In this month’s Property Surveying Newsletter … we look at how to give a problem house back, examine the issues around solid wall insulation and find out why marriage might be back on the agenda
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, reflecting survey data, statistics, trends and information from the property market. This provides a single place where anyone with an interest in UK property can find the information they need.
Couple win High Court moth infestation legal case
A moth infestation in a multi-million pound west London home sparked an unusual high-profile court case over the eco-friendly insulation. The billionaire homeowners have successfully sued over claims that sheep wool insulation caused moth infestation.
Surveyors guide to improving your EPC
The Labour government has resurrected the Conservative’s ambitions to force landlords into upgrading the energy efficiency of their properties to a minimum standard of C. The new target is 2030, and is part of the Plan for Change strategy, which aims to improve standards in rental homes and reduce energy costs.
More new houses? No! Just sort out the empty houses
The Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, says there are “no excuses” not to build the 1.5 million new homes “people desperately need”. However, there are still a massive number of properties already in existence that are not lived in for a range of reasons.
Thought mortgage prisoners were now free? Think again
In 2002, a newly divorced man on a healthy salary purchased a one bedroom house in Southend on a 25-year repayment mortgage. However, now almost at the end of the mortgage term, he owes more money to his mortgage lender than when he bought the property.
Solid wall insulation causing mould, damp and decay
“Serious systemic” issues have been found in homes fitted with insulation under government schemes since 2022, and installers have been instructed to correct the problems. However, many have since gone bust and, in some cases, the cost of the work could actually exceed the value of the house.
Deposit scandal hits home improvers
The High Court has wound up three Manchester kitchen companies after an investigation by the Insolvency Service found they had falsely taken over £50,000 in deposits from twenty customers.
Want to build on your property? Get permission
A Wiltshire man has been given a suspended prison sentence for breaching a High Court injunction to remove unlawfully built properties from his land.
And finally …
Marriage more attractive after budget
It is thought likely that more cohabiting older people will consider marriage as a result of the unpopular inheritance tax changes proposed in October’s budget. In her speech, the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, announced that unused pension pots would be included in inheritance tax calculations from April 2027.
Written by Independent Chartered Surveyors
of the UK wide network of Property Professionals
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