Solar Feed-in-Tariffs cut drastically in Government review

As of 31st October 2011, the Government has announced that they will be slashing Feed-in-Tariffs for domestic solar installations. Government Ministers have emphasised the need to stay within the allotted budget in the face of falling solar costs, but critics are foreseeing a sharp contraction of demand and an end to free solar financing schemes and social housing projects.

Read more here.

New report reveals extent of ‘underused homes’

A study by the Intergenerational Foundation has suggested that the housing crisis is being severely compounded by ‘underused homes’, with their co-founder reputedly suggesting that ‘empty nesters’ should be ‘encouraged’ through a new land tax to downsize. The report represents a new, a controversial, angle in the argument on how to solve Britain’s property problem.

To read the rest of this article and learn about a hotly debated solution to Britain’s housing problems, click here.

Cost of third bedroom now at £60,000

New research from HSBC has indicated that the cost of providing suitable housing for a third child in the UK, ie. purchasing a three bedroom property,  is just under £60,000. This figure constitutes a 38% increase in price from a 2 bedroom to a 3 bedroom property.

The same figures help illustrate that the extra cost of a third bedroom represents 1.6 times the average annual household income for the nation.

Bruno Genovese, head of savings at HSB, is reported to have said:

“[Having a] second child seems to be catalyst for many families moving to a larger home, which is often the largest financial outlay they will ever undertake.”

The figures suggest that careful financial planning is advisory,  to ensure that finances are in place to handle the costs involved in raising a family.

If you’re upgrading to a larger property, seek out a professional surveyor to ensure the right price and minimnise the costs as much as possible. PropertySurveying UK

Accelerating the release of Public Land – New document released

A summary report has been released detailing the acceleration of the release of public land into the hands of the private sector. The report includes further details on the ‘Build now, pay later’ scheme and is part of a wider Government effort to stimulate growth and create jobs.

To read the rest of this article and find the Government report, click here.