Tag: Property for Sale

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New regulations to combat carbon monoxide poisoning

New regulations to combat carbon monoxide poisoning

An assembly member has welcomed the introduction of legislation for carbon monoxide detectors in rented homes in Wales.

The Welsh Government says new regulations are to be introduced to tackle the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Around 60 people a year are killed by carbon monoxide poisoning in Wales and thousands are hospitalised.

The regulations will require landlords in Wales and their agents to install working carbon monoxide alarms, smoke alarms and undertake an electrical safety test at least every five years.

The time frame is not clear at this stage, but it would appear that it will be implemented as part of the introduction of Section 91 of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and prior to the end of this Assembly term in 2021.

Clwyd West AM Darren Millar previously expressed concerns to the Senedd over the absence of legal requirements for the detectors to be installed in rental properties.

But he has welcomed confirmation that a new section of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 will include additional requirements for landlords to install working carbon monoxide alarms, smoke alarms and undertake an electrical safety test at least every five years.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted to hear that new regulations will be coming into force to ensure landlords install carbon monoxide testers in their properties and the Minister is committed to ensuring they are implemented by the end of this Assembly term.”

Many people are at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, particularly if they do not have a CO alarm in their property.

In the short-term, carbon monoxide poisoning can cause dizziness, sickness, tiredness and stomach pain, while prolonged exposure can lead to loss of consciousness and have a significant impact on an individual’s mental state, coordination and heart health.

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is produced when fuel does not burn properly – usually from badly fitted or poorly maintained appliances.

Though carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas, it has no smell or taste, so it is not obvious when someone has been exposed to it. Just breathing it in can make somebody very unwell and it can kill if a person is exposed to high levels.

Millar added: Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas, but, being colourless, odourless, tasteless, and initially non-irritating, it is very difficult for people to detect.

“Unfortunately, many people across Wales still do not know enough about its dangers and it continues to claim lives or leave people with long-term chronic health problems.

“Currently 60 people a year are killed by carbon monoxide poisoning and thousands are hospitalised. Hopefully, these new regulations will help to reduce that figure.”

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New housing court needed ‘for the benefit of landlords and tenants alike’

New housing court needed ‘for the benefit of landlords and tenants alike’ It now takes private landlords across the UK more than five months on average from making a claim to the courts for a property to be repossessed to it actually happening, with the problem most acute in London, new figures show.

The data reveals that the average length of time from a claim from a landlord in London to a court issuing an order for a property to be repossessed for legitimate reasons is currently 30 weeks, up from 23 weeks a year earlier.

Landlords in London have the longest wait in the country followed in second place by those in the North East who have to wait an average of 23.5 weeks.

The findings suggest that a major problem contributing to the backlog is the fact that the courts are unable to cope when landlords look to repossess properties for legitimate reasons.

The Residential Landlords Association (RLA) is warning that without major reform and greater funding for the courts the time taken to process cases will only get worse as Ministers prepare to end Section 21 repossessions.

The RLA is calling on the government to establish a dedicated housing court with a view to improving and speeding up access to justice for landlords and tenants in the minority of cases where something goes wrong.

John Stewart, policy manager for the RLA, commented: “If landlords feel that they might have to wait forever to regain possession of their property where they have good reason, such as tenants committing anti-social behaviour or failing to pay their rent, increasing numbers are going to feel it is not worth the risk of letting the property out in the first place.

“This will just add to the already growing shortage of investment in rented housing which is badly needed to meet a rising demand.

“The RLA was delighted when the government consulted on its proposal for a housing court a year ago but nothing has happened since. It needs to get on and get it set up for the benefit of landlords and tenants alike.”

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Rightmove predicts 2% price rise in 2020

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Property prices should rise by 2% in 2020 now the Conservative Party has secured a majority, Rightmove has forecast.

It added that sellers’ pricing power will be enhanced by a lack of choice for potential buyers, with the proportion of estate agent stock that is available for purchase at its lowest for over two years.

Miles Shipside, Rightmove director and housing market analyst, said: “The greater certainty afforded by a majority government gives an opportunity for a more active spring moving season, with some release of several years of pent-up demand.

“Given the Brexit track record to date, further political twists and turns should not be ruled out, though with a large majority there is a higher possibility of an end to the series of Brexit deadlines, and the prospect of an orderly resolution.

“Rightmove measures the prices of 95% of property coming to market, and we predict that buyers and sellers will on average see a 2% rise in those prices by the end of 2020.
“While this is over twice the current annual rate of 0.8%, it’s still a relatively marginal increase as it’s a price-sensitive market.”

Shipside added that there will be regional variations.

London is apparently showing tentative signs of bottoming out, while a more modest of increase of 1% is expected in Southern regions.

Sales numbers agreed so far in 2019 are down by 3% on 2018, while number of properties coming to market have fallen by 8%.

Josef Wasinski, co-founder of Wayhome, said: “Aspiring homeowners will be waiting to see how their route to homeownership might be impacted by the new government.

“A whole host of political issues and challenges face the Prime Minister and high on the agenda should be the homeownership crisis – which is a chronic problem.

“The reality for many is that buying a home is only possible with the help of friends and family.

“Thousands of reluctant renters will continue to be ignored without radical change from the Conservative party and we welcome any efforts to address this long-standing issue.”

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House price growth set to pick up speed following an end to the political gridlock

House price growth set to pick up speed following an end to the political gridlockResidential property prices, much like the economy, are likely to grow faster than initially anticipated next year thanks to the greater political certainty unlocked by the Conservative Party’s decisive election victory last week, according to Rightmove.

The property website forecasts that average asking prices will increase by 2% in 2020, up from the existing annual rate of 0.8%, thanks to low-interest rates, high employment, rising wages, greater political clarity, and a widening supply-demand imbalance.

Rightmove’s December House Price Index notes that the number of sales agreed so far in 2019 is 3% lower than a year earlier, but the number of properties coming to market has dropped far more significantly by 8%, with estate agents’ stock levels at a two-year low.

Property price growth is expected to be led by northern areas, with Rightmove expecting to see an increase of between 2% and 4%.

In the south, which is generally more expensive, a more modest 1% growth rate is anticipated.

Miles Shipside, Rightmove director and housing market analyst, commented: “Home-mover confidence and activity have been dogged by political uncertainty since the 2016 referendum.

“With a clear majority in the election, there is now an opportunity to release some of the pent-up demand in the spring, and for some modest upwards price movement.

“Given the Brexit track record to date, further political twists and turns should not be ruled out, though with a large majority there is a higher possibility of an end to the series of Brexit deadlines, and the prospect of an orderly resolution.”

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December National Market Update

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Millions across the country start the countdown to Christmas by opening their advent doors each day, but who knows which party will be behind the door of number 10 Downing Street. Time is ticking to the first December election in nearly a century. The housing market has remained remarkably resilient in a year that has been dominated by Brexit and annual price growth remains in positive territory across much of the country.

Download the full report HERE.

 

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Many landlords ‘have not recognised the need to educate themselves’

Many landlords ‘have not recognised the need to educate themselves’ How do you potentially balance property buying and management with a full-time job? What strategies have you developed to build wealth and generate passive income?

When it comes to investing in property there is a lot to learn.

Generic education has become one of the most important tools for landlords, according to Paul Shamplina, a director at Hamilton Fraser Group and founder of Landlord Action.

“One of the most common excuses I hear from landlords is ‘I didn’t know’,” he said.

Whether you are new to property or a long-term investor, it is important to keep on top of tax and regulatory changes, along with a wide range of other commitments.

Shamplina continued: “We enter education from a young age and then later, may take the path of further education which best suits our skillset or interests.

“No matter what we do, we are always learning. For example, when we start a new job, more often than not, we’re given training and guidance.”

Shamplina feels that part of the problem with the PRS is that for many, becoming a landlord started off as a “lucrative hobby, not a job”.

As the sector has grown, it has become entirely necessary to put some policies in place to protect the consumer and raise standards, just as a business would have in place for its employees and customer.

However, legislation has come so thick and fast that many landlords have struggled to keep up and have not recognised the need to educate themselves as a landlord.

He added: “If you are a landlord that likes managing your rental property yourself, building a relationship with your tenant so that they are encouraged to stay longer and treat your property as a home, that is fantastic.

“However, the latest count I read, was there are now 176 rules and regulations relating to letting a property, so my advice is to simply learn, learn, learn.

“I tell all the landlords and letting agents I train to go online at the beginning of the day before they get stuck into work mode, emails and calls, and just read what is going on in our industry.

Shamplina advises BTL landlords to visit various websites dedicated to the PRS, including Landlord Today.

He also advises landlords to join a landlord association such as NLA or RLA, as, in his view, they “provide the latest news, campaigns, lobbying, market trends and sign posting of recommended suppliers, as well as an advice line”.

He continued: “Being part of this community of professional landlords means collectively we have a stronger voice. This I have seen first-hand while sitting on the Fair Possessions Coalition in response to the government’s intentions to abolish Section 21.

“Along with many other organisations and associations in the industry, we’ve come together. We need more of this going forward.

“Landlord Redress will be mandatory in the not too distant future. Personally, I think this will be a positive move which will force landlords to be accountable, responsive and more compliant when renting out a property. And yes, this will require more learning because it means the consumer, your customer, will be able to make a complaint about your service.

“It’s tough enough working full time, being a parent, running your own house, etc. So, if you simply do not have the time to be a professional landlord, find a tenant, deal with all the compliance paperwork, arrange an inventory and handle regular communication with your tenants, I strongly advise you to use a managing agent.”

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4 Bedroom Cottage Denton Northampton

The Old Dairy is a beautifully presented mid terraced traditional cottage overlooking the village green in Denton. This superb home extending over 2000sqft retains many original features including beams and an inglenook, it has also been substantially extended creating a superb bright and spacious family home.
A stone flagged entrance opens to the very welcoming reception room which has a beamed ceiling and large inglenook with wood burner, to the far end of this room is a ground floor double bedroom or if preferred study/snug. To the rear is a superb kitchen/dining room with a central preparation island and a large dining area, the whole room is flooded with natural light from a conservatory style roof. There is also a guest cloakroom on the ground floor.
On the first floor are three good size double bedrooms one of which has a large en-suite shower room, there is also a family bathroom with a roll top bath. To the rear of this floor is the master bedroom with en-suite shower room and separate dressing room with utility area, the bedroom opens onto the rear garden so could if wanted be used as a further family room.
The gardens to the rear are a delight and a lovely sun trap, there are brick paved terraces and barbeque area leading to a lawn and stocked flower borders. Beyond the freehold title is a further area which the property has sole enjoyment of but is held on a lease for a nominal annual rental. This area can be used as a garden only and is approximately 1/4 acre with two brick outhouses and rear lane access, it’s a very private garden with mature trees and would be ideal as extra entertaining space or if green fingered a superb vegetable garden!
Denton is a village located approximately six mile south east of Northampton. It is a traditional village with a good primary school, village pub, church and village hall. It is well located for access to Northampton, Bedford, the M1 motorway and A45 and the mainline railway station at Northampton for London

Entrance Lobby –

Reception Room – 7.80m x 4.98m (25’7 x 16’4) –

Bedroom 4/Snug – 5.13m x 2.67m (16’10 x 8’9) –

Cloakroom –

Kitchen/Dining Room – 7.75m x 3.53m (25’5 x 11’7) –

Master Bedroom – 4.98m x 3.07m (16’4 x 10’1) –

En-Suite Shower Room –

Double Bedroom – 3.18m x 3.15m (10’5 x 10’4) –

Family Bathroom –

Bedroom – 2.87m x 2.72m (9’5 x 8’11) –

Dressing/Study Area –

Shower Room And Utility Area –

Bedroom/Family Room – 4.72m x 3.35m (15’6 x 11) –

Property Features

  • Mid Terraced Extended Village House
  • Four Bedrooms
  • Reception Room With Inglenook
  • Kitchen/Dining Room
  • Family Bathroom And Two Shower Rooms
  • Family Room/Bedroom 5
  • Delightful Garden
  • Further 1/4 Acre Garden With Outbuildings Available For Nominal Rent
  • Original Features
  • No Chain

Fine & Country Northampton
9 George Row
Northampton
NN1 1DF
Tel: 01604 309030