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Property investment tips, insights, interviews, strategies, area research and industry news.

Text says Section 40 Notice in front of a cloud textured background.

The Section 40 Notice: A Detailed Guide

Jun 22, 2023
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In the complex landscape of UK property law, the Section 40 Notice stands as a critical tool for landlords and tenants navigating business premises leases. This legal instrument, rooted in the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, serves as a formal request for information.

The logo for the government of the United Kingdom.

The Landlord and Tenant Covenants Act 1995: A Guide

Jun 22, 2023
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The Landlord and Tenant Covenants Act 1995 is a critical piece of legislation that governs the relationship between landlords and tenants in the United Kingdom. This Act, enacted to rectify perceived injustices in the landlord and tenant law, has influenced the obligations of both parties.

Text says, 'Section 3 Notice'.

The Section 3 Notice: A Guide for Landlords and Tenants

Jun 20, 2023
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The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, specifically Section 3 Notice, is a critical component of UK property law that every landlord and tenant should understand. This notice, which is required when property ownership changes, ensures transparency and fairness in the landlord-tenant relationship.

Text says Section 48 Notice.

A Comprehensive Guide to the Section 48 Notice

Jun 20, 2023
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Navigating the complexities of landlord-tenant laws can be a daunting task for both parties involved. One such critical aspect is the Section 48 Notice, a legal requirement under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987. This notice plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the rights of tenants.

An icon representing a register. Image looks a little like a spreadsheet.

A National Landlord Register – What We Know So Far

Jun 19, 2023
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The setting up of a national landlord register is a subject which is in the property news at the moment. In this article, we will look at what we know so far about the creation of a national landlord register. One thing seems for certain though, a register for landlords in England is coming.

The logo for the government of the United Kingdom.

The Decent Homes Standard: What Landlords and Investors Need to Know

Jun 5, 2023
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The Decent Homes Standard is a legal standard which regulates housing provided by the social housing sector. However, it is currently being proposed that this standard will be applied to the private rented sector or PRS at some point in the near future.

Close up of asbestos.

Asbestos Cement: A Guide for Homeowners

May 25, 2023
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Asbestos cement, a once-popular building material, lurks in many homes across the UK, a silent reminder of a time when its durability and resistance were prized above all else. Yet today, we know that the asbestos in this cement can pose serious health risks if disturbed.

Model houses and arrows representing a rising market.

Prices Will Continue to Rise: Why Investing in Property Still Makes Sense

May 22, 2023
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Investing in property has made very good sense in recent years. It has been relatively easy and the value of your property investment has increased year after year after year. Just recently, property investment hasn’t looked like such an easy option. However, the numbers still add up.

Lawrence Moorings - housing development next to River Stort Canal in Sawbridgeworth, Essex - near Harlow.

The Best Areas of Harlow to Invest in Buy-to-Let

May 18, 2023
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Harlow is within the London commuter belt but has great value property for a fraction of London prices. Harlow is also an up-and-coming town, with its sights firmly set on becoming a small city in the future. In this article, we look at the property market in this promising southeastern town.

A clock on the high street in Guildford.

The Best Areas of Guildford to Invest in Buy-to-Let

May 18, 2023
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Guildford is not a cheap property investment location. But good reasons to look at property investment in Guildford are that it is an employment hotspot with lots of well-paid jobs which benefits the housing market. It’s also a popular London commuter location.

A seagull perched on a lamp post on front of Eastbourne pier, East Sussex.

The Best Areas of Eastbourne to Invest in Buy-to-Let

May 18, 2023
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Once overlooked as not very interesting property markets seaside towns like Eastbourne have come into their own post-pandemic – as people look for more space and a good quality of life. Eastbourne has a truly scenic location on the south coast and still has very good value property prices.

A shopping street in St Helens.

The Best Areas of St Helens to Invest in Buy-to-Let

May 15, 2023
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St Helens is often overlooked as a property investment location. But St Helens has a strategic location at the heart of north-west England and offers some really good value investment property. Here we look at the housing market in this town in Merseyside.

A close up shot of a hipped roof.

The Hipped Roof: A Timeless Architectural Marvel

May 2, 2023
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The hipped roof has long been a fixture in the United Kingdom’s architectural landscape, gracing the skyline with its elegant slopes and practical design. From humble cottages to grand manor houses, hipped roofs have proven worth as a versatile and durable roofing solution.

A for sale sign in the foreground and a block of flats in the background.

What To Do If Your Property Just Won’t Sell

Apr 10, 2023
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The recent hot property market has meant that most houses have sold easily, often within days of being put on the market. Now that the market is cooler, however, it is likely to become more difficult to sell your house. So, for this kind of market, here is what you need to know.

An aerial view of Rochester in the Medway Towns.

The Best Areas of the Medway Towns to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Mar 24, 2023
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The Medway towns are one of the cheapest parts of the south east in which to invest in property, yet are within just 40 minutes or so from central London. Here’s a property investor’s guide to the Medway towns in Kent in the South East of England.

The Maidstone Gyratory Bridge in Maidstone, Kent.

The Best Areas of Maidstone to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Mar 22, 2023
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Maidstone sits at the heart of Kent’s Garden of England countryside, so there’s no doubt that it is a green and pleasant part of the country. But how do the numbers stack up as a property investment location? Here’s what you need to know about buy-to-let in Maidstone, Kent.

Wisley Gardens in Woking.

The Best Areas of Woking to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Mar 22, 2023
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Originally a quiet rural town Woking grew fast in Victorian times when the railway made it a favourite London commuter location. Woking continues to be a very popular London commuter location today and this helps to boost demand for property to buy and rent in the town.

Late evening view of the iconic Navigation Bridge that spans Grand Union Canal in Apsley, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.

The Best Areas of Hemel Hempstead to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Mar 2, 2023
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If you want pretty Hemel Hempstead probably isn’t for you. A decade ago Hemel Hempstead was voted to be the ugliest town in Britain. But if you want great transport links, great local amenities and very attractive property prices then Hemel Hempstead is definitely a town you should look at.

The Digswell Viaduct near Welwyn Garden City.

The Best Areas of Welwyn Garden City to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Mar 2, 2023
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Welwyn Garden City was originally established as a garden city in the 1920s. It was planned by Sir Ebenezer Howard. Ebenezer Howard was a town planner who wanted to create the perfect town – one which combined the benefits of both urban and rural life.

An empty lounge with a fireplace and staircase in the corner.

What Exactly Does Vacant Possession Mean?

Feb 21, 2023
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On the surface of it, it is a simple concept: that a house ‘sold with vacant possession’ is a house that is empty and ready for the next owner to move in, unhindered. The key thing, however, is that the new owner should be able to enjoy undisturbed enjoyment of the property.

Tenements in Glasgow, Scotland.

What is a Tenement?

Feb 12, 2023
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In a tenement, each floor is occupied by two or sometimes more separate properties. They are self-contained with their own entrance and is occupied by one person or a single family. However a distinguishing factor of a tenement is that all the properties share common stairways and an entrance.

A shopping street in Stevenage town centre.

The Best Areas of Stevenage to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Feb 10, 2023
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Being a relatively new town, Stevenage isn’t known for its history or beautiful architecture. But it is known for being one of the most convenient places in the country. Stevenage offers pretty much every amenity anybody could ever need, plus great transport links to the rest of the country.

The city of Colchester in Essex, East of England.

The Best Areas of Colchester to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Feb 10, 2023
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Colchester is one of the UK’s newest cities. City status can help to raise the profile of a newly created city and could help to boost the economy and the property market too. With that in mind here’s what investors need to know about buy-to-let property investment in Colchester.

The area around the old town hall in Crawley, West Sussex.

The Best Areas of Crawley to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Feb 9, 2023
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Crawley is one of those rare places in the south east – a town that is an attractive place to live but which has reasonable property prices. Add to that a buoyant jobs market and great access around the area (and around the world) and you can see why Crawley is an attractive place to invest in buy-to let.

An icon representing community and text that says, 'Community Land Trusts'.

What is a Community Land Trust?

Feb 6, 2023
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Community land trusts are usually set up by people and organisations who live and work in (or have an interest in) a defined local area such as a village, town or suburb. They are membership organisations that are owned by their members and run democratically.

A glass link between two structures.

What is a Glass Link?

Jan 31, 2023
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Glass buildings are sometimes considered where there is a requirement to link a listed building with a new or non-listed building. Glass links may be used to satisfy planning requirements which restrict what can be done to listed buildings. However that’s just one use-case.

Close up of some peppercorns. A representation of peppercorn rent.

What is Peppercorn Rent?

Jan 30, 2023
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One type of rent that is sometimes found in property is a peppercorn rent, which is a notional amount to secure a contract. Here is what peppercorn rent is, how much peppercorn rent actually is, and why more people are likely to be paying peppercorn rent in the future.

A shopping street in Bolton town centre in Greater Manchester.

The Best Areas of Greater Manchester to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Jan 27, 2023
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Greater Manchester is the largest region outside London, with the largest economy and the largest jobs market. It’s still very affordable for property investors, however. Average property prices across Greater Manchester are well under half of those in London.

Icon showing a road.

What is a Compulsory Purchase Order?

Jan 24, 2023
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A compulsory purchase order is a legal order which can be used to acquire land and property from its owner whether they wish to sell it or not. A compulsory purchase order is known as a CPO for short. They can be used for projects such as new roads or new railways.

A virtual square drawn over a field. Image represents land banking.

What Exactly is Land Banking?

Jan 14, 2023
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Land banking – where a property developer buys a plot of land now with the intention of developing it at some future time rather than immediately – is an issue that can have a serious impact on the housing market, driving up prices and preventing new houses from being developed.

White text on a blue background. Text reads, 'Property Bonds'.

What Are Property Bonds?

Jan 11, 2023
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Whether you are an investor looking to invest in UK property or a property developer on the hunt for the means to finance a project, property bonds could be exactly what you are looking for. But tread carefully and always seek expert advice before moving forward.

Building design in a modern, modular style.

What are Modular Homes?

Jan 11, 2023
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Due to rising house prices and new construction technologies, there is currently a lot of interest in modular homes. Here we will look at what exactly are modular homes and at what the advantages and disadvantages of this type of design, are. 

A modern residential city centre apartment block.

What is a Community Infrastructure Levy?

Jan 6, 2023
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The Community Infrastructure Levy is a charge payable by those planning many kinds of building work. It is technically known as a planning charge, but in practice it is a kind of tax on new development. The money received from the Levy is used to pay for local infrastructure such as roads, transport and new schools.

A line drawing of the skyline of Glasgow featuring its famous landmarks.

The Best Areas of Glasgow to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Oct 31, 2022
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Glasgow is sometimes called Scotland’s second city after the capital, Edinburgh. But in every other way Glasgow is bigger, much bigger – Glasgow has a bigger population, a bigger economy and a bigger property market too. There are lots of reasons to invest.

An old set of house keys.

A Guide to DIY Conveyancing

Oct 21, 2022
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When buying or selling a house it is usual to have a solicitor or conveyancer handle the conveyancing process for you. However it is possible to do your conveyancing yourself. Here we will look at what you need to know about doing DIY conveyancing.

High Wycombe town centre.

The Best Areas of High Wycombe to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Oct 19, 2022
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High Wycombe is a marmite kind of place it seems. It appears in surveys of both good places to live and not-so-good places to live. High Wycombe’s good points are that it benefits from a great location by the Chiltern Hills, has good access to London and low property prices.

Thermal external insulation brick wall and finishing system icon.

Is External Wall Insulation Worth the Investment?

Oct 7, 2022
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External wall insulation is just one of many ways you might consider improving the insulation of your property. In this article we will look at whether external wall insulation is likely to be a good investment or not.

An apartment block on Green Street, Upton Gardens, former site of West Ham football ground, Upton Park, Newham.

The Best Areas of Newham to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Sep 21, 2022
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Newham is a typical East London district. But it has undergone a massive amount of change and regeneration in recent years. One thing about Newham hasn’t changed though: It’s still a very good value part of London for property buyers and investors.

An external view of the front of Chase Farm hospital in Enfield, London.

The Best Areas of Enfield to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Sep 21, 2022
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For investors looking to find good value property investments in London then Enfield could be the answer. Average property prices in Enfield are only around half of those in London’s more expensive boroughs. Here’s our guide to the best areas of Enfield to invest in buy-to-let.

Looking up at two skyscrapers. Photograph taken in Tottenham Hale, Haringey.

The Best Areas of Haringey to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Sep 16, 2022
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Haringey is probably one of the less well known London boroughs. But Haringey has a great accessible location within easy reach of everything that’s going on in London. Haringey also offers some good value property investment opportunities.

A sign at Chingford Station in London, promoting the London Borough of Waltham Forest as the 2019 London Borough of Culture.

The Best Areas of Waltham Forest to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Aug 30, 2022
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The first thing to know about Waltham Forest is that it’s (mostly) not a forest! But Waltham Forest is known for offering more space – and better value – than inner London, alongside great access into the capital.

A photograph of Wanstead village high street.

The Best Areas of Redbridge to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Aug 30, 2022
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Redbridge lays claim to being London’s leafiest suburb thanks to its abundance of parks. Redbridge also has excellent access into central London, with the new Elizabeth Line services taking less than 20 minutes. Redbridge still offers below average property prices too.

A graphic with the word 'TAX' featured front-and-centre.

Understanding Taxation for Buy-to-Let Limited Companies 

Aug 2, 2022
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If you are running (or setting up) a buy-to-let limited company tax rules differ from those if you are owning buy-to-let properties in your own name. Here’s a guide to understanding tax for buy-to-let limited companies.

A green field with spring flowers.

What is a Greenfield Site?

Jul 20, 2022
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Greenfield sites may offer more flexibility to build what you want to build and more design flexibility, subject to obtaining planning permission. They are in some ways a blank canvas for your property development plans.

A model building is surrounded by architectural plans.

What is a Planning Performance Agreement?

Jul 6, 2022
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A planning performance agreement is an agreement that is made between an applicant who applies for planning permission and the local planning authority. It sets down a framework for how the planning application will be handled and what timescales will apply.

Logo for the Joint Contracts Tribunal or JCT.

What is the Joint Contracts Tribunal and What Does It Do?

Jun 27, 2022
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The JCT is an organisation which produces contract documentation for building and construction projects. These include standard forms for both main and sub-contracts, homeowner contracts plus agreements, collateral warranties and associated guidance documents.

View of Battersea Reach, a riverside residential building development in Wandsworth.

The Best Areas of Wandsworth to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Jun 14, 2022
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Wandsworth has some hidden gems that offer good value for buy-to-let investors. Plus some huge regeneration projects that promise to make the Wandsworth property market even more up and coming in the future.

Shops on Station Road in Upminster, Havering.

The Best Areas of Havering to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Jun 7, 2022
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The first step to successfully investing in property is to know where you are investing. So where is Havering, we hear you ask? Havering is a borough on the eastern side of London. The largest town in Havering is Romford.

An illuminated high street of Harrow on the Hill with a passing bus and cars in motion.

The Best Areas of Harrow to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Jun 6, 2022
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Harrow is one of London’s most popular residential areas, yet house prices in Harrow remain comfortably under the capitol’s average. This makes this London borough increasingly attractive to London-centric property investors.

A man stands outside Hounslow West underground tube station.

The Best Areas of Hounslow to Invest in Buy-to-Let

Jun 6, 2022
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Hounslow is one of the best connected places in all of London, with great connections by road, train and plane. And yet, for property investors, Hounslow also has some of London’s cheapest property prices, too.