Category Archives: UK Property News
Investing in Your First Property as a Landlord
Although certain sectors of the property market are expected to slightly weaker in 2017, investing in property is still one of the best ways to make money in the UK. Residential property is particularly strong as many people are now unable or unwilling to invest while the job market is so unstable.
Below are some of the most important things to consider when investing in your first property.
Location
Location is extremely important when investing in your first property. Many people think of London as being on the best places to invest in property due to how densely populated it is, however that isn’t necessarily the case. A recent article by Money Week explains how Birmingham currently offers a better return for property investers than London.
Type of property
The type of property you want to invest in is another thing you should think about carefully. Certain sectors are predicted to perform better in the 2017 than others. For example, industrial property is predicted to perform very well, as large retail chains require more stock space. You should do your research and think carefully before committing and never be afraid to ask for advice from people who are currently operating in the property market.
Current state
When considering a property, you should always think about how much work and money it will take in order for you to be able to let it out. If a property needs a lot of renovation then you not only have to think about the time and expense required but also that you’ll need to have it insured while it’s unoccupied. Residential buildings that are unoccupied are at considerably greater risk so you should certainly take this into account.
It can be a good idea to invest in renovating a property to make it more appealing to live in too. Small touches like adding nicer furnishings and having bifold doors blinds installed can go a long way to making the property more attractive to prospective tenants. Perfect fit blinds for French doors are so easy to fit, so you can probably even do it yourself.
Insurance
In addition to the initial expense of a property, you also need to think about how much it will cost to insure. Properties in low crime areas typically cost less to insure so they’re usually a wise investment. A good landlord insurance policy will cover you for structural damage, liability claims and contents. The value and security of the property will affect the price you pay for landlord insurance, as well as where the property is located.
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Economic and Political Uncertainty Predicted to Affect Property Returns in 2017
Given everything that happened during 2016, it was a very strong year for property – something that came as a surprise to many people. The value of the average house increased by 6.5% over the course of the year and although that figure is lower compared to the previous year, it’s still impressive all things considered.
Many people had predicted a poor year for property at the start of 2016 and after the British public voted to leave the EU in June, that feeling only strengthened. It was expected that many of the wealthier people who live in the capital would move and create a trickle-down effect that would negatively impact the entire property market but that did not happen.
Despite 2016 being a strong year for property, many experts predict that 2017 could be quite different. Halifax’s housing economist, Martin Ellis, had the following to say –
“Slower economic growth, pressure on employment and a squeeze on spending power, together with affordability constraints, are expected to reduce housing demand during 2017.
“UK house prices should, however, continue to be supported by an ongoing shortage of property for sale, low levels of housebuilding, and exceptionally low interest rates.
“Overall, annual house price growth nationally is most likely expected to slow to between one and four per cent by the end of 2017. The relatively wide range for the forecast reflects the higher than normal degree of uncertainty regarding the prospects for the UK economy this year.”
An article from The Telegraph also demonstrates how property returns are likely to be lower in 2017 compared to the previous couple of years. The lower returns won’t affect all sectors, with industrial property predicted to perform well, not least because of the needs of mega retailers such as Amazon, who continue to expand their operation.
Agricultural property could easily take a hit in 2017 however, as the full effects of Brexit on the farming industry are yet to be seen.…
The fine balance between town and country
The fine balance between town and country
The fine balance between town and country
Sitting on the western outskirts of Winchester, Whistler is a fine 1950s family home which straddles the definition of a town or country home. Well positioned in a plot of just over half an acre there are also glorious views over Royal Winchester Golf Course, providing a wonderful feeling of space, yet the convenience of the city is just a short distance away. Set back off an old Roman road, the gardens frame the house and there is extensive parking at the front with mature trees and shrubs featuring at the rear.
The accommodation is superb and, having been extended over the years, now provides substantial family space over two floors with the possibility of creating further rooms in the large loft space if required.
This is a well presented traditional home but is also influenced by current trends with contemporary colour schemes, smart bathrooms, a modern open plan kitchen and bi-folding doors across the rear giving access to the garden.
The versatile living space could be adapted to provide annexe accommodation particularly with the large games room, of almost 40’ in length, which was formerly an indoor swimming pool and which links through to the entrance hall at the front and the conservatory at the rear and with bi-folding doors to the garden. Four further reception rooms radiate from the hall and the layout works well with the smart kitchen where there is plenty of space for informal dining and direct access to the garden. There is also a utility room with access to the side, a guest cloakroom and ground floor shower room.
Five bedrooms, all doubles, radiate from the lovely first floor landing and share two family bathrooms, both refitted in……
Ready to welcome new residents
Ready to welcome new residents
Ready to welcome new residents
The wide range of attractive and individual homes at Winchester Village has proved popular with buyers over the last year. There is now a small range of properties that have just been completed; well designed, finished to a high specification and with high energy efficient ratings that are ready for occupation.
Jane Kennerley of Savills New Homes says: “This is a great opportunity for those looking for a fabulous brand new house. There is something for everyone whether looking for a two, three or four bedroom home and there is a limited availability of houses which are ready for occupation but it could mean a quick move for those in a position to proceed.”
Most people visiting this Bovis Homes landmark development on the outskirts of Winchester have been surprised at the wonderful street scenes. The traditional architecture and superb range of brick and rendered elevations with attractive windows are set back behind beautifully landscaped gardens and decorative railings. Much of the car parking has been ingeniously planned to be discreetly hidden behind the houses so leaving more of a pedestrian friendly environment.
Jane suggests that potential purchasers get in touch to make an appointment to view: “We are strongly advising people to call us to make an appointment to view so that we can ensure they can be given the time and attention they need. There are several different houses to choose from and each one is beautifully finished, with attractive gardens and two allocated parking spaces. Bovis Homes also has an excellent range of incentives to make moving easier and more affordable.”
Lovely show homes have also been created at Winchester Village to enable visitors to more easily visualise living here.
Prices are from £399,950 for……
Stunning location and breath-taking views
Stunning location and breath-taking views
Alexandra Wharf is the new development that will raise the already impressive profile of Southampton’s Ocean Village Marina. The exciting collection of 82 apartments at this prime location takes luxurious living to the next level.
Donna Pearce is a new member of the Savills New Homes team and is based at the sales office at Alexandra Wharf where, since the launch in June, some 40% of the apartments have already been reserved off plan.
Nikki Penman at Savills is delighted that Donna has joined the team and says: “Donna has quickly become a valued member of the team and her wealth of experience in estate agency is a huge advantage.”
The recent regeneration of Ocean Village has sparked renewed interest in this fabulous part of Southampton which is surrounded by reminders of this historical seaport. There is easy access to all the city amenities as well as attractive local bars and restaurants, cinema, shops and interesting walks along the ancient sea defences.
Delighted to be involved with such a prestigious development, Donna is excited to be based at Alexandra Wharf where the construction is really starting to take shape, extending up to the peak of ten storeys.
Donna says: “There is a fabulous range of two and three bedroom homes which vary in aspect, size and layout offering a range of accommodation to suit different lifestyles. Many are on a single level but there are also interesting duplex and triplex formats. There will be lovely bright living spaces with large windows creating a spacious and relaxed environment with sleek kitchens and bathrooms.
“With the majority of these stunning apartments holding a waterfront position, there will be incredible views of the city and the beautiful marina from private balconies and roof terraces.”
Those residents reserving off……
Landlords of rural properties more likely to consider pets
Landlords of rural properties more likely to consider pets
Landlords of rural properties more likely to consider pets
Properties away from the city centre are more likely to attract tenants who have pets and many landlords of these outlying homes are often inclined to consider allowing pets to reside with the family.
Enterprise Cottage at Chilcomb, for example, is a beautifully presented cottage where the landlord would be happy to accept a well behaved pet. This pretty village is surrounded by rolling countryside and farmland and there are fabulous views from the cottage.
Just over two miles from Winchester, this is a great location for those wishing to take advantage of city amenities yet who want to be in a peaceful environment away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Surprisingly spacious accommodation has been finished to a high standard with a light and airy sitting room warmed by an open fire, and a superb modern kitchen/dining room, with a tiled floor running between, a full range of integrated appliances and doors to the garden.
There is also a large utility room with a cloakroom/shower on the ground floor.
Upstairs are three double bedrooms and a large family bathroom with a bath and separate shower.
The lawned garden continues from the front of the cottage round to the side, where glazed doors from the sitting room and the kitchen open to the westerly aspect, and then on to the rear.
Belgarum in Winchester says Enterprise Cottage is available for immediate occupancy on an unfurnished basis at a monthly rent of £1,650. Give the lettings team a call on 01962 844460 to arrange to view today.…