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In this month’s edition … we look at the award of damages for breach of contract, ask whether retirement living should be more popular, discuss the use of recycled plastic in construction, and reveal this year’s most vulnerable Victorian properties
The Property Market Monthly Fact File
The property market fact file is a collection of data compiled each month by our Chartered Surveyors and the propertysurveying.co.uk team; collating survey data, statistics, trends and information from the property market. This aims to provide a single place where anyone with an interest in UK property can find the information they need.
Legal Article: Moore v National Westminster Bank plc
In Moore v National Westminster Bank Plc the High Court upheld an award of damages awarded for breach of contract by the lender when it failed to arrange a Home Buyers Report. Costs were awarded for the cost of repairs rather than the diminution of value.
Leasehold law headache continues
Barclays Bank has reignited the debate on unfair leasehold practices, after refusing to lend against a high profile development in Stratford, East London. There will soon be a new government bill aimed at tackling the unfair practices carried out under the complexities of leasehold law.
Tax avoidance on second homes
Southwold’s attractive seafront, traditional pier, working lighthouse, pretty beach huts, boating lake and golf course have made it a popular destination for wealthy property buyers. However, half of properties in Southwold are registered as ‘holiday homes’, and campaigners have accused owners of tax avoidance.
Victorian Society reveals 2018 top ten properties that are ‘crying out’ to be saved
The Victorian Society has a formal role in the planning system, and the charity’s Conservation Advisers assist local planning authorities in making decisions that involve the adaptation of Victorian and Edwardian buildings while preserving their historical qualities.
The biggest property viewing turn-offs
We all have a personal checklist of requirements when searching for our dream property, but there will also be a list of definite property viewing turn-offs, that potentially halt us in our tracks. From dirty kitchens to dated décor, some of these things could have your home buyer running in the opposite direction.
Thinking of downsizing in retirement?
By 2046, the number of people aged over 65 will increase to a national average of 25% of the UK population. Yet fewer than 0.7% of over 65 year olds live in retirement villages. We ask why …
Elite rental market takes UK by storm
Rental budget of £4,800 per month? Welcome to the elite rental market, introduced from the US in 2012 and designed for the London high flyers wanting a ‘professional lifestyle’ in the city. Eight brand new apartments are ready to be occupied in London’s Shoreditch.
Is shared ownership for me?
Do you dream of owning your own home but don’t earn enough to qualify for the mortgage you need? The 200,000 shared ownership properties around the UK are testimony to the fact that you are not alone.
Utilising plastic to build homes
The War Against Plastic is gaining momentum, and there are many new initiatives starting across the globe in which we are trying to find different ways to utilise plastic in an eco-friendly way. These include striking new ways of making tiles, paving stones and other building materials.
Angry couple sell new build home on Facebook
Ten months after moving into their new-build property, a young couple in South Molton, Devon have put their home back on the market by advertising it on Facebook, slashing the original asking price by £50,000.
And finally …
Could you live in a ‘haibu’ pod?
A company in Barcelona has sparked outrage by suggesting that tiny living pods may be the answer to the housing problems of some Western cities. Each minuscule pod measures a mere 2.4 sq m (25.8 sq ft) – smaller than a double bed.
Written by Independent Chartered Surveyors
of the UK wide network of Property Professionals
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