London councils have been given extra funding to ease the transition for those in the private rented sector as housing benefit is cut.
The government has provided £5.9 million until 2015 to help residents and councils renegotiate with landlords, or find more alternative properties.
Since the housing benefit cuts were announced, concerns have been raised that the high rents in London and lower payments could drive people out of the capital. Read more…
The government should extend the stamp duty holiday for first-time buyers to help more people get their foot on the property ladder.
That is according to Peter Bolton-King, chief executive at the National Federation of Property Professionals (NFOPP), who said it is clear the concession, which comes to an end on March 24th, has helped buyers. Read more…
Strength is beginning to return to the property market in the US, according to Mayfair International Realty.
Figures from the National Association of Realtors highlighted recently that sales of existing homes in the US increased in January, marking the third gain in four months. Read more…
Sellers don’t get a second chance to make a first impression with a property, and should not underestimate the importance of an entrance hall.
According to Graham Lock, director and co-founder of online estate agent housenetwork.co.uk, the entrance hall is where buyers will form their opinion on a property, and for this reason it has to be spot on. Read more…
Investors remain drawn to London’s property market as it still offers capital protection, even though yields are falling.
Ed Mead, director at Douglas & Gordon, explained that investment priorities have changed, as people look to avoid the capital depreciation seen in some markets. Read more…
Investors in student property should seek out new builds to get the greatest return on their investment, according to IPINGlobal.
An increase in the rental regulations and requirements related to “traditional converted semis” means these are “falling by the wayside” as an investment prospect, Peter Mindenhall, researcher at IPINGlobal.com, said. Read more…
Rochford and South Lakeland are the only two local authority districts in the UK with higher house prices now than in 2007, according to new figures.
Research from the Bank of Scotland revealed that the average house price in the Essex area was £229,666 in 2007, and it now stands at £231,595. Read more…
