There’s no doubt that Brexit has caused uncertainty across the UK property market. While some investors are happy to continue investing based on successful past performance, some have taken a more ‘wait-and-see’ approach. However, despite the warnings, the UK economy and the property market have continued to hit new heights. The national GDP grew by 1.8% in 2017 and regional property prices around the country have continued to flourish – Birmingham, for example, has risen by 16% since 2016 and is forecasting further growth by 2022. New-build property is becoming increasingly popular for investors compared to traditional existing stock, demonstrated by 75% of respondents to a recent survey, by FJP Investment, praising the modern features associated with new-builds. In the same way that new-build properties have always been a popular asset type, the UK market has historically been a popular... [Read More]

If you’re in the process of building or renovating a house, the topic on whether to incorporate energy-efficient aspects will surely come up. The added expense, however, will lead you to question whether the investment is worth it. There are numerous benefits in doing so but one of the most attractive reasons builders tell homeowners is that energy efficiency can increase the value of your home.  Of course, who wouldn’t want that? However, many people still question whether this is always the case, so here are some reasons that will explain why implementing energy-efficient methods can increase a home’s value.  The added value of green building features When you’re faced with a quotation of how much will it cost to add energy-efficient features like solar panels or cavity wall insulation, it may give you pause before deciding to go for... [Read More]

Investing in property has always been risky business, however, if done correctly, you can see returns on your property way above the figures you ever expected. The key is investing in low-cost properties in high demand areas, this cancels out most areas immediately surrounding London. The best places to invest in housing at the moment is the North-West, Yorkshire and Scotland, with areas such as Rochdale showing the highest return on investments with an almost 10% return on your investment per year. Invest in Rochdale Houses in Rochdale are not particularly in short supply, either, with over 1000 houses set to be completed in the next 2 years. Such developments include the Hill Top Park development planned by Gleeson. These houses are sold under freehold tenure, which allows you to buy the property outright with no strings attached, making it... [Read More]

With the leadership contest over Boris Johnson, who was the clear favourite throughout, has been installed as Conservative leader and Prime Minister. He has long had strong views on the housing market, but what do these views mean for the private rental sector? Here we examine the good and the bad. Private Rental Sector for Tenants Johnson has strong views on the PRS, from both the landlord’s and the tenant’s perspective. For tenants, while London Mayor, he promised a blue badge ‘kitemark’ for landlords and rental homes introduced the London Rental Standard. The London Rental Standard aimed to promote good standards within the rental market. Open to both landlords and agents, it allowed those who signed up to use the LRS badge, which is recognisable across London as a mark for quality. However, both initiatives were largely voluntary and, as... [Read More]