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Plant power: use botanicals to impress buyers

It’s true – the wonder of nature can be harnessed to help you sell your home. Homes & Gardens even claimed in a recent article that ‘houseplant staging’ was the secret to property sales success.

Botanical elements can definitely add appeal before you open your door to buyers. With everything you need freely available from garden centres, DIY stores and even your humble supermarket, what’s stopping you?

Fill a vase with flowers & foliage

Yes, it’s a cliché but cut flowers will always make a home for sale feel fresher and better dressed. If you’re heading out to buy a ready-made bunch, opt for UK-grown blooms to support local growers. If your garden is in good shape, you may be able to pull together your own display using what’s in season – and reduce the bouquet’s air miles to zero at the same time. Pad out your vase with foliage and twigs or opt for single-stem vases if you’re short of flowers.

Try a houseplant take-over

Achingly in fashion, houseplants are guaranteed to impress and you don’t have to wait for the right season for the best results. Their evergreen nature and adaptability is ideal if you have an empty shelf or a bare corner. Some houseplants prefer bright light, while others can tolerate shade. Some even thrive in steamy environments, such as bathrooms. If the thought of keeping a houseplant alive is daunting, choose almost-indestructible varieties such as pothos, money tree, lucky bamboo, spider plant or snake plant.

Prioritise pots of joy

The plus points of pots are numerous and they really are a seller’s friend when it comes to making a shrewd investment. Unlike shrubs and trees, which ideally need planting into beds, pots can move with you (even with plants and bulbs still in them) and provide years of joy.

Pots can go almost anywhere too – on your doorstep filled with bright bedding plants, by your back door crammed full of culinary herbs, grouped together on the patio or added to a balcony. Opt for vibrantly-coloured, unusually-shaped and interestingly-textured pots and they’ll become statement items on their own, or when paired with foliage-only plants.

To ensure the health of any pot plants, always add crocks to the bottom of the pots to improve drainage, use peat-free container and basket compost, ensure the soil doesn’t dry out and feed in the growing/flowering seasons.

Notes for the not-so-green fingered

Plants are a little like children – they need a certain degree of feeding and nurturing. If your past growing track record leans more towards neglect, never fear. There are low and no-risk ways to flood your home with flora and fauna.

  • Keeping it real

There are many houseplants that need little or no moisture. Ponytail palms, tillandsia, burro’s tail, sedums, sago palms and zebra plants (haworthia) are ideal for busy households who may overlook strict watering schedules.

  • If you can’t make it, fake it

Faux plants have evolved to become ultra-realistic but while they can fool even the most observant of property visitors, faux plants haven’t always had a good reputation in the sustainability stakes. Thankfully a number of companies are addressing the issue, one of which is Bloomist, who’s EcoFaux™ uses upcycled and recycled plastics.

  • The compromise

Preserved plants are an interior designer’s favourite as they keep the characteristics of living plants and fuse them with the zero-maintenance of faux plants. A more advanced art of flower drying has allowed gypsophila, hydrangeas, heathers, linum, bunny tails and craspedia to be preserved for natural beauty with none of the plastic.

  • Opt for flora and fauna on fabrics & wallpaper

Buds, petals, leaves and trees have long been fashionable motifs in the interior design world, with a style to suit all tastes. All manner of items can be boosted by botanicals, and examples include Cath Kidson’s ditsy design cushions and Orla Kiely’s retro stem pattern bedlinen, to Colefax & Fowler’s embroidered crewel fabric and Graham & Brown’s jungle wall mural.

We would be happy to provide a free, no obligation appraisal for a property you are looking to sell. You never know – a stunning garden or balcony display may just add a few pounds to your home’s value. Get in touch to make an appointment.

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8 ways to decorate a rented property

Despite the image of tenants being flighty characters who move home every six months, renters are living in the same place for increasingly extended periods of time. Rightmove research among nearly 1,300 landlords in 2022 found the most common length of a private tenancy is over two years, with a fifth (18%) of landlords saying their average length of tenancy has increased over time.

Zoopla’s findings from 2022 concurred. Its analysis found UK tenants were staying in their rental properties for an extra five months, with the average tenancy length at 75 weeks – up from 51 weeks at the start of 2017. In England specifically, average rental durations are lengthening – rising from 3.9 years in 2016/17 and 4.1 years in 2017/18, to 4.4 years in 2021/22, according to the latest English Housing Survey.

With average stays increasing in duration, it’s no surprise tenants want the property to feel like home. Tailoring surroundings to personal tastes is something that is achievable, even if the tenancy agreement sets out some restrictions. Known as clauses, a landlord will detail what is and isn’t allowed in respect of DIY and redecoration.

Once tenants are familiar with the clauses, they can start planning how to add colour and personality. While drilling holes in the wall, repainting in bold colours and wallpapering may be off limits, here are 8 ideas that will give any rental property unique character and style:

1. Add a statement rug: a rug is a great way to add colour and texture, as well as cover up a floor covering you’re not fond of. Interior designers advise to go for the biggest size rug possible for both impact and balance.

2. Go green with house plants: air purifying, mood boosting and affordable, house plants have so many benefits. Lush leaves, bright flowers and coloured pots will look fantastic against a plain wall and if you opt for herbs, you’ll enrich your cooking too.

3. Lead with light shades: many rental properties have bare light bulbs but shades can quickly be added for a designer look. Plain, pleated and patterned pendant shades are freely available and for maximum impact, buy matching examples for table lamps too.

4. Try removable wallpaper: if you’re prohibited from painting, investigate removable wallpaper. Specific ‘peel and stick’ varieties are designed not to damage what’s underneath or leave behind anything tacky.

5. Add the latest trend to tiles: in the same vein as removable wallpaper, you can buy stickers and self-adhesive paper, which add a temporary splash of colour to bathroom and kitchen tiles. Simply cut to fit, apply and remove with ease.

6. Let soft furnishings do the talking: if you’re faced with four magnolia walls, use this base as a foil for furniture. An armchair upholstered in cobalt blue, an ottoman in mustard yellow or a chest of drawers painted candy floss pink will really ‘pop’ in a neutral setting.

7. Accessorise with bold colours: cushions and throws are the natural place to start and it’s easy to create a design theme with these two items alone – perhaps Art Deco or botanical. You can enhance the look by adding matching items, such as candles and vases.

8. Try ‘no-damage’ strips and hooks: when nails, screws, pins and even Blu Tac are banned, tenants can try Command™ Strips & Hooks. These products are specifically designed to be damage-free and come off clean when removed.

If you’re thinking of adding a touch of personality to a privately rented property, please contact us and we will explain any clauses that are listed in your tenancy agreement.

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Gen Z renters seek sustainable properties

What you think Generation Z want from a rental property and what they would actually like may surprise landlords hoping to target students, recent graduates and young professionals.

While Generation Z have a reputation for living their lives voraciously – and rather superficially – via social media, their property wishes are far more considered and cautious. A new survey of more than 2,500 people aged between 16-25, featured in an article published by PBSA News, set out to establish what was important to them in a rented home.

Flashy luxuries took a back seat to more sustainable aspects, illustrating that Generation Z is far more prudent and eco-conscious than landlords may believe. The headline statistic showed that 80% of Generation Z said it was important that their home had sustainability credentials – a figure that rose to 86% among the international Generation Z community based in the UK. In fact, only 6% of participants said sustainability features would not be important when deciding on their accommodation.

When it came to specifics, those taking part in the survey had a clear idea on how their home should be energy efficient. Good insulation to cut down on energy bills was important to 67% of respondents, while 35% said they would like to see solar panels installed.

Smart technology that can help save the environment and money was most important to 16 to 18 year-olds, with 57% of this age group expressing a willingness to pay more for smart tech as opposed to a concierge (35%), gaming room (39%), cinema room (46%), pub or bar (41%) or communal dining room (37%).

Landlords should also take heed of some other interesting findings – especially those looking to make new property investments. Becoming more self-sufficient was a surprising desire, with 22% of young people saying they want outdoor space to grow their own produce. And for landlords offering furnished properties, it’s worth noting that 73% of those surveyed would be comfortable living somewhere with second-hand or upcycled furniture.

The new findings follow a set of similar survey results released earlier in 2022. When questioning younger generations, E.ON found the majority (83%) of Generation Z and Millennials (the latter who are aged between 28-41) would be more inclined to speak to their landlord about installing a heat pump, than those in Generation X (those aged between 42-56). E.ON’s survey also revealed 8 in 10 from Generation Z would reject properties that didn’t meet minimum energy efficiency ratings, compared to only 6 in 10 Generation X who would do the same.

With tightening EPC standards set to be phased in from 2025, landlords should be preparing now in order to market more sustainable, legally-compliant properties in the future. For landlords who are early-adopters, a more energy efficient buy-to-let will appeal to a growing group of sustainably minded Generation Z tenants. If you would like advice on improving the energy efficiency of your portfolio, please get in touch.

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Is now the time to become a limited company landlord?

Being a landlord is about running a profitable investment, but for some, it is becoming harder to protect margins and generate a meaningful income. Now is a good time to examine your landlord status  – is it best to be a private operator or a limited company?

Before we delve into the recent trend for limited company landlord status, let’s set the record straight about property investment. Of 700 landlords questioned by BVA BDRC for Paragon Bank, 47% of property investors who owned between 1 and 5 rental homes planned to buy a further buy-to-let property or properties over the next 12 months, confident that rental demand will continue to grow in the UK.

With investors remaining active, thoughts turn to gaining a financial edge in a sector that seeks to strategically tax the private landlord. The same Paragon Bank research found the number of buy-to-let landlords planning to purchase properties through a limited company structure has increased every year for the past three years.

It appears the desire is specifically growing in 2022. Of those questioned by Paragon, 50% of landlords in the first quarter of the year intended to buy as a limited company. This figure had risen to 62% in the second quarter. Portfolio landlords are most likely to follow the limited company path, with 78% of landlords who own six or more properties planning to use this set up for their next purchases.

So why are an increasing number of landlords turning their back on private landlord status? Many are using limited companies as a way of reducing costs and improving profit margins. It isn’t for everyone, however, and landlords need to undertake thorough research specific to their individual circumstances before any switch is made.

The biggest advantage to operating as a limited company lies in the rate at which profits are taxed. While private landlords pay income tax on their rental profits, limited company landlords pay corporation tax. Currently, the basic rate of income tax is 20%, the higher rate is 40% and the additional rate is 45%. Conversely, corporation tax currently stands at 19%.

It’s worth remembering that corporation tax rates can go up as well as down and any increase may wipe out a tax advantage. In fact, there are scheduled hikes to corporation tax planned for 1st April 2023. Limited company landlords earning more than £50,000 from their property investments will be taxed anywhere between 20% and 25%, although a change in Conservative leadership and a possible snap General Election may delay or alter this planned raise.

Another advantage of operating as a limited company makes itself known when it comes to completing tax returns. New property tax rules phased in between 2017 and 2020 saw private landlords lose the ability to deduct mortgage interest payments from their income. This left many landlords with a more expensive tax bill, and it has also pushed some landlords into a higher tax bracket. Landlords operating as a limited company, however, remain able to offset the full interest amount against their profits, as the interest is deemed a deductible expense. 

There are other advantages to becoming a limited company landlord. Many prefer the simpler taxation applied when property investment assets are sold – a limited company landlord doesn’t have to pay capital gains tax but they will have to pay corporation tax, which is felt by many to be a simpler payment.

There’s also less personal exposure when buy-to-lets are held within a limited company, as all personal assets are separate. In addition, there are a number of ways to pay yourself an income when operating as a limited company – many of which allow for a more tax-efficient existence.

Before you join the increasing number of limited company landlords, familiarise yourself with your own circumstances. If you are a basic rate taxpayer, only own one buy-to-let property or don’t have time for an increased level of business administration, you may benefit from staying as a private landlord.

Becoming a limited company property investor should only be done in tandem with independent taxation, financial and property advice. Contact us if you would like to speak with an impartial expert.

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Landlords: 6 thing landlords need to know about the Fairer Private Rented Sector White Paper

Landlords and tenants will soon see changes to how tenancies are run, thanks to incoming legislation changes enforced by the Government. Letting agents across the country are digesting the contents of the new Fairer Private Rented Sector White Paper.

Our role is to support landlords in implementing what’s new, ensuring their buy-to-lets are legally compliant at all times. Ahead of the White Paper contents becoming law, we summarise the key points that need considering now:-

1. Changes to tenancy types & evictions 

The Fairer Private Rented Sector White Paper confirms the intention to scrap Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions. Landlords will need a reason from a set list in order to end a tenancy lawfully, rather than simply tell tenants to leave with no reason. It is thought that regaining a property for the landlord to live in or sell on will be one of the acceptable reasons soon to be defined in law.

There are, however, addendums to this incoming reform. There will be improvements to the eviction process, in favour of the landlord, where the tenant is frequently involved in anti-social behaviour or is in rent arrears. On the flipside, it will be easier for renters to walk away from a tenancy agreement as fixed term tenancies will be banned. In their place, all tenancy agreements will be issued on a periodic basis, leaving tenants freer to leave a property when they wish.

2. Discrimination against some rental groups will end

Landlords have been able to exclude some groups from renting their property but this will come to an end. The White Paper will forbid landlords from making blanket bans on renters with children and tenants who receive benefits. All tenants, however, will still have to meet the landlord’s pre-set criteria and pass the referencing process.

In addition, all tenants will be able to request a pet move in with them, which the landlord must think about and cannot unreasonably refuse. To make this an easier law for landlords to embrace, the landlord can insist that the tenant has specific pet insurance.

3. Rent rises will be capped to once a year

Rent rises are unavoidable but to make it fairer for tenants, the notice period landlords give renters will double. In addition, the frequency at which rent rises can be applied will be capped to once a year. It is thought landlords wishing to increase the rent will have to use a Section 13 notice to do so or insert a rent review clause into the period agreement.

4. Living conditions will be standardised

The Government’s concerns over health and safety in private rented properties will be addressed by a new Decent Homes Standard. This already operates in the social housing sector but it will apply to all privately rented homes for the first time as part of the reforms. The Decent Homes Standard will run alongside the Landlord & Tenant Act 1985, and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.

5. A new private renters’ ombudsman will be set up

Calls for specific housing courts have been dismissed at this stage but a new private renters’ ombudsman will be created instead. The aim will be for an impartial body to resolve disputes between tenants and landlords, without the need to go to court. Issues, such as disagreeing over deposit deductions and rent rises, will be settled without high-level judicial involvement.

6. A new advice & information portal will be launched

With hundreds of rules, regulations and now new laws for landlords to comply with, the Government will create a single online portal for landlords, listing every compliance item, together with useful property set-up and management advice. It is not known as yet whether it will be mandatory for landlords to register with the portal.

We are working to advise our landlords on how the Fairer Private Rented Sector White Paper will affect current tenancies and future buy-to-lets. You can contact us for tailored lettings advice and to discuss any aspect of the rental reforms.

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Self-care crosses over into the home

‘Self-care’ is a concept that’s gained momentum in the last two years, especially as we look to rebalance our lives after the pandemic. Although what may immediately spring to mind is a walk in the countryside or an hour-long aromatherapy massage, the self-care trend has crossed over into our homes.

A new study has shown how self-care is shaping where we live. Not On The High Street recently questioned Brits on the matter of what it calls ‘self spaces’ – rooms devoted to self-care, hobbies or leisure activities.

The study found people in 2022 wanted to enjoy more ‘me time’ (68%), maintain a better work/life balance (58%) and spend more time on hobbies (66%). As a result, many were thinking about creating a room in their home dedicated to their passions and more holistic past-times. In fact, research revealed over a third of us have already designated a space where we can practice a form of self-care – not surprising when 7 in 10 people said they felt most relaxed while at home.

This rising interior trend is already having an effect on the property market. Almost half (48%) of those taking part in the research said a self-care room would be a priority when looking for their next home.

To quantify just how important self-care has become, Not On The High Street asked people what was most essential within the home. It found some Brits felt a self-care room was more important than a new kitchen (38%), a new en-suite bathroom (39%), a new living room (37%) or a new garden (37%).

According to the online retailer, our top 10 self-care spaces are:

  1.     Reading corner (16%)
  2.     Gym (16%)
  3.     Walk in wardrobe (14%)
  4.     Cinema room (14%)
  5.     ‘Man cave’ (14%)
  6.     Music room (13%)
  7.     Arts and crafts studio (12%)
  8.     Gaming room (12 %)
  9.     Study room (11%)
  10.     Mini library (10%)

Stay flexible when it comes to self-care

Interior trends come and go, so before you rush out to reconfigure your property or install permanent pieces of gym equipment, think about how versatile the room could be, especially when it comes to selling or renting out your property in the future.

Retaining flexibility can be achieved by using freestanding furniture that isn’t screwed or nailed down; using screens to divide rooms on a temporary basis; opting for multi-purpose furniture, such as a snooker table that converts into a dining table, and keeping the décor neutral.

Easy self-care ideas to introduce

Adding an element of self-care to your day doesn’t have to involve a dedicated room. Why not try one of these small-scale ideas instead?

  • Encourage a spa-like ambience in your bathroom: clear away empty toiletry bottles, buy a fresh set of fluffy towels and light candles instead of turning on a harsh overhead light.
  • Find bedroom bliss: banish the TV from the bedroom and instead, play a soothing soundtrack of music you may hear when going for a massage.
  • Create a reading corner: just add a comfy chair, a side table for your coffee, a freestanding lamp and a pile of classic novels.
  •  Install a window seat: if you have a window with a view, think about installing a window seat as there’s something meditative about simply watching the world go by.
  • Make a mindfulness zone: clear clutter and minimise distractions to create a place to practice mindfulness or meditation.

If you are searching for a new home and a self-care space is on your ‘most wanted’ list, talk to us about available properties.

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Landlords: your guide to green mortgages

Landlords and tenants can agree on one thing right now: making a rental property more energy efficient is a must. Renters will have rising fuel bills in mind, while landlords will be preparing for changes to minimum EPC ratings. Encouragement to make eco improvements in the rental sector can now be found in the mortgage market, as we explain.

Encouraging more eco efficient homes

Even mortgage lenders have their part to play in our quest to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The Government has asked banks and building societies to encourage the purchase of eco-efficient properties by offering buyers advantageous products billed as ‘green mortgages’. 

Green mortgages explained

A green mortgage will usually offer better rates of interest and borrowing terms to people who are buying the most energy efficient properties for sale. The home they are buying could be brand new or an older home that has been vastly improved with energy efficient features but, generally, green mortgages are offered to those buying properties where the EPC rating is A, B or C.

Rewarding the intention to go green

As well as preferential products for buyers of properties where the EPC rating is already high, green mortgages are also available to those who pledge to improve an existing property’s energy efficiency, introduced as a way of raising eco standards in the UK’s existing housing stock. Assistance to do this can come in the form of cash back or a higher loan amount with the extra funds covering improvement works.

Green mortgages aren’t just for owner-occupiers

Green mortgages are applicable to everyone buying a property, whether they are a buy-to-let investor or an owner occupier. In fact, green mortgages make the most sense for landlords, as lettings compliance is increasingly focused on improving sustainable standards.

With minimum EPC ratings set to increase from the current E to C for all lets by 2028 – and maybe even a B by 2030 – many landlords may soon automatically qualify for a green mortgage if they are working towards a C EPC rating.

Extra benefits for buy-to-let purchasers

As the number of available green mortgages grows, so does the breadth of help they offer. Buying poorly performing properties isn’t off the cards as there are products designed specifically for investors willing to purchase a property where the EPC rating is D or below.

Lenders are offering bridging loans to landlords who are embarking on eco improvement programmes, with the loan converting to a buy-to-let mortgage once the work is complete. There can be additional discounts for landlords who achieve the highest EPC ratings, prompting them to really make a concerted energy efficient effort.

More choice for investors

A recent report by Mortgages for Business found green mortgages now make up 15% of the buy-to-let home loan market, with over 350 products available. New green mortgages are being introduced all the time, so it’s worth shopping around to find the right product. Talk to us ahead of your next buy-to-let purchase for advice on eco-efficient property investment.

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A guide to council tax & property bands

The way we buy and sell homes is forever changing but some things stay the same. The property ‘bands’ that were set more than 30 years ago in 1991 are still used when calculating today’s council tax charges. Expressed as a letter, with A being the least valuable property and H being the most expensive, these bands dictate how much council tax a household should pay.

If you are curious about your property’s band, want to know if it can be changed or whether the bands will alter in the future, read on for our guide to council tax and property bands.

Today’s bands
Let’s start with a little background. Each local authority is free to set their own council tax but they do, in fact, all work to the same set of property bands, as follows:-

A: up to £40,000
B: £40,001 to £52,000
C: £52,001 to £68,000
D: £68,001 to £88,000
E: £88,001 to £120,000
F: £120,001 to £160,000
G: £160,001 to £320,000
H: more than £320,000

When you move into a property, whether owned or rented, it usually falls to the occupant to pay the council tax bill. The money collected by the local authority pays for vital services, such as refuse and rubbish collection, street lighting, emergency services and community assets, such as libraries.

You could be in the wrong band
The job of valuing properties before the council tax’s launch in 1991 was very rushed. In some cases, those responsible for providing the figures simply drove past rows of houses, assigning each property the same band without detailed examination.

The financial commentator, Martin Lewis, estimates that thousands of homes were incorrectly banded and it is possible for occupiers to challenge the band they were given. This process is managed by the Government’s Valuation Office Agency and it can present a successful way of re-banding your property and reducing your council tax bill.

If you are thinking of asking for a band reassessment, be aware of the pitfalls. Quite simply, the Valuation Office Agency may think you aren’t paying enough council tax and your new banding may make your council tax bill more expensive. Alternatively, your band may remain the same.

A new garden room may have an impact
If the recent ‘race for space’ and a greater appreciation of your garden prompted you to add an annexe or a fully habitable outdoor room, this may be taken into account when a band is recalculated.

If the Valuation Office Agency deem your outdoor room to have been ‘constructed or adapted for use as separate living accommodation,’ they are obliged to give it its own property band and, therefore, its own annual bill. It’s worth noting that the use of an annexe or garden room is not taken into account. Instead, an assessor will look at its physical features, such as provisions for cooking, sleeping and washing.

The good news is the ‘Granny Annexe Tax’ was abolished in 2014. This spelt the end for two full-price separate council tax bills – one for the main residence and one for the annexe. Now, at the discretion of the local authority, it’s more likely that a 50% reduction in council tax is applied to the annexe.

There’s no plan to reassess every property
With bands that were generated three decades ago – and a property market where values have soared in that time – there has been speculation that the Government would force a mass reassessment of property bands.

As of January 2022, there is no evidence to suggest such a move is scheduled. With an estimated 23 million domestic dwellings in England, any plan to revalue and re-band properties would take years in the planning and would require huge resources. For now, the current bands look set to stay, unless challenged by the property owner.

If you would like more detailed information on property bands and whether you qualify for a council tax discount, visit the Government’s dedicated webpage. If you would like to know the band and council tax bill for a property we are marketing, please get in touch.

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Levelling up for landlords: your questions answered

Levelling Up the United Kingdom is a new White Paper released by the Government. It’s aim is to bring better opportunities to all, no matter where people live in the UK, and one of the areas it wants to reform is housing.

The White Paper will have an effect on how lettings operates and the standard of rented homes available, so landlords do need to pay attention. In this blog, we answer the most commonly asked questions about Levelling up The UK.

Q. Is the Levelling Up White Paper the same as the Renters’ Reform Bill?
Despite there being some crossover in content, these are two separate entities. The Levelling Up the United Kingdom White Paper does mention many aspects that pertain to lettings but the text also refers to a ‘landmark’ White Paper to be published in spring 2022. This is another document that acts as a prelude to the Renters’ Reform Bill, and it may contain additional changes specifically related to lettings.

Q. What’s happening about evictions?
Talk of banning Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions has been swirling around the lettings industry for almost two years and the Levelling Up White Paper confirms that this is still the Government’s intention. It is hoped a brand new Section notice will be introduced or an amendment will be made to the existing Section 8 notice in order to protect landlords looking to regain their properties.

Q. Will I have to make improvements to my buy-to-let property?
The Government has announced that it is to consult on a new legally binding Decent Homes Standard in the PRS (private rented sector). Although there are no details of what constitutes ‘decent’, there is already a Government document called A Decent Home for social landlords. Any new Decent Homes Standards for the PRS could be influenced by this. Landlords should expect, by law, to make the upgrades and improvements required to bring their properties up to a new minimum standard for habitation.

Q. What’s being done to stop rogue landlords?
The Government would like to drive bad landlords out of the sector and one way of doing this is to introduce a National Landlord Register. Although there is already a database of rogue landlords, it is only available for use by local authority enforcement professionals. It is thought a National Landlord Register would be open to the public, allowing tenants to identify landlords to avoid.

Q. Will it become easier to buy and sell rented properties?
The Levelling Up White Paper acknowledges that the buying process could be improved. It wants to ensure ‘critical information buyers need to know is available digitally wherever possible from trusted and authenticated sources’. This may pave the way for less paperwork and more online communication, as well as improved central sources of digital information and pre-prepared property details.

Q. When are all the changes coming into effect?
As of 3rd February 2022, no fixed dates for these changes were given. As an illustration, the Renters’ Reform Bill was put forward in 2019 but nothing has been adopted by law or ratified yet. It may take months – years even – to see the full effect of the proposals and in the case of the National Landlord Register, this is a reform that the Government is merely consulting on. We will update landlords after the spring White Paper has been published.

Although it isn’t exactly light reading, you can read the full Levelling Up the United Kingdom White Paper on the Government’s website (there’s also an executive summary for those short on time).

If you think any of the proposed changes will affect your buy-to-let or investment portfolio, get in touch for advice and guidance.

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How to tell if your next home will be warm

The topic of staying warm at home has never been more pertinent. In the face of a cold winter and rising fuel prices, Ovo Energy – Britain’s third-biggest energy supplier – sent an email to its customers in January, containing ideas on how to stay warm.

Ovo’s advice was ridiculed in the press. The firm’s ‘simple and cost effective’ tips included cuddling your pets and loved ones to stay cosy, eating ‘hearty’ bowls of porridge and consuming ginger (but not chilli as that makes you sweat) and doing a few star jumps.

While the pointers were well-meaning, they aren’t very practical on a long-term basis. A better solution is to ensure your next property is as energy efficient as possible, allowing you to enjoy a warm home without resorting to a daily diet of Quaker oats.

EPC ratings are your best friend

If you are moving home soon and want to know if the property will retain heat, there are a few things you can look out for. The first is the EPC rating – which shows how energy efficient the property is. All dwellings, whether to rent or for sale, will be listed with an EPC rating – look out for the coloured bar graph on our property details.

Properties are given a letter to show how energy efficient they are – an A rating is the best and G is the lowest. Although properties for sale can have any EPC rating to be sold, landlords can only rent out properties that have an EPC rating of E or above.

If a property’s current EPC is more than 10 years old – or if the home doesn’t have an EPC at all – an energy assessor will visit and look at certain aspects to decide how good its energy performance is. The heating system makes up the largest part of the EPC calculation, so a high rating is a good indicator that the property will be warm. Also taken into consideration by the assessor are windows, loft insulation and the external structure – all of which have an impact on how well heat is retained and cold air kept out.

Ask to see energy bills

While an EPC certificate will provide a guide to a home’s ability to generate heat and stay warm, seeing energy bills or smart meter readings from winter months will give you an idea of how heavily the current occupants rely on gas and electricity.

Energy bills are good for guidance but ensure you know if the property is heated using a gas-fired boiler or by electric storage heaters when interpreting the figures. In addition, bear in mind other energy usages outside of heating a home – lighting, powering electrical goods and cooking on a gas stove, for instance.

Be vigilant on viewings

If you are looking around a property between the months of November and March, there’s a good chance the heating system will be fired up when you arrive. Check the warmth coming from radiators and ask to see the boiler, noting the make and model. Don’t forget to ask about alternative sources of warmth, such as underfloor heating, electric towel rails, wood burning stoves, open fires and gas fireplaces.

If you would like more information on EPC ratings and what to look out for when moving home, please contact us today.