The government is introducing a new Housing Complaints Resolution Service to cover the entire housing market. It means that dissatisfied homeowners and tenants will have simple and quick access to help when things go wrong
Landlords oppose 3-year minimum tenancy proposals
The National Landlord’s Association (NLA) has criticised government proposals to introduce 3-year minimum tenancies. Ministers say 3-year tenancy terms, with a 6-month break clause
Landlord loses appeal over service charges for improvements
The Court of Appeal has ruled that a landlord was wrong to use service charges to recover the cost of improvements to a property. The case involved a tenant who was a long lessee of a flat owned by the local authority. Under the terms of her lease, she was obliged to pay a service charge in respect of the costs of repairs. The authority served a notice of intention …Read More
Cohabitant fails to benefit from properties she shared with partner
The need for cohabiting partners to draw up agreements stating how their property and assets should be shared in the event of a break-up was highlighted in a recent case before the Court of Appeal. It involved a couple who had been in a relationship for many years and had lived together since 2002.
Shared ownership homes to become easier and quicker to sell
It could soon be easier for people in shared ownership homes to sell their property. The government funded schemes enable people to buy a share in a property, with a registered housing provider owning the rest. Typically, a purchaser may buy a 50% share in the home with the option of increasing their stake if and when they can afford to do so. Under the current system, when someone wants …Read More
First-time home buyers get 20% off
New homes are to be offered at a minimum 20% discount to first-time buyers under the age of 40. The Starter Home initiative is a government scheme to help young people on to the housing ladder and encourage construction firms to build more homes. It’s hoped that up to 100,000 buyers will benefit. The initiative is being made possible by a change to the planning system. The idea is to …Read More
Changes to mortgage laws will further protect borrowers
Banks must now adhere to a new set of rules when considering someone for a mortgage as the government tries to prevent borrowers over-stretching themselves as some have done in the past. Under the new legislation, most borrowers will be given advice from a financial expert before they take out a mortgage. This will give consumers a better understanding of how much they can afford to borrow, taking into account …Read More
Now you can save thousands when building your own home
Now you can save thousands when building your own home People building their own homes could save thousands of pounds following the government’s decision to exempt self-built accommodation from the Community Infrastructure Levy. Developers have to pay the levy to local councils to help with the cost of the infrastructure needed to support new buildings.
Social tenants to receive more help to buy their homes
Social tenants to receive more help to buy their homes The government wants to make it easier for tenants to purchase their homes by improving the Right to Buy scheme. Currently, council tenants who want to buy their homes can qualify for a discount of up to 60%, depending on how long they have lived in the property. This is to rise to 70%. The maximum sum that can be …Read More
Help to Buy Scheme
Helping first time buyers onto the property ladder…. Help to Buy scheme helps 15,000 people to own a new home The Help to Buy: equity loan scheme has so far helped more than 15,000 people to own a new home. The government scheme came into effect on 1 April 2013 and applies to new build properties only. To qualify, you need a minimum deposit of 5%. The government will then …Read More