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: 14th May 2014
In this month's edition... we've got an editorial investigating the potential impact eating steak could have on your next mortgage, a 'first of its kind' investment fund which could help shape the future of the UK's built environment, greenfield land under threat, cob, timber decking and hedge cutting guides and perhaps the best BOGOF offer ever demised...
The Property Market Monthly Fact File - May 2014
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 provide a single place where anyone with an interest in UK property can find the information they need.
To read the monthly fact file, click here.
“First of its Kind” housing investment fund set to change development in Manchester and beyond
In a landmark move for British property development, a contract, said to be the first of its kind, has been signed by Manchester City Council, the Greater Manchester Pension Fund and the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) – marking the start of an important housing investment fund for the area. Whilst 240 homes are planned for this venture, many more thousands could result if the idea catches on…
To read the whole article, click here. |
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Incredible turnaround as £600m waste project scrapped at cost to council of £30m
Norfolk County Council voted in early April (48-30) during an unusual meeting where it was decided that a huge planned waste management scheme, incorporating an already agreed £600m waste contract with Cory Wheelabrator, was to be axed just three years into its 25 year term. The result? £30m in costs for the council and no waste management scheme…
To read the whole article, click here.
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Editorial - New Rules for Mortgages could take the wind out of the UK’s surging property market
The mortgage market has been rocked by the introduction of the new "Mortgage Market Review" changes and, whilst the intention is evidently good, the reality could be great difficulties for existing borrowers and the property market beyond London. With questions including ‘How often do you eat steak’ now included in the process, are stringent mortgage requirements really the solution to avoiding another credit crunch?
To read the whole article, click here. |
Greenfield boom sweeps the country whilst top Torey peer suggests 800 more square miles needed
When the Cabinet reshuffle was fresh back in September 2012 and Nick Boles MP had just recently adopted his post as Planning Minster, we wrote on his strongly held views that 1,500 square miles of greenfield land should be made available for development to solve Britain’s Housing Crisis. Now a respected Tory peer wants 800 square miles; seeking to add 3% to GDP with 300,000 new homes…
To read the whole article, click here.
A look at cob walls and their issues
Cob continues to be a widely used building material, especially in the UK where it can be found along the Scottish borders, East Anglia, The Midlands and the West Country. Consisting of just sub-soil containing small stones, straw and water; it can be a temperamental building material. Our surveyors take a look at how understanding the properties of cob can reduce the likelihood of any issues becoming catastrophic - forming a must read guide for any cob owners or would-be owners...
To read the whole article, click here. |
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A guide to Timber Decking
Until the 1990’s, timber decks in the UK were relatively rare and therefore evaded reference in existing statutory control documentation until 2008. People often subsequently consider that timber deck structures are exempt from planning regulations; however this is not always the case…
To read the whole article, click here.
Hedge Cutting - A Comprehensive Guide to Statutory Duties and Advice
Responsibilities and statutory obligations with regards to hedges are often misconstrued, this article aims to comprehensively explain them to prevent any unwanted liability. We look both at your formal obligations and our advice to satisfy them safely...
To read the whole article, click here.
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The Fells are for sale - anyone for a Lordship?
The hills were alive with the sound of tax tills as the current Earl of Lonsdale thought up a novel way to pay off an estimated £9m inheritance tax liability brought about by his father's death in 2006. The result is a remarkable job for estate agents H&H Land and Property, who now have the responsibility of selling 'saddleback' mountain - a well-known 2,850ft peak in the Lake District. The price? A cool £1.75m, but it's not without its rewards…
To read the whole article, click here. |
And Finally....
In case you missed it…..
In cased you missed it: Best ever BOGOF offer? Buy a flat in London and get another in Cornwall
‘Surf and Turf’ property offer sees the purchase of a London flat come with an additional property in Cornwall – perhaps the ultimate ‘BOGOF’ deal!
To read the whole article, click here.
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