The Property Market Monthly Fact File - November 2011
The property market fact file is a collection of data compiled each month by our chartered surveyors and the propertysurveying.co.uk team, collating survey data, statistics and related trends and information from the building and property market. This will help many persons with an interest in property to gain an accurate view of what is happening in the property market as a whole in the UK.
To read the monthly fact file, click here.
Judge rules Leasehold Service Charges covered by Consumer Protection Laws
A new case concerning a hot water system disagreement between leaseholder and freeholder in an apartment in the London Borough of Camden, has reached an important conclusion: a ruling that the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations apply to the service charge provisions of long leases. The decision in the present case could be determinative of contribution obligations if similar cases arise elsewhere under similar leases.
To read the whole article, click here.
Co-operative Housing Tenure Bill introduced into the Commons
The Labour MP for Stalybridge & Hyde, Jonathon Reynolds, has introduced a new Co-Operative Housing Tenure Bill into the House of Commons, as of 11 October 2011. He hopes to achieve recognition for the unique status of co-operative housing and, by doing so, boost investment in housing co-operatives and combat Britain’s housing shortage.
To read the whole article, click here.
Roof space letting for solar energy could be trouble for homeowners
Consumers have been warned to be vigilant when opting to let their roof spaces for renewable energy schemes; doing so could violate mortgage schemes and damage saleability.
To read the whole article, click here.
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 whole article, click here.
Japanese Knotweed – Your guide to identifying and dealing with this silent invader
A recent outbreak that led to the demolition of a £300,000 house has highlighted the damaging affect of Japanese Knotweed, Britain’s most invasive non-native plant. Most people don’t even know it exists until it appears in their living room, but with growth rates of up to 3 inches a day and paying little attention to the small matter of walls, this plant can be deadly to properties all over Britain.
To read the whole article, click 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 angle in the argument on how to solve Britain’s property problem.
To read the whole article, click here.
10 questions on … Wind Turbines
With the introduction of various Government incentives to turn your home ‘green’, including Feed-in-Tariffs introduced on 1 April 2010 and Renewable Heat Grants on 1 August this year, we are taking a look at the different options available to homeowners to produce their own energy and reduce their bills.
To read the whole article, click here.
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.
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Million Pound Homes in High Demand
The highest number of £1,000,000+ property sales since 2007 were recorded in the first half of this year, underlining the strength of the property market at the upper end, fuelled by foreign money.
To read the whole article, click here.
Preparing for the winter – what can you do to fight rising energy prices?
The government has joined forces with energy suppliers, Citizens Advice, Consumer Focus, Age UK and Which? to offer tips and advice on how to save money on your gas and electricity bill this winter. We present the main three points to help you to keep warm for less.
To read the whole article, click here.
The Average Briton’s Dream Home
According to a survey of 2,000 householders by the comparison website ‘gocompare’, a four bedroom new house set in half an acre with a sea view is the perfect home for an average Briton.
To read the whole article, click here.
In case you missed it…..
Big Ben Goes Floppy – MPs in Danger!
Surveyors have recently discovered that Big Ben, perhaps London’s most famous landmark, is leaning so much that its tilt can be seen by the naked eye.
To read the whole article, click here.
