Welcome to the Property Advice Newsletter
Written by Independent Chartered Surveyors
of the UK wide network of Property Professionals
www.propertysurveying.co.uk
Publication date: 13th May 2013
This month's edition includes a case that has further defined the Defective Premises Act 1972 with an important message for would-be sellers and their advisors, a landmark Court of Appeal precedent with relevance for the upcoming Holiday Letting season, a potential solution for the UK's economic woes and a piece on what is perhaps the UK's most fun-filled office...
The Property Market Monthly Fact File - May 2013
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, trends and information from the property market. This aims to help many persons with an interest in property gain an accurate view of what is happening in the UK property market as a whole.
To read the monthly fact file, click here.
As we approach the Holiday Letting season - When does a house stop being a home?
Ref. Moore v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government & Anor [2012] EWCA Civ 1202 (18 September 2012)
As the holiday season approaches, we review a C of A case legal advisors must be aware of which revealed a ‘Sui Generis’ instance of change of use without planning permission. The result here was the loss of a substantial business operation…
To read the whole article, click here.
High Court decides on Important Defective Premises Act 1972 case – resulting in full re-build cost liability
Ref. Zennstrom v Moseley & Wilks [2013] EWHC 288 (TCC)
The High Court has passed judgement on a case concerning a £1.1m property and serious structural defects which further refines potential liability under the Defective Premises Act 1972…
To read the whole article, click here. |
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Expensive London Borough sees social housing waiting List fall from 10,000+ to just 1,100 following controversial policy change
In a policy labelled by the local Labour MP as a “Hammersmith House of Horrors”, the Conservative-led council for Hammersmith & Fulham has managed to reduce their social housing list by 90% through a radical policy change. Councillors there think social housing waiting list figures are grossly inflated and seek to provide a new solution to the social housing shortage issue – namely, by proving it doesn’t exist…
To read the whole article, click here.
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Could a tax on land solve our housing problems?
A left-wing thinktank has recently released a report that claims the solution to damaging land speculation, high land prices, housing bubbles and the difficult property market for buyers is the introduction of a form of tax first proffered by Adam Smith in the 18th Century. Could this really work and what is the likelihood of it becoming a reality?
To read the whole article, click here. |
Change in Date for Current Fit Rate for Solar Panels could create rush to install
The current FIT (feed in tariff) rates which pay homeowners with micro electrical generating technologies such as solar panels will be reviewed earlier than planned. It is believed that rates are likely to drop at this point, which could lead to a rush to install…
To read the whole article, click here.
Changes to Community Infrastructure Levy could save Self-Builders thousands
The Government is proposing to change the rules surrounding the Community Infrastructure Levy, a move which could save self-builders thousands and help make self-build housing a mainstream option. The changes are up for consultation and we provide the information you need to take part or start your own project…
To read the whole article, click here.
Britain’s ‘Oldest Oak’ Felled by Gales after at least 1,200 Year Vigil
A sad turn of events, what is reputed to be Britain’s oldest tree, an oak surrounded by rich history, has been felled by high winds after conservation costs were deemed too expensive…
To read the whole article, click here.
Bats(and other protected species) in your belfry
Thousands of prospective homeowners each year have to face advice from their surveyor that bats are roosting in their dream property. What does this mean, how can they be handled and should this put you off your new home?
To read the whole article, click here.
And Finally....
In case you missed it…..
Former pub is transformed into the most fun filled office in the UK.
An old pub in Southampton has become one of the most fun filled offices in the UK containing a Helter Skelter, putting green and even a cinema. Read our article for more intriguing ideas on how to liven up your workspace…
To read the whole article, click here.
In case you missed it…..
Police Commissioner embroiled in expenses row over chauffeur-driven Mercedes
One of Britain’s newly elected Police and Crime Commissioners, a retired head teacher in Cumbria, has already become embroiled in an expenses scandal: claiming hundreds of pounds for chauffeur-driven cars and standing by as the un-protected whistle blowers face prison…
To read the whole article, click here.
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