Articles
England letting fees banned and how this may affect you
If you’ve heard about the recent change in legislation regarding letting fees, you may be interested to know a little more on what this means to landlords, their agents and to tenants.
June 1st saw a significant change to the way in which landlords and their agents in England work; they are no longer allowed to charge tenants letting fees on new contracts signed on or after that date.
The property market continues to move; and the North West is looking good
A pattern is emerging that is indicative of a definite North-South divide and it is spelling encouraging news for the North.
Although in comparison with property prices countrywide, homes still cost more generally, in the South East of England – London fares well in particular – values fell by 1.9% in the capital, in the year to March. Yet they increased by as much as 3.6% in Yorkshire and Humberside, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirmed.
Government Marriage Allowance
It is often said, often tongue in cheek, that there are few advantages to being married these days. Thankfully, this is not strictly true, especially where tax is concerned. One advantage is the marriage allowance that so many couples tend to be unaware of.
Government Rent a Room Scheme
Many people now rent out spare rooms in their homes to lodgers. The government rent a room scheme is open to those who do so. If you think you are eligible, you can apply to the Inland Revenue for tax relief under the rent a room scheme.
You can apply through your tax return and it is for anyone who is letting out furnished accommodation in their home. If you share your home with a partner or somebody else then the benefit is halved.
Cashback Mortgages
‘Cashback’ is certainly a word that jumps out of a page at you and may sound appealing at first glance, however, it is important to understand what this really means when you are taking out a mortgage.
In essence, it is an offer to pay you back money (often via your solicitor) upon the start of a mortgage, following completion; given to you by cheque – or more commonly now via BACS.
