Over 1 million tenants rely on overdrafts to pay rent
Around 13% of tenants in the UK, which is equivalent to around 1.2 million people, use their banking overdraft facilities to pay their rent each month. While the way individuals make use of their overdrafts is personal and specific to them, with new rules about overdraft charging being put in place, this could end up being an expensive way for tenants to pay their rent.
Property investors could be caught unawares by April CGT tax rule change
As the new tax year will soon be here, property investors have some tax rule changes to contend with. There are three that are set to come in and one of them in particular could catch out many property investors, particularly those who are selling up and exiting the industry.
Right to Rent Checks May Become 100% Digital
The Government's Right-to-Rent checking system could become completely digital and much easier for Landlords and Letting Agents to use. While the controversial process isn't as yet definitely here to stay - the High Court ruled it was illegal in 2019, but the Home Office is appealing that decision - the Government is said to be working on digitising the system by which landlords and agents check a tenant applicant's right to rent in the UK.
Estate Agency haart Announces PropTech Agreement
The UK's largest independent estate agency, haart, has announced it has agreed a deal with property technology firm teclet. Software firm teclet's platform will be used in all of haart's letting agent offices, to automate the straightforward elements of their lettings process. This will then give their staff members more time to use their training, experience and skills in other areas of the business.
Should Airbnb Landlords Pay Business Rates?
City councillors in Brighton are reported as saying that Airbnb landlords should pay business rates in England. Meanwhile, in Scotland, local councils look set to be given powers to add controls to better manage the provision of short-term lets. However, there are concerns that this action could result in short-term let landlords selling their properties.
How Adding Mortgage Capabilities Could Support Growth of the Estate Agency Industry
Mortgage approvals surged in the last month of 2019 and analysis from the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA) suggests the market is set to expand in 2020 and 2021. With this in mind, a growing number of property industry participants and experts are pointing at adding mortgage support/broker arms to estate agents, as the next way to grow business in the sector. And, it looks like a number of estate agencies are already moving towards doing just that.