good supply of rental properties for the periods when home ownership is not suitable or achievable for households.”

It seems that all countries in Great Britain have experienced a rise in rental prices, however in England they have increased more than in Scotland and Wales. See below for the index values for Great Britain compared to its constituent countries.

In London, it looks to be the case that growth in private rental prices is continuing to slow. The largest annual rental price increase was found to be in the East Midlands at 2.5% (down from 2.6% in January 2018). This is followed by the South West at 2.1% (unchanged) and the East of England at 2.1% (up from 1.9% in January 2018). The percentage change of private housing rental prices is shown below.

 

Meet the Team at the Landlord Investment Show!

Published On: June 20, 2016 at 10:35 am

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Tomorrow, the team from Landlord News and Just Landlords will be heading to the Landlord Investment Show in London.

Landlord News offers daily updates and guidance for landlords and everyone else involved in the property industry. Our writers, Rose and Ryan, are dedicated to providing the latest news on all things buy-to-let, housing and finance. Come over and speak to us about any changes to the sector.

Our sister company, Just Landlords, is committed to offering the widest landlord insurance available. Our Landlord Property Insurance has been rated 5-star by Defaqto and includes 33 essential covers as standard. We also offer protection against rent arrears and damage to unoccupied properties. Our expert Samantha will be on hand to tell you everything you need to know about looking after your investment.

Meet the team at the Kensington Olympia on Tuesday 21st June from 10am onwards.

Here’s a little bit to get you started:

 

Samantha Miles – Sales and Business Development Director

SamWith years of experience in the housing market, Samantha is the go-to person for all things property.

After working as a negotiator at two estate agents for a number of years, Samantha went on to become a branch manager at Nationwide estate agents in the East Midlands.

Moving slowly into the private rental sector, Samantha was appointed as lettings manager at Halifax estate agents, where she launched the lettings service for the whole region.

It was there that Samantha learnt all she needed to know about renting out property – from compiling inventories to carrying out periodic property inspections.

With a firm knowledge of property and lettings behind her, Samantha joined the Just Landlords team in 2011. Working alongside a dedicated customer services department, Samantha became part of a specialist team providing comprehensive and extensive cover for landlords.

Her unique knowledge of the renting process, alongside a thorough understanding of Just Landlords’ Rent Guarantee Insurance, makes Samantha an excellent source of information and advice.

Come and meet Samantha and the team to learn more about how Just Landlords can protect your investment and rental income.

 

Rose Jinks – Content Manager 

RoseA self-proclaimed internet baby, Rose has grown up through the growth of the digital age, making the web part of her everyday life.

After graduating from a Journalism degree in Southampton, Rose knew that she wanted to provide online news and features. Learning about the digital marketing world helped her get her content out to the right readers.

Rose belongs to a creative and knowledgeable team, providing content for both Landlord News and Just Landlords. After diving straight into the deep end of the property market, Rose feels confident with all aspects of the lettings process, from house price growth to protecting rental income.

Dedicated to staying up to date with property news, Rose brings you the latest goings on and updates of the buy-to-let sector. Come and say hello to find out more about landlord insurance or just have a chat about what’s happening to rent prices and the best places to invest…

 

Ryan Weston – Content Manager

RyanWith a passion for written communication, Ryan is at home bringing all the latest buy-to-let and property sector news to your fingertips.

After graduating from Sheffield with a Creative Writing degree, Ryan has progressed into a competent writer for the digital market. Covering a wide range of industry topics, Landlord News and Just Landlords provide a fantastic platform to showcase his skills.

Part of a creative and industry-savvy team, Ryan is able to learn about regulations, trends and techniques on a daily basis. He is then dedicated to bringing this knowledge to you, through articles and many specific social media outlets.

Come and find Ryan on the Landlord News and Just Landlords stand for a chat about all things buy-to-let, property and insurance. If you’re lucky, he might even give you a phone charger!

 

We hope you enjoy meeting our team and sign up to Landlord News to receive the latest industry updates! We may even have a few treats for you to enjoy…

Radio Station Launches New Property Show for Landlords

Published On: March 7, 2016 at 3:45 pm

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Categories: Landlord News

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A radio station has launched a new property show with a focus on private landlords.

The Property Hour will be broadcast on LBC (Leading Britain’s Conversation) in association with Direct Line Landlord Insurance. The programme will be co-hosted by LBC presenter Clive Bull and Landlord Action’s Paul Shamplina.

Radio Station Launches New Property Show for Landlords

Radio Station Launches New Property Show for Landlords

The show will initially run every Thursday evening from 9pm-10pm for 13 weeks, starting this Thursday, 10th March.

The programme will include interviews with leading property experts, news and views from the week, and a chance for listeners to phone in with any questions and opinions. Listeners are encouraged to join the online debate using #LBCPropertyHour.

The show will also include a weekly three-minute sponsored feature that will focus on certain issues affecting landlords.

The Head of Direct Line for Business, Nick Breton, comments on the partnership: “We are delighted to partner with LBC for its first weekly property programme. Given Britain’s passion with all things property-related, we believe the show will prove compulsive listening.

“As a leading provider of landlord insurance, we are delighted to be able to support a programme that will discuss key issues facing this audience. From homeowners, single property accidental landlords, right up to serious investors with large portfolios, this show will offer something for everyone.”

Paul Shamplina, the Founder of Landlord Action, says: “Having worked at the sharp end of the property industry for more than 25 years helping landlords with problem tenants, I’d like to think I’ve nearly seen it all, but still some cases surprise me.

“Education is key, particularly for amateur landlords entering the world of buy-to-let for the first time, which is why I’m thrilled to be co-hosting The Property Hour.”

LBC is available on 97.3FM in London and across the UK on DAB digital radio, online at lbc.co.uk, through the LBC app and on digital television.

The station reaches 1.4m listeners every week across the UK, with the average listener tuning in for over ten hours.

For your daily landlord updates, visit LandlordNews.co.uk, where you will find the latest information and advice for landlords.

£5m pot to tackle rogue landlords announced

Published On: January 22, 2016 at 12:04 pm

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The Housing Minister Brandon Lewis has today announced a £5m fund to crackdown on rogue landlords across England.

48 councils will split the cash, which will be used in order to root out irresponsible landlords that force their tenants to live in unsuitable and dangerous properties.

Improving the sector

Additionally, the money will assist councils to conduct inspections, surveys and demolish ‘beds in sheds’ and other prohibited buildings.

Since 2011, almost 40,000 inspections have taken place across the country, with 3,000 landlords served with enforcement actions, statutory notices or prosecutions.

Lewis has provided the funding to try and make sure that millions of hard-working, law-abiding tenants receive a better deal when renting a property.

Tough tackling

Mr Lewis said that, ‘many private rental tenants are happy with their home and the service they receive, but there are still rogue landlords that exploit vulnerable people and force their tenants to live in overcrowded and squalid accommodation.’[1]

‘We are determined to tackle these rogue which is why we are providing 48 councils with extra funding, so they can get rid of the cowboy operators in their area and bring an end to tenants living in miserable homes in the name of profit. We also want to raise the quality and choice of rental accommodation across the sector. The funding will ensure tenants know what level of service they can expect and have confidence to get help and take action if things go wrong,’ he added.[1]

£5m pot to tackle rogue landlords announced

£5m pot to tackle rogue landlords announced

A better buy-to-let sector

The announcement comes as part of the proposals in the Housing and Planning Bill, aimed at ensuring England’s 9 million private sector tenants are given better standards by their landlords.

Included in the Housing and Planning Bill proposals are:

  • a database of rogue landlords and agents convicted of previous offences
  • total banning orders for the most prolific offenders
  • introduction of civil penalties up to £30,000, instead of prosecution
  • a more hardline fit and proper persons test for landlords of licensable properties, such as HMO’s

Councils

A full-run down of the forty-eight councils and how much of the £5m they have been allocated is as follows:

  • Birmingham £110,250
  • Blackburn with Darwen £39,375
  • Blackpool £150,000
  • Boston £74,600
  • Bradford £45,000
  • Bristol £135,000
  • Burnley £18,200
  • Calderdale £100,000
  • City of Lincoln £96,071
  • Cornwall £127,500
  • Croydon £15,000
  • Derby £13,161
  • Ealing £150,000
  • Fenland £44,500
  • Hastings £122,734
  • Hyndburn £112,500
  • Ipswich £56,250
  • Islington £112,500
  • Lambeth £90,000
  • Leeds £70,000
  • Lewisham £151, 378
  • Liverpool £112, 500
  • London Borough of Barking and Dagenham £250,000
  • London Borough of Brent £295,000
  • London Borough of Enfield £360,000
  • London Borough of Hackney £36,400
  • London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham £91,000
  • London Borough of Haringey £100,000
  • London Borough of Hounslow £67,500
  • London Borough of Newham £428,241
  • London Borough of Southwark £31,200
  • London Borough of Tower Hamlets £100,000
  • London Borough of Waltham Forest £225,000
  • Luton £94,000
  • Manchester £60,000
  • Middlesbrough £100,000
  • Newcastle £70,000
  • North East Lincolnshire 64,250
  • Nottingham £151,079
  • Pendle £22,500
  • Peterborough £112,500
  • Plymouth £60,000
  • Royal Borough of Greenwich £175,000
  • Salford £63,952
  • Slough £90,000
  • Thanet £88,737
  • Kensington and Chelsea £91,000
  • Torbay Council £90,000

[1]

[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/5-million-cash-for-councils-to-stop-rogue-landlords

 

Bank of England wants action on BTL sector

Published On: December 16, 2015 at 12:29 pm

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In the wake of the Autumn Statement and the strongly opposed 3% stamp duty hike on buy-to-let homes announced for April 2016, the Bank of England has moved to express concern about the sector.

The Bank’s Governor, Mark Carney, said he was worried about high levels of lending to landlords and that the Bank was looking to intervene.

Watching

‘There are a number of things happening…we are watching it closely and we will take action,’ Carney told the Financial Times. He went on to say that he was worried that investors could sell their properties at the same time if house prices were to fall.

This is not the first time the Bank has expressed concern over the buy-to-let market. In September, the Bank’s Financial Policy Committee made a warning over the sector. The committee is headed by Mr Carney and said that the expanding market posed a real threat to the UK’s financial stability. The Bank warned, ‘the stock of buy-to-let lending might be disproportionately vulnerable to very large falls in house prices.’[1]

Surge

Higher rates of stamp duty tax come into force at the beginning of the next financial year in April. As a result, there are concerns a buy-to-let rush could materialise with landlords seeking to invest before the changes. This could in turn push property prices up even further.

At present, there are 1.7m buy-to-let mortgages, accounting for around 16% of the value of all outstanding mortgages in total. Every year, in excess of two million individual landlords declare their rental income to HMRC.

Earlier in 2015, Mr Carney said that the Bank was in discussions with Mr Osborne regarding the chance of gaining more powers to regulate the buy-to-let mortgage market.

In addition, the Governor used the Financial Times interview to defend himself over interest rates. On a number of occasions over the last two years, Carney has suggested that the base rate of 0.5% would rise. However, with inflation remaining below the target of 2%, the Monetary Committee has been forced to delay.

Bank of England wants action on BTL sector

Bank of England wants action on BTL sector

No warning

Moving to defend himself, Carney said, ‘did I know that oil was going to fall 12% in the last 10 days? No, I didn’t know that.’ He added that there was no, ’12 months heads-up’ from the Chinese over the devaluation of the yaun. However, Carney insisted that he will, ‘continue to try to frame as accurately as possible what’s guiding my deciding process.’[1]

The UK’s inflation rate turned positive in November for the first time in four months. Despite the US Federal Reserve being expected to raise rates for the first time in ten years, Carney says that Bank of England is in no hurry to follow.

Interest rates have remained constant for the past six and a half years in Britain. An annual survey of finances found that nearly a third of households would have to cut spending, work more or make alterations to their mortgage payments, should rates rise by 2% with no increase in wages.

In conclusion, the Bank’s research found that the Government’s austerity programme, ‘has weighed on household spending and is likely to continue to do so.’[1]

[1] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35108952