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.

The Right Surveyors – now covering Rhondda

A new office for the Right Surveyors Glamorgan has opened, covering Rhondda and the surrounding area. Keith Batten FRICS has been appointed Director. The practice provides Property Surveys, Building Surveys, Structural Surveys, House Purchase Surveys, Homebuyers Reports, Major Defects Reports, Home Surveys and Property Valuations, Property Acquisition work, Party wall work and can act as an Independent Expert Witness.

If you need a property expert to survey a building you own or are about to buy, Right Surveyors Glamorgan have the perfect level of local knowledge and expertise to provide you with the professional service you require. Click here to contact Keith and have a no obligations chat about what he could do for you.

To find out more about the Right Surveyors and whether there’s a Right Surveyor near you, click here to visit their main website.

First time buyers often still need to scrape together £50,000 deposits

The difficulty for first time buyers goes on as deposits of over £50,000 on average are still being demanding to get on the property ladder. Worrying news for first time buyers, but is anything being done and should the rest of us be concerned?

To read the rest of this article, click here