Welcome to our weekly update giving you the key stories, breaking news and topical analysis from the past week up to today, 24 August 2018.
An optimistic approach to property investment is still prevailing as research suggests many landlords are sticking with the market, while a new HMO ruling could have a knock-on effect for licensing requirements down the line. Overseas owners of property are being examined in the UK but New Zealand has taken a much stronger line, and we look at why the Midlands is a buy-to-let hotspot. Read on for seven things you might have missed this week…
1. Foreign property ownership in spotlight after New Zealand ban
Last week, in a bid to curb house prices and increase homeownership in New Zealand, the government has confirmed a ban on foreigners buying homes in the country. Click here to read the full story.
2. Property investors who stick out hard times still make great returns
While the country’s housing market will always be subject to fluctuations, those who play the long game rather than exit when things get tough will still see their profits grow. Click here to read the full story.
3. No landlord exodus as huge numbers plan to stay in buy-to-let for life
Despite concerns that landlords are being put off buy-to-let, new research shows older and portfolio landlords in particular aren’t going anywhere. Click here to read the full story.
4. Rent-to-rent: a good property investment or a murky minefield?
A listing on Zoopla has been flagged up showing a “rent-to-rent” property for sale, but it’s sparked some confusion and debate within the property industry. Click here to read the full story.
5. Sellers urged to value homes appropriately as asking prices dip again
If you want to sell your home by Christmas, it’s vital you list at the right price from the offset as sale agreement to completion time stretches to three months. Click here to read the full story.
6. New HMO licensing rules loom – but could landlords contest the costs?
From October, new legislation will come in for landlords with houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), but a recent High Court ruling could see councils challenged over their licensing fees. Click here to read the full story.
7. Soaring tenant demand pins Midlands as buy-to-let hotspot
As conditions for landlords get tougher in places like London, more are looking to the Midlands to expand their portfolios. Click here to read the full story.
