Letting Agent Today

1. Tory says councils lose out by levying second home taxes

   A politician is claiming that second home council tax premiums, where owners pay up to double the normal rate, is resulting in financial losses to local authorities. Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy, submitted freedom of information requests asking, in relation to the council tax premium on second...

2. Ground Rents defended by investors’ group

   The ongoing debate over ground rents within Government is rapidly becoming a Parliamentary farce that could soon lead to an economic and legal disaster.  This is according to Pensioners for Ground Rent Association - an investors' group - commenting on the Parliamentary passage of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill.  A spokesperson for the...

3. Agents urged to understand key tenancy agreement differences

   A call has gone out from an industry group for letting agents to be sure they know the distinctions between statutory and contractual tenancy agreements which operate in England.  Paul Offley, Compliance Officer of The Guild of Property Professionals, says a recent incident highlighted problems if the differences between the agreements...

4. Shelter demands “overhaul” of Renters Reform Bill

   Campaigning charity Shelter is demanding an overhaul of the Renters Reform Bill, which will shortly begin its passage through the House of Lords. Having originally been a strong advocate of the Bill, the charity now objects to amendments accepted by the House of Commons last week. The organisation particularly objects to...

5. Rental demand to stay strong as first time buyers struggle

   Startling regional differences are acting as barriers to those looking to step onto the property ladder for the first time, according to Coventry for intermediaries’ first time buyer market research. The Society’s research shows that first time buyers in certain areas of the UK are finding it more challenging to secure...