Category Archives: Landlord News

EPC Changes Proposed – What Landlords Need To Know

Landlord News, ,

One of the most challenging aspects of being a landlord is staying in touch with legislation. At the start of 2020, English landlords had more than 150 pieces of legislation to comply with. With this guidance being updated regularly, and new legislation being passed, it is often a full-time job keeping up with the administrative side of being a landlord.

At Just Lets, we understand the challenges of being a modern landlord. We are pleased to say we help many landlords in and around Peterborough, and we want to ensure you make informed decisions.

Your rental property must comply with MEES regulations

Not only do we keep our landlords up to date with current legislation, but we also ensure they receive an early warning about proposed changes. While there is no need to act now, landlords should be aware of proposed changes regarding the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) and the standard of your rental property.

If you let property, you must hold a valid EPC. Also, the rental property must be classed as an E or better. If your rental property is classed as an F or a G, it is not suitable for letting purposes. (As always, there are some exemptions, but the vast majority of rental property must meet these standards.)

There is no denying energy efficiency is an important topic, and it is an issue that tenants are interested in. When a rental property has a good standard of energy efficiency, it is easier to heat. This lowers energy bills, making the property more appealing to tenants.

In the long-term, landlords also benefit by improving the energy-efficiency rating of a rental property, but most focus falls on the tenant.

Are changes coming to energy efficiency in rental property?

The new proposal comes from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. It is looking for the EPC standard on private rental properties to be a Band C or better by 2025 for all new tenancies, and by 2028 for all tenancies.

Paul Offley, the compliance officer at The Guild of Property Professionals, has spoken about the proposed EPC changes.

Paul said; “Following the recent reports in some of the industry press, I have received a number of concerns relating to the proposal to introduce a new minimum energy efficiency rating for the Private Rental Sector (PRS) in England at level C, which would apply for all new tenancies from 2025 and all existing tenancies from 2028. As you can imagine there are a number of properties where this will impact significantly on landlords in some areas where the cost of energy improvements could be high.”

Paul continued by saying; “Landlords may also be concerned at the increased costs they may face, especially as some may have issues with rent arrears from their tenants who have been impacted by coronavirus – but ‘don’t panic’ is my clear message. At this stage the government has announced its intention and issued a consultation process, everyone involved with the PRS has until the end of December 2020 to have their say and submit a response to the consultation; so don’t suffer in silence this is your opportunity to have your say on this topic.”

If you feel strongly about this matter, you have time to voice your opinion. You can email PRStrajectoryConsultation@beis.gov.uk, or visit the website at https://beisgovuk.citizenspace.com/energy-efficiency/improving-energy-performance-privately-rented-home/.

If you are a landlord in or around Peterborough, and you need assistance in managing your rental property, we can help. We know these are challenging times for landlords, but there is a demand for rental property. When you need guidance in the local market, contact Just Lets Peterborough today, and we will be happy to help you.

You can find Just Lets Peterborough at 142 Oundle Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE2 9PJ. Feel free to email us at peterborough@justlets.com or call us today on 01733 346255.

Landlords – Top Tips On Maintaining Property In Cold Weather

Landlord News, , ,

With the temperatures falling, we are moving to the end of autumn and into winter. While many people appreciate nature at this time of year, there is a lot to be said for creating a warm and cosy environment to make the most of staying indoors.

As a landlord, you should consider the importance of maintaining your rental property in cold weather. Your initial focus should be on providing tenants with a pleasant experience. However, in the long-term, you benefit from maintaining your property.

We can help local landlords prepare for winter in Peterborough

At Just Lets Peterborough, we are on hand to ensure you receive all the support you need in maintaining rental property. We are pleased to say we work closely with landlords in and around Peterborough. This ensures we know the key local issues, and that we offer relevant guidance.

We also stay in touch with guidance from leading names in the rental sector. ARLA Propertymark has recently issued a seven-point guide for landlords to maintain property in cold weather, and we are more than happy to share these points with you.

The seven points are:

  1. Clear out the gutters at your rental property
  2. Impress the importance of opening windows from time to time
  3. Bleed radiators
  4. Watch out for trip hazards associated with winter such as icy paths
  5. Review the boiler
  6. Review safety aspects such as security alarms, external lights and good practice in ensuring properties are secure
  7. Review your insurance policies

These are all important steps to consider when preparing your rental property for winter. Some of the tips are solely aimed at the landlord, such as reviewing the insurance policies relating to the property and reviewing the condition of the boiler. Some of the tips are aimed at tenants, but as a landlord, you should look to impress the importance of some of these tips.

At this time of year, communication is crucial between landlords and tenants. Tenants should feel comfortable about raising problems, and landlords should provide clear instructions on how to best care for the rental property.

Get help in managing your rental property

Of course, when you have a property management service, you don’t have to worry about liaising with your tenant, or carrying out these tasks. At Just Lets, we offer a range of property management services in and around Peterborough. If you want to take the stress out of maintaining your rental accommodation in time for winter, we are here to assist you.

If you are a landlord in or around Peterborough, and you need assistance in managing your rental property, we can help. We know these are challenging times for landlords, but there is a demand for rental property. When you need guidance in the local market, contact Just Lets Peterborough today, and we will be happy to help you.

You can find Just Lets Peterborough at 142 Oundle Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE2 9PJ. Feel free to email us at peterborough@justlets.com or call us today on 01733 346255.

September 2020 – What Landlords And Agents Are Facing

Landlord News, ,

It is fair to say these are challenging times. At Just Lets Peterborough, we are working harder than ever to support local landlords. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your current circumstances, we are more than happy to assist as best we can.

In addition to supporting local landlords, we stay in touch with what is happening across the country. As you would expect, there is a lot of research work taking place in the rental market.

Knowing what other landlords and letting industry professionals are experiencing is helpful. If other people are achieving success, there is an opportunity to review what they are doing, and see if it can be replicated. If other landlords are struggling, it is helpful to know other professionals are in the same boat.

Also, if there are solutions to some of the more common problems, this provides an opportunity to resolve your issues.

The letting industry faces a number of strong challenges

Goodlord recently surveyed 350 letting agents on the current state of the rental market in the United Kingdom. Some of the most pressing challenges and topics mentioned by agents include:

  • New regulations and the difficulties in complying with the increased level of regulation
  • New laws impacting landlords and their ability to manage rental property
  • COVID-19

More than 50% of respondents said they feel “very positive” regarding the future of their letting agency.

84% of respondents said they feel confident in their business having financial resources to continue trading for some time. Only 3% of respondents cited they didn’t know or were lacking in confidence about the future.

Unsurprisingly, Covid-19 remains a major concern

It is no surprise the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 causes concern for landlords and agents. 47% of respondents said the “ongoing impact” of the pandemic is their leading concern.

Some telling findings from the study suggests:

  • Two-thirds of respondent’s state arrears have risen because of the pandemic
  • More than half of the arrears have risen by up to 10%
  • Six per cent of respondents say arrears have risen by at least one-third
  • Legislation and compliance issues are also a concern for agents

Over one-third of respondents to the Goodlord survey have cited “legislation and compliance” as a major concern. Issues relating to check outs, managing property, compliance issues and void periods have all been listed by agents as concerning matters.

There are calls from leading industry professionals for more support in the letting sector.

Chris Norris is the Policy Director for the NRLA, and he said; “The best way to prevent repossessions is to tackle the root cause by ensuring tenants are able to pay their rent. Although landlords have been doing all they can to support tenants struggling to pay their rent because of the pandemic, it is not sustainable to expect rent arrears to build indefinitely with no hope of paying them off.”

If you are a landlord in or around Peterborough, and you need assistance in managing your rental property or dealing with the impact of COVID-19, we can help. We know these are challenging times for landlords, but there is a demand for rental property. When you need guidance in the local market, contact Just Lets Peterborough today, and we will be happy to help you.

You can find Just Lets Peterborough at 142 Oundle Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE2 9PJ. Feel free to email us at peterborough@justlets.com or call us today on 01733 346255.

Busiest Time For Rental Market – Even In 2020!

Landlord News, Peterborough Branch, ,

Information provided by ARLA Propertymark suggests private rented sector tenants are looking for a property than ever before in the United Kingdom. However, landlords are also entering the market in more significant numbers, as there has been an increase in the number of rental properties available.

The organisation’s Private Rented Sector Report suggests there was an average of 97 newly registered tenants in July. This was a significant increase on the 79 new tenants per branch in June of this year. Back in January 2020, which seems a lifetime ago, the highest figure was 88 prospective tenants per agency, so the increase is also real when reviewed alongside pre-COVID figures.

The Private Rented Sector Reports also indicates there was a record high for managed properties per branch in July. An average of 208 rental homes were available per agency branch.

Phil Keddie, president of ARLA Propertymark, said: “Our latest figures show the rental market still continues to gather momentum following the reopening of the housing market in May. We have seen a record-breaking level of rental stock, and demand from tenants continues to grow, providing a positive outlook for the future of the private rented sector.”

It is hard to look at 2020 figures alongside other years, as this is a year like no other. However, it is helpful for landlords to familiarise themselves with what are the traditionally active times of year in the rental market.

Between April and June, enquiries rise in the rental market

As a rough rule of thumb, most landlords experience an increase of enquiries between Easter and the May Bank Holidays. There is a number of factors which might explain this, but the number of Bank Holidays on offer at this time of year, providing many people with three- and four-day weeks, might justify why many people find it easier to arrange rental property at this time.

July and August represent the peak months in the rental market

July and August are recognised as the peak months in the rental market. This ties in with the 2020 figures announced by ARLA Propertymark, and it is easy to justify why this is a busy time of year.

People might have more spare time in the summer months, moving in better weather is easier, and families want to be settled before the start of a new school year.

September is a busy month for towns and cities with a student population

The student market is critical in many buy to let areas, which means the start of the new academic year is a busy time for landlords. While it is best for students to arrange their accommodation in advance, it is no surprise to learn it is a “last-minute” thing for many students.

From October onwards, there are fewer enquiries in the rental market, but there is often an increase in the quality of tenants.

Also, it must be remembered that 2020 is not your standard year. With the UK in recession, and various economic forces in play, there might be a greater than usual level of demand for rental property. Job changes and people re-evaluating their finances often leads to greater demand for rental property.

If you are a landlord in or around Peterborough, and you need assistance in managing your rental property or tax requirements, we can help. We know these are challenging times for landlords, but there is a demand for rental property. When you need guidance in the local market, contact Just Lets Peterborough today, and we will be happy to help you.

You can find Just Lets Peterborough at 142 Oundle Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE2 9PJ. Feel free to email us at peterborough@justlets.com or call us today on 01733 346255.

2020 Landlords Regulations – Are You Compliant?

Landlord News, Peterborough Branch, ,

2020 has been a challenging year for landlords. The industry has faced many new challenges, but this doesn’t mean you can afford to ignore existing challenges. One of the most important issues for landlords to consider is the huge array of regulations you must comply with.

At the start of 2020, landlords had to comply with more than 150 regulations. This year has seen existing regulations be updated, and new regulations come into force. Complying with regulations is often a full-time job for landlords, but we are here to help.

At Just Lets Peterborough, we are on hand to ensure you make informed decisions, and aren’t at risk of failing to comply with the leading regulations in the industry.

Do you need a landlord licence?

Selective licencing came into being in 2006 as a way of forcing rogue landlords to adhere to rules and regulations. Local council authorities have the power to implement a scheme if they experience issues with anti-social behaviour or low standard of housing in a local area.

The scheme requires landlords to follow specific management rules, and if they don’t, they can be fined.

There is a Selective Licensing scheme in place in Peterborough. According to the local council website, landlords must have the following information when applying for the scheme:

  • Details of the tenants
  • Information about the property to be licensed
  • Documents relating to the property, the licence holder and any manager (see checklist below)
  • If the manager and licence holder are two different people then an additional Fit and Proper Person Sheet will need to be completed (see below)

Do you carry out Right to Rent checks on all tenants?

Section 22 of the Immigration Act 2014 requires landlords to verify tenants legally have the Right to Rent in the United Kingdom. This requirement has been in place since February 2016 and landlords who fail to check a tenants’ Right To Rent may face a civil penalty.

Are you protecting a tenants’ deposit in a licenced Government scheme?

Landlords must secure a tenant’s deposit in one of the Government approved tenancy deposit protection schemes. There are two primary forms of deposit protection schemes, custodial and insurance.

Do you have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) in place?

Rental properties must hold an EPC rating of at least an E to be valid for rental purposes. Landlords who fail to comply with this regulation may face a fine of up to £4,000.

Have you arranged an annual gas safety inspection?

The Gas Safety Regulations of 1998 means landlords must maintain all gas appliances, flues and pipe works in a safe condition. The annual gas safety inspection must be undertaken by a Gas Safe Registered engineer, who will issue a Gas Safety certificate if applicable.

The landlord should retain this certificate until the following test. A copy of this certificate should be provided to the tenant.

Are you compliant with electrical safety regulations?

As of July 2020, electrical safety regulations, similar to the gas safety regulations, will apply to rental property in England. Landlords must ensure their property is compliant with these regulations. For all new tenancies beginning on or after 1 July 2020, the rental property must hold this certification.

This is a new piece of legislation, and we appreciate some landlords might have overlooked this matter. We are happy to provide assistance in complying with this matter.

Do you comply with smoke and carbon monoxide alarm regulations?

As of 1 October 2015, landlords must ensure there is at least one smoke alarm on every floor of rental property. Also, when there is a solid fuel source in the rental property, landlords must ensure that there is a carbon monoxide alarm in this room.

The landlord is responsible for ensuring each alarm is in working order on the first day of a tenancy.

If you are a landlord in or around Peterborough, and you need assistance in managing your rental property or tax requirements, we can help. We know these are challenging times for landlords, but there is a demand for rental property. When you need guidance in the local market, contact Just Lets Peterborough today, and we will be happy to help you.

You can find Just Lets Peterborough at 142 Oundle Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE2 9PJ. Feel free to email us at peterborough@justlets.com or call us today on 01733 346255.

Spotting Leaks Early And Preventing Problems

Landlord News, Peterborough Branch, , ,

It is far better to prevent a problem from arising than to deal with an issue after it has occurred. This is as true for the letting sector as it is for any other industry. However, there is a lot to be said for being proactive in the rental market.

Spotting leaks early and preventing problems is crucial. Being proactive saves money, it saves a lot of time and effort, and ultimately, it will make tenants happier. In the long-term, a proactive approach should reduce void periods and hopefully generate more rental income for a landlord.

Be proactive in looking for problems

Landlords can create a positive culture around spotting leaks and reporting problems. Regular inspections are crucial for landlords and will make a massive difference in maintaining an excellent standard around the property.

Warning signs landlords should be aware of include:

  • Water stains on walls and ceilings, especially for rooms located beneath bathrooms
  • Mould spores around the home, and you should pay close attention to corners, windows, bath sealant, grouting and curtains
  • Water damage on skirting or flooring
  • Flaking or rotting on exterior and interior window frames
  • Vermin infestation
  • A poor standard of general condition of the external space of the property
  • Water dripping from gutters

Tenants should be advised to look out for these issues and to report prospective problems to the landlord, but this doesn’t always happen. Not every tenant is proactive in maintaining the standard of the rental property, which is why landlords must take it upon themselves to manage their rental property to a high standard.

Viewings in 2020

There is no denying 2020 has been a challenging year for many landlords. It might be that you have been unable to undertake as many property viewings as you would generally like. However, this is no excuse for not ensuring your rental property is reviewed regularly.

Video calls are better than nothing when it comes to reviewing a rental property. Also, landlords should try to find a time or solution that allows them to review the rental property. This is something that should be in the rental agreement, and most tenants will try to assist in this matter.

We appreciate this sounds like a challenging task for many landlords. At Just Lets Peterborough, we offer a range of services, including property management services. If you would like assistance in managing your rental property, we are more than happy to assist you.

If you are a landlord in or around Peterborough, and you need assistance in managing your rental property or tax requirements, we can help. We know these are challenging times for landlords, but there is a demand for rental property. When you need guidance in the local market, contact Just Lets Peterborough today, and we will be happy to help you.

You can find Just Lets Peterborough at 142 Oundle Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE2 9PJ. Feel free to email us at peterborough@justlets.com or call us today on 01733 346255.

7 Essential Tips for New Landlords

General, Landlord News, Peterborough Branch, ,

Becoming a landlord for the first time is an exciting prospect, with not only the opportunity to bring in some additional income but also the chance to expand your portfolio further and perhaps even start up your own property business.

However, it can be tricky to know where to start once you have invested in your first property and you don’t want to be making too many costly mistakes.

Fortunately, you can avoid the most common landlord pitfalls by simply following our seven essential tips for new landlords.

 1.  DO YOUR GROUNDWORK

Before you start to market your rental property and look for potential tenants, if you haven’t done so already, you first need to research the local area thoroughly.

Is your property near good local schools? Is it near a university or college?

This can be helpful in deciding what type of tenants your property will appeal to, for example, families, students or working professionals.

It is also a good idea to find out how much similar properties in the area are currently renting for, as this can act as a benchmark for your own chosen monthly rental price.

2.  TAKE OUT INSURANCE

Although landlord insurance isn’t a legal requirement for renting out a property, it is highly recommended as it covers everything from accidental damage to structural issues caused by hazards such as fire, snow or strong winds.

You may also want to take out rent guarantee insurance which protects you if your tenant fails to pay their rent. It can also cover the cost of any legal fees if you need to evict a tenant.

Your tenants are responsible for taking out their own content insurance to cover their belongings.

3.  FIND RELIABLE TENANTS 

One of the easiest ways to find good tenants is through word of mouth. Speak to your family, friends and work colleagues to see if they are aware of anyone who is looking to rent a property. You can also advertise for tenants on a variety of reputable websites or use a letting agency.

To attract the best possible tenants, ensure your listing describes the property in full and includes good quality photographs as well as advertising your property at a competitive market rate.

You should always check a potential tenant’s rental history and credit score, as well as perform a criminal background check. If the results are preferable, it now comes down to your natural instincts.

How do you feel about the tenant in question? Do you feel like you can trust them?

If yes, you’ve found your first tenants. Congratulations!

4.  CREATE A TENANCY AGREEMENT

Once you have found your tenants, you now need to draw up a written tenancy agreement which details all the terms and conditions of the tenancy and gives you as the landlord, and your tenants rights.

This is extremely important as it will ensure the protection of your property, set out the obligations of your tenants and help prevent any future disputes.

If you have found your tenants through a professional letting agency, the tenancy agreement can be professionally drawn up through the agent.

5.  PLACE THE DEPOSIT IN A TDP SCHEME

Landlords are now legally required to place their tenant’s deposit in a government-backed tenancy deposit protection scheme. This was created to stop rogue landlords from refusing to give back their tenants’ deposits after they have moved out.

You must place your tenant’s deposit in a scheme within 14 days of receiving it and you also have to inform your tenants of which scheme you have chosen within 30 days.

6.  ENSURE YOUR PROPERTY IS ENERGY EFFICIENTE

You should also strive to improve your property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), to reach the minimum energy efficiency standard (effective April 2020).

Ways in which you can make your property more energy efficient include:

  • Upgrading your boiler
  • Sealing windows and doors
  • Installing double glazing
  • Installing loft and wall cavity insulation
  • Using energy efficient light bulbs
  • Installing smart meters

Since April 2016, tenants have the right to ask their landlords to make their properties more energy efficient, and furthermore, as a landlord, you are legally required to make adequate improvements.

7.  MAINTAIN A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR TENANTS

Arguably one of the most important aspects of becoming a good landlord is ensuring that you are able to build and maintain a healthy relationship with your tenants. Effective communication, on both sides, is crucial if you want to avoid any problems or disputes.

Try and respond as quickly as possible to any requests from your tenants and listen to any concerns that they may have. Once you find reliable tenants who pay their rent on time and look after your property, you don’t want to lose them!

If you are considering letting your property in Peterborough call our team at Just Lets on 01733346255 for friendly help and advice on all rental aspects.

Peterborough Property Market – Which Houses are Actually Selling?

General, Landlord News, Peterborough Branch

Beast from the East, Russia, Facebook, Brexit, Trump, House prices up, House prices down … the Press is full of column inches on Brit’s favourite subjects of politics, scandal, weather and not forgetting (and I appreciate the irony of this!) the property market. As an agent belonging a national group of letting and estate agents, talking to my fellow property professionals from around the UK, the one thing that is immediately apparent is the UK does not have one property market. It is a hodgepodge patchwork (almost like a fly’s eye) of lots of small property markets all performing in different ways.

… And that made me think … is there just one Peterborough Property Market or many?

I like to keep an eye on the property market in Peterborough on a daily basis because it enables me to give the best advice and opinion on what (or not) to buy in Peterborough, be that a buy-to-let property for a Peterborough landlord or an owner occupier house for a home owner.  So, I thought, how could I scientifically split the Peterborough housing market into segments, so I could see which part of the market was performing the best and the worst.

I decided the best way was to split the Peterborough property market into four equal size price bands (into terms of households for sale). Each price band would have around 25% of the property in Peterborough, from the lowest in value (the Lowest Quartile or 25%) all the way through to the highest 25% in terms of value, the Upper Quartile.  Looking at the market, I have calculated that these are the price bands in Peterborough are as follows:

  • Lowest Quartile (lowest 25% in terms of value) … Up to £140,000
  • Lower/Middle Quartile (25% to 50% Quartile in terms of value) … £140,000 to £180,000
  • Middle/Upper Quartile (50% to 75% Quartile in terms of value) … £180,000 to £240,000
  • Upper Quartile (highest 25% in terms of value) … £240,000 Upwards

So, having split the Peterborough Property Market approximately into four equal sizes, the results in terms what price band has sold (subject to contract or stc) the most is quite enlightening –The best performing price range in Peterborough is the middle market. Interestingly for Peterborough landlords, the lower market is also selling well, meaning there are plenty of Peterborough landlords buying properties to add to their buy to let portfolios. As I would expect, the upper quartile (the top 25%) is finding things toughest. Even though the number of first time buyers did increase in 2017, it was from a low base and the vast majority of 20 something’s cannot buy, so need a roof over their head (hence the need to rent somewhere).

It is a fact that British (and Peterborough’s) housing markets have ridden the storms of Oil crisis in the 1970’s, the 1980’s depression, Black Monday in the 1990’s, and latterly the Credit Crunch together with the various house price crashes of 1973, 1987 and 2008. No matter what happens to us Brexit or anything else … unless the Government starts to build hundreds of thousands extra houses each year, demand will always outstrip supply … so maybe a time for Peterborough landlord investors to bag a bargain?

Want to know where those Peterborough buy to let bargains are?  Give me a call or drop me an email because irrespective of which agent you use, myself or any of the other excellent agents in Peterborough, I am a local landlord too…so I have my own thoughts and opinion on what (and not) to buy locally … and I am always happy to share them with you.

4% More Peterborough Home Owners Wanting to Move Than 12 Months Ago

Landlord News, Peterborough Branch

As I have mentioned a number times in my local property market blog, with not enough new-build properties being built in Peterborough and the surrounding area to keep up with demand for homes to live in (be that tenants or homebuyers), it’s good to know more Peterborough home sellers are putting their properties on to the market than a year ago.

At the start of 2007 there were 2,442 properties for sale in Peterborough but by May 2008, when the credit crunch was really beginning to bite, that number had risen to 4,889 properties on the market at a time when demand was at an all-time low, thus creating an imbalance in the local property market.

Basic economics dictates that if there is too much supply of something and demand is poor (which it was in the Credit Crunch years of 2008/9) … prices will drop. In fact, house prices dropped between 15% and 20% depending on the type of Peterborough property between the end of 2007 and Spring 2009.

However, over the last five years, we have seen a steady decrease in supply of properties coming onto the market for sale and steady demand, meaning Peterborough property prices have remained robust.  A stable housing market is one of the foundations of a successful British economy, as it’s all about getting the healthy balance of buyer demand with a good supply of properties. Nevertheless, if you had asked me a couple of years ago, I would have said we were beginning to see there was in fact NOT enough properties coming on to the market for sale … meaning in certain sectors of the Peterborough property market, house prices were overheating because of this lack of supply.

So, it is pleasing to note, looking at the recent numbers …

There are 4% more properties for sale in Peterborough today than a year ago

There were 1,240 properties for sale 12 months ago, and today that stands at 1,293 (as at Apr 18). It doesn’t sound a lot, yet this is a small step in the right direction to a more stable property market.

Even better news, since the Chancellor announced the stamp duty rule changes for first time buyers (FTB), my fellow agents in Peterborough say that the number of FTB’s registering on the majority of agent’s books has increased year on year. That has still to follow through into more FTB’s buying their first home, however, with the heightened levels of confidence being demonstrated by both Peterborough house sellers and potential house buyers, I do foresee the Peterborough Property Market will show steady yet sustained improvement during the first half of 2018.

What does this mean for Peterborough landlords or those considering dipping their toe into the buy to let market for the first time? Landlords will need to keep improving their properties to ensure they get the best tenants. It is true that demand amongst FTB’s is increasing, albeit from a low base. Even with the new landlord tax rules, buy to let in Peterborough still looks a good investment, providing Peterborough landlords with a good income at a time of low interest rates and a roller coaster stock market.

If you are thinking of investing in bricks and mortar in Peterborough, it is important to do things correctly as making money won’t be as easy as it has been over the last twenty years.  With a greater number of properties on the market .. comes greater choice. Don’t buy the first thing you see, buy with your head as well as your heart … and don’t forget the first rule of Buy To Let Investment …..

What is the FIRST RULE of BTL Investment…..call my office and lets chat!
Tel: 01733 346255

Peterborough Property Market Worth More Than Standard Life Aberdeen

General, Landlord News, Peterborough Branch

The value of all the homes in Peterborough has risen by more than 262% in the past two decades, to £12.358bn, meaning its worth more than the stock listed company Standard Life Aberdeen, which is worth £11.134bn.

Those Peterborough homeowners and Buy-to-Let landlords who bought their homes twenty or more years ago have come out on top, adding thousands and thousands of pounds to the value of their own Peterborough homes as the younger generation in Peterborough continue to be priced out of the market.  This is even more remarkable because, in those twenty years, we had the years of 2008 and 2009 following the global financial crisis, where we saw a short term drop in Peterborough house prices of between 15% and 20% (depending on the type of property). And although there have been a number of consecutive years of growth in property values recently in Peterborough it hasn’t been anywhere near the levels seen in the early 2000’s.

Twenty years ago, the total value of Peterborough property was worth £3.412bn. Over those twenty years, total property values have increased by £8.946bn, meaning today, the total value of all the properties in Peterborough is worth £12.358bn. Even more remarkable, when you consider the FTSE100 has only risen by 40.84% in the same time frame. Also, when I compared it with inflation, i.e. the UK Retail Price Index, inflation had risen by 72.2% during the same twenty years.

So, what does this all mean for Peterborough?  Well as we enter the unchartered waters of 2018 and beyond, even though property values are already declining in certain parts of the previously over cooked central London property market, the outlook in Peterborough remains relatively good as over the last five years, the local property market has been a lot more sensible than central London’s.

Peterborough house values will remain resilient for several reasons. Firstly, demand for rental property remains strong with persistent immigration and population growth.  Secondly, with 0.25% interest rates, borrowing has never been so cheap and finally, the simple lack of new house building in Peterborough. Not even keeping up with current demand, let alone eating into years and years of under investment mean only one thing – yes it might be a bumpy ride over the next 12 to 24 months but, in the medium term, property ownership and property investment in Peterborough has and always will, out ride out the storm.

In the coming weeks, I will continue to look in greater detail at my thoughts for the 2018 Peterborough Property Market along with the latest news and views for Peterborough Landlords and Investors.

As always these current and previous articles can be found at www.justlets.com/news