Brexit & Risk You have to have a certain appetite for risk to be purchasing property in the UK amidst Brexit uncertainty and under the rule of a “weak” government, which does not have a clear majority in the house of commons.  These political factors indicate a potentially rocky future for the UK government, economy and general stability. There is a real risk to London’s high earning population, as several institutions such as Banks are moving their headquarters elsewhere. The London property market is slowing down as a result and prices are reducing overall in the City Centre[1]. This situation, however, presents certain opportunities that shrewd investors are taking advantage of. Weak Pound The Pound Sterling is very low; not historically low, but low nonetheless.  Therefore investing from outside the […]

In just a few months the minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) for commercially rented properties will come into force. From 1 April 2018, landlords of non-domestic private rented properties (including public sector landlords) may not grant a tenancy to new or existing tenants if their property has an EPC rating of band F or G (shown on a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for the property). There is ample guidance on the internet about the legal requirements, allowable exceptions and assessing the risk to property portfolios. This article sets out to explain in non-technical terms the process by which the energy performance of a property is assessed and what the rating on the EPC means. It will advise on how to interpret the recommendations that accompany the EPC and to […]

By Sam Meadows  The Telegraph Several key tax changes have hit buy-to-let investors’ profits.  The additional stamp duty surcharge of 3pc has made buying a property to rent more expensive at the purchasing stage, often to the tune of tens of thousands of pounds. And changes to tax relief, due to be fully phased in by 2020, are forcing many mortgaged landlords to adjust their expectations of returns. The stamp duty changes were introduced by former chancellor George Osborne last year and mean anyone purchasing an additional house above the value of £40,000, must pay 3pc on top of the stamp duty already levied. The phasing in of tax relief cuts, meanwhile, began in April. Before then, landlords could offset interest paid on a mortgage from their profits before tax calculations. Now tax relief […]