according to one organisation.
The Association of Residential Letting Agents (Arla) suggested chancellor George Osborne should keep capital gains tax (CGT) at its current rate in order to avoid driving landlords out of the market.
Increasing the tax for entrepreneurial business activity could create a shortage in rental property supply as investors sell off their assets and would discourage future investors from putting money into residential houses, Arla said.
Operations manager Ian Potter noted this could leave some people without a roof over their heads, stating: "If rental homes are removed from the sector because of changes to CGT, it will put further strain on an already struggling market."
Last month Arla claimed residential rent prices were on the rise, indicating a recovery in the housing market which could be reversed with a rise in CGT.
Monday, 28 June 2010
Mortgage lending for UK properties 'rises'
has been claimed.
According to the British Bankers' Association (BBA), the annual growth in net lending was 4.3 per cent in May.
This was higher than the 0.9 per cent annual growth recorded in April, the organisation pointed out.
Commenting on the figures, BBA statistics director David Dooks said: "High street banks are the main providers in the mortgage market, supplying 75 per cent of all new lending and approving more than 35,000 loans for house purchase each month."
He added that the low interest rate environment is resulting in consumers opting to reduce or pay off their borrowing, rather than saving money.
This month, the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee voted to keep the country's base rate of interest at its historical low of 0.5 per cent, although minutes from the meeting revealed that opinion on the subject was split.
According to the British Bankers' Association (BBA), the annual growth in net lending was 4.3 per cent in May.
This was higher than the 0.9 per cent annual growth recorded in April, the organisation pointed out.
Commenting on the figures, BBA statistics director David Dooks said: "High street banks are the main providers in the mortgage market, supplying 75 per cent of all new lending and approving more than 35,000 loans for house purchase each month."
He added that the low interest rate environment is resulting in consumers opting to reduce or pay off their borrowing, rather than saving money.
This month, the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee voted to keep the country's base rate of interest at its historical low of 0.5 per cent, although minutes from the meeting revealed that opinion on the subject was split.
The UK housing market is a relatively safe bet for landlords
The UK housing market is a relatively safe bet for landlords who choose to invest in it, it has been claimed.
According to LandlordZONE.co.uk director Tom Entwistle, property is a good option compared to many other assets in an unstable economy.
He remarked: "Low interest rates on savings and the volatile performances of investments, pensions and the stock markets means that UK housing looks a relatively safe investment."
The expert added that rental demand in the country is currently strong and is likely to remain so.
However, Mr Entwistle went on to note that mortgages are still hard to come by for some people.
This is particularly the case for business portfolio landlords, whereas one-off buy-to-lets may have a slightly easier time, he claimed.
His comments came after a survey by Paragon Mortgages, which indicated that 21 per cent of such individuals plan to invest in property during the third-quarter of this year.
According to LandlordZONE.co.uk director Tom Entwistle, property is a good option compared to many other assets in an unstable economy.
He remarked: "Low interest rates on savings and the volatile performances of investments, pensions and the stock markets means that UK housing looks a relatively safe investment."
The expert added that rental demand in the country is currently strong and is likely to remain so.
However, Mr Entwistle went on to note that mortgages are still hard to come by for some people.
This is particularly the case for business portfolio landlords, whereas one-off buy-to-lets may have a slightly easier time, he claimed.
His comments came after a survey by Paragon Mortgages, which indicated that 21 per cent of such individuals plan to invest in property during the third-quarter of this year.
Sunday, 20 June 2010
Our New Home
We have now launched our ultra Professional website at Http://www.apsne.co.uk Check it out please give us feedback!
Tuesday, 15 June 2010
HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS
Eric Pickles to ask new Housing Minister to review help for homeowners
A Communities and Local Government spokesperson said:
"Figures published today by the Council of Mortgage Lenders and the Ministry of Justice show that the threat of repossession remains very real for homeowners across the country.
"That's why the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles, will be asking the new Housing Minister to take a fresh look at existing Government schemes which help homeowners struggling to pay their mortgage and make sure that they offer the best deal for homeowners, as well as value for money for the taxpayer."
More here
A Communities and Local Government spokesperson said:
"Figures published today by the Council of Mortgage Lenders and the Ministry of Justice show that the threat of repossession remains very real for homeowners across the country.
"That's why the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles, will be asking the new Housing Minister to take a fresh look at existing Government schemes which help homeowners struggling to pay their mortgage and make sure that they offer the best deal for homeowners, as well as value for money for the taxpayer."
More here
Consultation
The Government today published a consultation document on the role the Private Rented Sector should play in supporting the economic recovery and increasing supply in the housing market.
The Private Rented Sector is a vital and growing part of the UK housing market, representing around 14 percent of all households in England, or around 3 million homes. The Government is keen to ensure that the sector plays its part in meeting the UK’s housing needs.
Commenting on the publication of the consultation document, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Sarah McCarthy-Fry said:
“The Government has provided significant support for the housing sector through the downturn, with around half of all new builds in the last 12 months having benefited from government support.
But the recent housing market downturn has had a significant impact on housing supply, and as our economy recovers we need to ensure that we look to all areas of the housing sector to meet these pressures.
The Private Rented Sector has been the most affordable, flexible and responsive segment of the market. We need to build on this to ensure it can play its part in supporting the recovery and meeting these urgent needs.
The consultation we are launching today will ensure that we fully understand the contribution the PRS can make, and identify any substantive barriers to investment.â€
This Treasury consultation is complemented by the Communities and Local Government policy statement “The Private Rented Sector: Professionalism and Quality: consultation responses and next steps†also published today. Taken together, steps to raise quality and identify any barriers to investment should reinforce each other and create a better Private Rented Sector that can become the tenure of choice for a wider range of people.
Consultation on Investment in the UK Private Rented Sector
Non-media enquiries should be addressed to the Treasury Correspondence and Enquiry Unit on 020 7270 4558 or by e-mail to public.enquiries@hm-treasury.gov.uk
More Info Here
The Private Rented Sector is a vital and growing part of the UK housing market, representing around 14 percent of all households in England, or around 3 million homes. The Government is keen to ensure that the sector plays its part in meeting the UK’s housing needs.
Commenting on the publication of the consultation document, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Sarah McCarthy-Fry said:
“The Government has provided significant support for the housing sector through the downturn, with around half of all new builds in the last 12 months having benefited from government support.
But the recent housing market downturn has had a significant impact on housing supply, and as our economy recovers we need to ensure that we look to all areas of the housing sector to meet these pressures.
The Private Rented Sector has been the most affordable, flexible and responsive segment of the market. We need to build on this to ensure it can play its part in supporting the recovery and meeting these urgent needs.
The consultation we are launching today will ensure that we fully understand the contribution the PRS can make, and identify any substantive barriers to investment.â€
This Treasury consultation is complemented by the Communities and Local Government policy statement “The Private Rented Sector: Professionalism and Quality: consultation responses and next steps†also published today. Taken together, steps to raise quality and identify any barriers to investment should reinforce each other and create a better Private Rented Sector that can become the tenure of choice for a wider range of people.
Consultation on Investment in the UK Private Rented Sector
Non-media enquiries should be addressed to the Treasury Correspondence and Enquiry Unit on 020 7270 4558 or by e-mail to public.enquiries@hm-treasury.gov.uk
More Info Here
New Landlord Accreditation
New Landlord Accreditation will change future of Private Rented Housing
Plans for the biggest ever overhaul of the UKs privately rented housing sector will soon be launched ¦ not by the government¦ not by legislators ¦ but by landlords themselves.
The single most far-reaching move towards self-regulation comes from the Residential Landlords Association whose members own over 100,000 private rented properties throughout the UK.
The RLA is announcing a new initiative that will bring local authorities into partnership with responsible landlords who are committed to raising professional standards and providing good quality accommodation.
The Residential Landlords Accreditation Scheme (RLAS) will be open to any landlord or property manager in England and Wales irrespective of RLA membership – who wants to be part of a voluntary self-regulated group dedicated to improving standards in the private rented housing sector.
RLAS is expected to roll out, nationally, from founding local authority partners in Blackpool, Wyre and the Fylde.
The intention is to give tenants better living conditions by providing higher standards of decent, safe homes.
And the RLA will provide a raft of support services to support landlords, help them share information, skills, experience, abilities and good practice.
Over the last few years private rented sector landlords have been surrounded by an overwhelming increase in legislation, regulation and government reviews,says RLA chairman Alan Ward. Most of this has been unnecessary because we have always believed that self-regulation and closer partnerships between stakeholders is the key to improving standards of professionalism, property and reputation.
There is no shortage of will to achieve this but this sort of organised framework is needed to create the partnerships that can foster better communication and understanding of mutual responsibilities between landlords, tenants and local authorities.
The self-financing scheme will accredit landlords not properties although accommodation will be inspected to ensure it complies with accepted criteria or can be upgraded within an agreed period.
A ˜National Accredited Landlord or Nationally Accredited Managing Agent will have met the required personal standard as a fit and proper person and agreed to strict rules about property condition, good management practice and fostering good relationships with tenants.
They will undergo training courses on managing different types of tenancy, using deposit schemes, health and safety, fire safety, risk assessment for residential hazards and landlord responsibilities such as repairs, maintenance, furnishings, kitchen, bathroom and toilet standards, electrical and gas installations and appliances, heating, lighting, ventilation, hygiene, waste disposal and complaints procedures.
A conditional commitment to continual professional development will be expected every five years or accreditation could be revoked. Landlords and agents will be disciplined for lapses and the RLAS will have its own appeals procedure.
For tenants the scheme will offer a choice of landlords, with proven standards, who have accepted the RLAs code of conduct, been rigorously vetted and professionally trained.
And local authorities will receive the co-operation of accredited landlords to support their strategic duty to provide quality, safe and healthy privately rented accommodation.
The Residential Landlords Association has made a heavy investment to set up an arms length company that will manage the scheme, provide key training courses, and support services including a dedicated website and manned help desk.
Raising the entire game can only benefit everyone involved – as well as contributing to more sustainable local communities,†says Alan Ward. But even a better qualified generation of progressive landlords can’t achieve the result alone. This is a partnership issue and that is the only way to a successful conclusion.â€
The Residential Landlords Association is a leading national organisation with members owning over 100,000 properties in the UK’s professional private rented sector. The range of members’ services – on www.rla.org.uk – includes legal advice, insurance, financial services, credit referencing and training
More News Here
Plans for the biggest ever overhaul of the UKs privately rented housing sector will soon be launched ¦ not by the government¦ not by legislators ¦ but by landlords themselves.
The single most far-reaching move towards self-regulation comes from the Residential Landlords Association whose members own over 100,000 private rented properties throughout the UK.
The RLA is announcing a new initiative that will bring local authorities into partnership with responsible landlords who are committed to raising professional standards and providing good quality accommodation.
The Residential Landlords Accreditation Scheme (RLAS) will be open to any landlord or property manager in England and Wales irrespective of RLA membership – who wants to be part of a voluntary self-regulated group dedicated to improving standards in the private rented housing sector.
RLAS is expected to roll out, nationally, from founding local authority partners in Blackpool, Wyre and the Fylde.
The intention is to give tenants better living conditions by providing higher standards of decent, safe homes.
And the RLA will provide a raft of support services to support landlords, help them share information, skills, experience, abilities and good practice.
Over the last few years private rented sector landlords have been surrounded by an overwhelming increase in legislation, regulation and government reviews,says RLA chairman Alan Ward. Most of this has been unnecessary because we have always believed that self-regulation and closer partnerships between stakeholders is the key to improving standards of professionalism, property and reputation.
There is no shortage of will to achieve this but this sort of organised framework is needed to create the partnerships that can foster better communication and understanding of mutual responsibilities between landlords, tenants and local authorities.
The self-financing scheme will accredit landlords not properties although accommodation will be inspected to ensure it complies with accepted criteria or can be upgraded within an agreed period.
A ˜National Accredited Landlord or Nationally Accredited Managing Agent will have met the required personal standard as a fit and proper person and agreed to strict rules about property condition, good management practice and fostering good relationships with tenants.
They will undergo training courses on managing different types of tenancy, using deposit schemes, health and safety, fire safety, risk assessment for residential hazards and landlord responsibilities such as repairs, maintenance, furnishings, kitchen, bathroom and toilet standards, electrical and gas installations and appliances, heating, lighting, ventilation, hygiene, waste disposal and complaints procedures.
A conditional commitment to continual professional development will be expected every five years or accreditation could be revoked. Landlords and agents will be disciplined for lapses and the RLAS will have its own appeals procedure.
For tenants the scheme will offer a choice of landlords, with proven standards, who have accepted the RLAs code of conduct, been rigorously vetted and professionally trained.
And local authorities will receive the co-operation of accredited landlords to support their strategic duty to provide quality, safe and healthy privately rented accommodation.
The Residential Landlords Association has made a heavy investment to set up an arms length company that will manage the scheme, provide key training courses, and support services including a dedicated website and manned help desk.
Raising the entire game can only benefit everyone involved – as well as contributing to more sustainable local communities,†says Alan Ward. But even a better qualified generation of progressive landlords can’t achieve the result alone. This is a partnership issue and that is the only way to a successful conclusion.â€
The Residential Landlords Association is a leading national organisation with members owning over 100,000 properties in the UK’s professional private rented sector. The range of members’ services – on www.rla.org.uk – includes legal advice, insurance, financial services, credit referencing and training
More News Here
House prices rise after Hips axed
House prices continued to edge up in May as the number of homes on the market soared following the Government's decision to abolish home information packs, research shows.
Around 22% more surveyors reported a rise in the cost of property than those who saw a fall during the month, up from 17% in April, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
But more significantly, the number of surveyors who saw an increase in the number of homes being put up for sale nearly doubled during May
A balance of 21% more surveyors said they had seen a rise in instructions during the month, up from 11% in April.
Surveyors expect the trend to continue in the near term, with nearly three quarters saying the decision to scrap controversial home information packs (Hips) will lead to a higher level of properties on the market.
Overall, the abolition of the packs is expected to boost the number of homes for sale by around 15%.
Hips were introduced in England and Wales in a bid to speed up the home buying and selling process by giving potential buyers more of the information they needed up front.
But estate agents had long campaigned for them to be scrapped, claiming the up front cost of the packs was deterring people from putting their home on the market.
The number of new buyers registering with chartered surveyor estate agents also continued to rise during May, although it increased at a similar pace as during April, with a balance of 10% of surveyors reporting a jump.
Activity levels in the market are expected to continue increasing during the coming months, with 31% more surveyors expecting a rise in sales than those who anticipate a fall.
More News Here
Around 22% more surveyors reported a rise in the cost of property than those who saw a fall during the month, up from 17% in April, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
But more significantly, the number of surveyors who saw an increase in the number of homes being put up for sale nearly doubled during May
A balance of 21% more surveyors said they had seen a rise in instructions during the month, up from 11% in April.
Surveyors expect the trend to continue in the near term, with nearly three quarters saying the decision to scrap controversial home information packs (Hips) will lead to a higher level of properties on the market.
Overall, the abolition of the packs is expected to boost the number of homes for sale by around 15%.
Hips were introduced in England and Wales in a bid to speed up the home buying and selling process by giving potential buyers more of the information they needed up front.
But estate agents had long campaigned for them to be scrapped, claiming the up front cost of the packs was deterring people from putting their home on the market.
The number of new buyers registering with chartered surveyor estate agents also continued to rise during May, although it increased at a similar pace as during April, with a balance of 10% of surveyors reporting a jump.
Activity levels in the market are expected to continue increasing during the coming months, with 31% more surveyors expecting a rise in sales than those who anticipate a fall.
More News Here
Thursday, 10 June 2010
Re-Brand
Apple Property Services has officially re-branded to Anchor Property Services the reason for this was that Apple was a too common name so we decided to spice it up a little so we are the same company at the same affordable prices just a new name and along with our new shiny website designed by Uplift Media.
We now have a up to date online quoting system which allows for a estimated quote along with a online booking system less hassle for you to book one of our clerks.
Checkout our new website at http://www.apsne.co.uk
We now have a up to date online quoting system which allows for a estimated quote along with a online booking system less hassle for you to book one of our clerks.
Checkout our new website at http://www.apsne.co.uk
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