News

Sittingbourne Landlords Fined £25,000 for Overcrowded HMO: A Stark Warning on Rental Safety Standards

Sittingbourne Landlords Fined £25,000 for Overcrowded HMO: A Stark Warning on Rental Safety Standards

In November 2024, a significant enforcement action by Swale Borough Council sent a clear message to landlords operating Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Sittingbourne, Kent, following the imposing of a £25,000 fine on two landlords for serious overcrowding violations. This case has raised awareness about the critical importance of adhering to safety standards in rental properties and highlighted...

Is Now the Right Time to Buy a House in the UK? Insights on 2025's Housing Market Trends

Is Now the Right Time to Buy a House in the UK? Insights on 2025’s Housing Market Trends

As we enter 2025, potential homebuyers in the UK are weighing whether now is the right time to invest in property. Latest data reveals significant shifts in the housing market, with recent reports from Halifax indicating a steady uptick in house prices. Despite the average property price rising to £286,144 in November 2024—just a fraction below its highest level recorded in the summer of...

Shelter Scotland Demands Change as Edinburgh Council Faces Backlash Over Homelessness Policies

Shelter Scotland Demands Change as Edinburgh Council Faces Backlash Over Homelessness Policies

In a significant development regarding housing and homelessness in Edinburgh, Shelter Scotland has raised urgent concerns over the current leadership of the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC). The charity accuses the council of breaching the rights of homeless individuals by employing unlicensed houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and proposing adjustments that would relax existing homelessness laws. This...

Shelter Scotland Calls for Edinburgh Council's Leadership Resignation Over Controversial Homelessness Policies

Shelter Scotland Calls for Edinburgh Council’s Leadership Resignation Over Controversial Homelessness Policies

In a significant escalation regarding homelessness in Scotland, Shelter Scotland has made a public call for the resignation of the leadership of the City of Edinburgh Council over serious concerns regarding their approach to homelessness policies. The charity's stance stems from the council's recent decision to utilize unlicensed houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and their handling of rights accorded to...

Unlocking Sheffield: The Ultimate Buy-to-Let Investment Destination for 2025

Unlocking Sheffield: The Ultimate Buy-to-Let Investment Destination for 2025

In recent years, Sheffield has emerged as a hotspot for real estate investment, particularly in the buy-to-let sector. According to Joseph Lane, the Founder and Director of Mortgage Lane, 2025 is poised to be a pivotal year for investors looking to capitalize on the city’s unique offerings. With its attractive property prices and strong rental demand, Sheffield stands out as an appealing option for...

Double Trouble: What the Upcoming Council Tax Hike for Second Homes Means for Property Owners in England

Double Trouble: What the Upcoming Council Tax Hike for Second Homes Means for Property Owners in England

As the housing market continues to adapt to the rising costs of living, the government has introduced new legislation that will have significant repercussions for second home owners in England. Starting in April 2025, many councils across the country will be empowered to double the council tax on second properties, pushing the average annual tax from approximately £2,171 to an eye-watering £4,342. This...

Edinburgh's Bold Move: 700 Homeless Individuals Transitioning from Unlicensed Hotels to Safe Housing by November

Edinburgh’s Bold Move: 700 Homeless Individuals Transitioning from Unlicensed Hotels to Safe Housing by November

In a decisive move to combat the homelessness crisis exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, the City of Edinburgh Council has announced plans to transition over 700 homeless individuals from unlicensed hotels and B&Bs into proper housing by the end of November2024. This initiative is a response to the significant rise in homelessness within the city, where the number of households in temporary...

Rising Concerns Over HMOs in Sunbury: Residents Fear Neighborhood Decline

Rising Concerns Over HMOs in Sunbury: Residents Fear Neighborhood Decline

In recent months, the rise of Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Sunbury, Surrey, has sparked growing concerns among local residents about the potential decline of their community. As properties are increasingly being converted into shared living spaces to cater to students and young professionals seeking affordable housing, established residents worried about their neighborhoods are voicing...

Is January 2025 the Right Time to Buy a Home in the UK? Navigating Rising House Prices and High Interest Rates

Is January 2025 the Right Time to Buy a Home in the UK? Navigating Rising House Prices and High Interest Rates

As we step into January 2025, the UK housing market is experiencing notable changes that potential homebuyers should carefully consider. After a period of fluctuating prices, the trend has shifted towards an increase, with average house prices reaching £286,144 in November 2024, just 1% shy of the record highs observed in summer2022. This uptick signifies a year-on-year growth of3.7%, marking the fastest...

Navigating the 2024 Property Lending Landscape: Challenges, Opportunities, and Kuflink's Resilience Amid Rising Rates

Navigating the 2024 Property Lending Landscape: Challenges, Opportunities, and Kuflink’s Resilience Amid Rising Rates

As we approach the end of 2024, the property lending landscape in the UK is undergoing significant transformations, primarily driven by a series of interest rate hikes and shifting economic conditions. The Bank of England's decision to raise rates from an unprecedented low of0.10% in December 2021 to5.25% by August 2023 has created a challenging environment for borrowers and lenders alike. This article...

Compare listings

Compare