Buy-to-let is thrown a lifeline by coronavirus

Buy-to-let was one of Britain’s best-loved investments before crippling tax blows caused many landlords to lose interest. But now buy-to-let has been thrown a lifeline. Slashed stamp duty, better mortgage deals and new tax benefits all mean landlords are flocking back to the market.  However, with unemployment predicted to soar to four million by the … Read more

Stamp duty cut slammed for cutting tax for landlords

Will the stamp duty cut be BAD for first-time buyers? Critics warn tax giveaway could revive buy-to-let investors and boost house prices Chancellor’s plans will see 90 per cent of homes pay no stamp duty until March However this includes second-home buyers including property investors Labour have blasted the move as an ‘unnecessary subsidy’ for … Read more

Chancellor’s stamp duty bung comes under fire for cutting tax for landlords

Will the stamp duty cut be BAD for first-time buyers? Critics warn tax giveaway could revive buy-to-let investors and boost house prices Chancellor’s plans will see 90 per cent of homes pay no stamp duty until March However this includes second-home buyers including property investors Labour have blasted the move as an ‘unnecessary subsidy’ for … Read more

Is the tenant fees ban really pushing up rents?

Letting agents have claimed that recent legislation banning them from charging renters upfront fees has resulted in a swathe of landlords hiking rents.  In a report issued this week letting agent trade body ARLA Propertymark said the number of agents reporting they had seen rents rise hit the highest figure on record in June, up … Read more

Capital gains tax rule change could cost accidental landlords thousands

The capital gains tax rule change that could cost accidental landlords thousands when they sell up Private residence relief to be cut from 18 months to nine months from next year The changes could affect over half a million landlords when they come to sell Government is also scaling back lettings relief By Will Kirkman … Read more

What does the Conservatives election win mean for landlords?

Housing was a huge policy debate during the election and the private rented sector was no exception.  Both major parties put forward proposals to shake up the sector and though landlords may be breathing a collective sigh of relief that they’ve been spared the prospect of Labour rent controls, many will still be braced for … Read more

Seven in 10 tenants opt to stay put leading to biggest drop in rents on record

Rents see biggest drop on record as seven in 10 tenants opt to renew rather than move while the coronavirus lockdown continues Rents on tenancy renewals fell by 0.5 per cent year-on-year across the country This comes as seven in 10 opt to renew their tenancies rather than move home London rents dropped the most, … Read more

Three quarters of landlords say their tenants are worried they will struggle to pay rent

Three quarters of landlords warn their tenants will fail to pay rent as coronavirus lockdown continues Seven in 10 landlords have been contacted by tenants worried about paying rent Five million privately rented households in the UK are affected by the crisis   Unions call on the Government to ban future evictions based on rent arrears  … Read more