Latest Property News - Homelets & Sales

Details: Published: 11 May 2022; Hits: 895

IS BUY-TO-LET BROKEN? FACTS, FIGURES AND FUTURE TRENDS FOR PRIVATE LANDLORDS

There's no denying that buy-to-let isn’t the same as 10 or 15 years ago.

Changes in lending criteria mean landlords have to put in more of their own money; changes in tax policy have affected initial yields; changes in lettings legislation have changed what it is to own a rental property.

As the private rental sector has moved away from short-term profits, corporate investment in buy-to-let is on the rise, with major institutions attracted by its long-term prospects for growth and income.

But is the future only for the big boys? Or is there a place for small, independent landlords to have a thriving and profitable business? Our blog this week looks at the factors affecting the market today and tomorrow, so you can choose whether buy-to-let is for you.

Details: Published: 05 May 2022; Hits: 907

UNFURNISHED LETTINGS: WHAT FEATURES DO TENANTS PAY MORE RENT FOR?

The average age of a first-time buyer has risen to 32, and tenancies are lasting longer than ever. Not all national trends apply to lettings in Liverpool, but this one absolutely does.

With renting no longer seen as a temporary measure, tenants are looking for a sense of permanence combined with more comfort. This means surrounding themselves with their own belongings in a well-presented and well-equipped home.

While most people want to live with their own furniture, the term ‘unfurnished’ doesn't mean entirely bare. There are certain fittings that everybody expects, and others that some tenants will pay extra rent for.

Details: Published: 05 May 2022; Hits: 744

PROTECTION MONEY: A GUIDE TO LANDLORD INSURANCE AND REDUCING YOUR PREMIUMS

We all know someone who never insures anything and never has any problems. But given that £8m is paid out every day in home insurance claims, not everyone has the same luck.

Although it isn’t a legal requirement to insure rental homes, a survey of 3,000 landlords revealed that around 85% do protect their buy-to-lets. For the other 15%, research by LV suggests that landlords spend £600m every year on repairs that could be covered by insurance.

Most of our landlords are properly covered, but we also speak to some who haven’t fully considered how to protect themselves and their buy-to-let. Confidence and luck are wonderful assets, but not much use when a boiler breaks down late at night, or a tenant runs into difficulty.

A comparatively small monthly cost could save you from enormous bills and nasty surprises. With that in mind, this week’s blog looks at the different types of landlord insurance available, and how you can reduce your premiums while having complete peace of mind.

Details: Published: 05 April 2022; Hits: 844

COST OF LIVING CRISIS: WHAT CAN LANDLORDS DO?

We've all seen the headlines: inflation at its highest point in almost 30 years; interest rates are rising, and the energy cap is about to lift. Everyone's on tenterhooks to see what it will mean for their bank balance, and of course, landlords and tenants are going to be affected.

Nobody quite knows how things will turn out, but the forecasts are stark. It's estimated that 7 million people will fall into financial difficulty after the energy cap lifts on April 1^st, rising to 14 million with a further expected price rise in October, just in time for winter.

So, what can landlords do to get ahead of the problem? The short answer is "act now". The longer answer is "actually quite a lot".

To get you started, this week's blog is chock-a-block with practical tips on how you can work together with your tenant on making things easier for them while still protecting your income, investment and costs.

Remember that you're always welcome to get in touch about life as a landlord. Call us on 0151 280 4047 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. – we're here to help.

Details: Published: 14 March 2022; Hits: 910

BEHIND THE SCENES OF A TYPICAL WORKING WEEK

To describe this job in a single phrase, it would have to be 'never a dull moment'. Aside from opening the office, making a coffee and checking new messages, no two days are ever the same.

Meeting new people and being out in the neighbourhood are two of our favourite things, but the icing on the cake is handing over the keys on moving day. It's such a moment of joy for everyone – the landlord, the tenants, us – as a whole new chapter begins.

The lettings world moves much faster than sales, but agents have far more paperwork and responsibility. With no solicitors checking contracts, it's down to us to get everything right, and all while keeping up the pace.

There's a lot more happening than showing people around homes, so join us for a glimpse behind the scenes to see how it all comes together.