The Government is planning to release enough previously-used public land and buildings to provide sites for over 100,000 new homes by 2015. Over two thirds of the housing is earmarked for surplus land and property from three sources: the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Health and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). The government has also pledged that it … Read More
Land owners have one more tax to pay Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)
Local authorities in England and Wales are now able to impose a levy on most types of new development in their areas through the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010. (CIL) The levy can only be imposed on new buildings and extensions over 100 square metres of gross internal floor space. Liability for CIL The owner of land will be responsible … Read More
‘Beds in sheds’ move
The government has unveiled plans for a national taskforce to tackle the issue of “beds in sheds. They intend to find ways to close down thousands of sheds and outbuildings being rented out illegally to migrants, including some with no right to be in the UK.
Supreme Court Refuses Appeal – Tens of Thousands Benefit from Solar Panel Subsidy Reinstatement
Legal action against the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) began back in November, when a group of solar companies acted together to enforce an injunction stopping the DECC from using 12 December as the cut-off date for existing FITs on the basis that it was “illegal, irrational and unreasonable”. The Government had earlier proposed to reduce Feed in … Read More
Property Market Fact File – April 2012
Bank Lending Rate It has been confirmed that the Bank of England Monetary Committee have decided that the Bank Base Rate is to remain at 0.5% for a further month. It has been at this very low level for a record period of over three years. Source: Bank of England Mortgage Lending by the Major UK Lenders According to initial … Read More
Budget Analysis 2012 – How this year’s budget will affect the property industry
In this year’s budget, the Chancellor stressed that he was unashamedly supporting business, rewarding work and producing far reaching tax reform which would be simpler and more supportive of business than any other major world economy. Grand statements indeed, but what do the policies laid out in the budget really mean for the property industry? We take a look at … Read More
Stopping heat going up the flue. – Passive Flue Gas Heat Recovery Devices. (PFGHRD)
Over the last few years energy prices had been rising inexorably. Every new international crisis and increasing demand from countries like China pushes fuel prices even higher. Even if the new Irish oil discoveries provide additional supply and new finds are discovered in UK waters (following the budget) and Cuadrilla are successful in extracting shale gas near Blackpool, (without allegedly … Read More
House prices rise for second month in most parts of the UK
Homes in England and Wales increased in value by 0.1%, the second consecutive month of rises, according to the latest Land Registry figures. Whilst in Scotland, average house prices remain stable, with no change.
200,000 homes will face insurance difficulties
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has indicated that up to 200,000 homes at risk of flooding will face difficulties in obtaining buildings insurance next year. To highlight this, they have mapped neighbourhoods with the highest risk of flooding in England and Wales, ie. the areas where homeowners will struggle the most to obtain insurance. The greatest risks were found … Read More
Improvements to your Homes Energy Rating
Here is a list of some of the improvements that have a positive effect on the energy performance of your house. Boilers An EPC may recommend upgrading the boiler as many older gas fired boilers are deemed to be inefficient or less efficient than their modern counterparts. They are also more harmful due to their poor efficiency. If your gas … Read More