Twelve firms offering sale-and-rent-back services have agreed to change their adverts or take down their websites completely after a challenge from the Office of Fair Trading. Natalie Martin, MortgageStrategy.co.uk – 31-Jul-2009 The OFT issued formal notifications to the firms in January about advertising for rent-back services. The OFT asked the firms to substantiate claims made [...]
One of the easiest ways for flat owners (lessees) to take control of their own building is to exercise the Right To Manage (RTM). The Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 provides this right for leaseholders of flats to force the transfer of the landlord’s management functions to a special company set up by them [...]
Property agents could lose out on millions of pounds worth of commission following a High Court ruling which has undermined agents’ entitlement to fees for introducing buyers to sellers, according to law firm Wedlake Bell. Deirdre Hipwell, Property Week – 28 July 2009 Jeremy Raj, partner in the property team at Wedlake Bell, said the [...]
New research conducted by the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes (EEPH), shows Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) have become a vital part of the decision making process for landlords and tenants alike. With nearly a third (32%) of tenants who moved after October 2008, claiming they used one when selecting a new property to rent. Press [...]
Electrical Safety in Rental Property Download the Full Newsletter July 2009 As we approach the student letting season and the start of the major job hunting period, August, September and October are traditionally busy times in the lettings industry. This year in particular, there are some important issues facing landlords, just over the horizon. The [...]
The blog is available at: www.thelpsblog.com. It will feature advice, information and news stories for landlords and letting agents who are interested in finding out more about the industry. Kevin Firth, director of the LPS, hopes it will be an opportunity to start a conversation with those that work in the rental sector. Over the [...]
Optimistic forecasts for the UK economy are likely to be misplaced, according to a leading economist who said the fallout from the banking crisis will undermine growth for several years. Phillip Inman, The Guardian – Monday 27 July 2009 Roger Bootle, an adviser to accountants Deloitte, said hopes of a quick recovery would be dashed [...]
Nearly three quarter of Britons have no pension savings, with one in three UK pensioners living below the poverty line. Deborah Hyde, CityWire.co.uk – 27 July 2009 Around the world, 69% of individuals do not have any pension policy in place, but the percentage is even higher in the UK where 72% have nothing put [...]
Noise, barking dogs, abandoned vehicles, damage to the common areas and harassment are just some of the things people can experience when living in a community. ARMA Press Release – 17 July 2009 This sort of anti-social behaviour, however, becomes magnified if you live in a block of flats – the sheer proximity of neighbours [...]
The RICS has launched a ‘definitive guide’ for estate agents to raise agency standards and improve the consumers’ experience of the home buying and selling process. Deirdre Hipwell, Property Week – 27 August 2009 The guide – called The Blue Book – The Blue Book will include: * Best practice standards, helping surveyors provide the [...]
