Welcome to the Property Advice Newsletter
written by Independent Chartered Surveyors of the UK wide network of Property Professionals

February 2018

In this month’s newsletter … we look at how a new Bill might be the end of boundary disputes, discuss how legal loopholes that benefit holiday home owners could soon close, and give advice on how to avoid getting up to your neck in poo.

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 most of the information they need.

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New Bill could be the end of expensive boundary disputes

Often one of the most lengthy and expensive of all disputes, the way in which boundary disputes are handled is soon to change.

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Legal loophole benefiting holiday home owners may soon close

A current loophole in the law has allowed owners of holiday homes to register the property for business use so that they can enjoy small business rate relief.

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Stamp Duty Land Tax still stifling the market

Stamp Duty Land Tax has been the focus of attention in recent months, from reducing the burden on first time buyers to increasing the burden on buy to let landlords. Current practices could lead to up to £2 billion in overpayments going straight to the government.

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Tougher mandatory electrical installation safety checks for private rented properties

A new consultation follows up on recommendations make by the Private Rented Sector Electrical Safety Working Group.

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Up to your neck in poo: How to maintain your drainage

Drainage faults are a common source of water ingress, so keeping your drainage systems in good order is essential to maintaining a dry house.

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Up to 400,000 homes deemed ‘virtually unmarketable’ by estate agents

How much does your property value drop when your neighbours are deemed undesirable?

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Mortgage time bomb due to go off, says FCA

Homeowners with interest-only mortgages are ignoring the advice of their lenders.

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Overseas investors enjoying big discounts on properties in London

Half of all properties for sale in parts of London have been purchased by investors from overseas.

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Landlords struggling to keep up with the payments

Record numbers of landlords are struggling with mortgage arrears as increasing compliance costs and tax changes take their toll.

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First time buyers fighting back

The average deposit may have increased by 91% over the last decade, but it doesn’t seem to have stopped the average first time buyer.

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And Finally …

How to add value to your home

How to look after your largest financial asset by adding value to your home.

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This newsletter is a free service by PropertySurveying.co.uk for those with an interest in the UK Property Market. As well as being posted online, it is emailed direct to our subscribers all across the country.

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