Property Market

Demand for flats falls away but rents remain firm

The growth in tenant demand for rental property moderated as demand for flats fell away due to an oversupply in the market, says the latest RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Lettings Survey.

Investing in a sustainable built environment

High level representatives from the Prince of Wales Foundation for the Built Environment, the European real estate industry, financial sector, academia and EU Institutions will discuss the practical implications of investing in energy efficient buildings at an interactive conference organised by RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors).

Landlords optimistic about buy-to-let prospects in 2008

Buy-to-let landlords are optimistic about the next 12 months, with 71 per cent seeing their overall prospects as good or very good, according to research from Alliance & Leicester mortgages.

AHIPP calls for “exchange ready” HIPs

Home Information Packs (HIPs) have become mandatory for one and two bedroom homes. This final phase of the roll out means that all properties will now require a HIP when they are put on the market.

HIPS shambles continues

The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) is reiterating its concern over home information packs (HIPs) as the industry prepares for tomorrow’s roll out to all properties newly entering the market.

2007 marks another strong year for buy-to-let investors

Buy-to-let investors enjoyed another strong year in 2007 as total returns generated by the average residential investment property reached 21% – the highest level for 28 months.

Persimmon has a ball raising cash for charity

Persimmon Homes Wessex has donated £11,500 to Marie Curie Cancer Care after hosting its second annual ball for the charity. Held at the De Vere Hotel in Swindon the spectacular annual ball was supported by an array of Persimmon Homes contractors who hosted sponsored tables and donated gifts towards the evening’s auction and raffle.

British landlords remain upbeat about buy-to-let

Property investors remain confident about the prospects for the buy-to-let market in 2008, contradicting recent reports of a possible slowdown, according to a survey of landlords by Bradford & Bingley Group.

Sub-prime lending undermining home ownership

The dream of home ownership has turned sour for many people on low incomes who have taken out mortgages or secured loans with sub-prime lenders only to end up deep in debt and facing the prospect of homelessness, according to a report from Citizens Advice.

3 days to go until full HIPs roll out

From 14 December 2007, properties marketed for sale in England and Wales will require a Home Information Pack, which includes a home energy rating.

One in four affected by 'empty homes'

One in four people (27%) have lived on the same street as an empty home. Those who have experienced living near an empty home claim the presence of the empty home has had a negative impact on the value of property (22%) and their enjoyment of the street (22%), according to Halifax research.