A significant shift is on the horizon for energy performance certificates (EPCs), with the introduction of the new Home Energy Model set for next year. This article, originally published by the NRLA, details the upcoming changes and their implications for landlords. Understanding the Changes to Energy Assessments The calculation of a home’s energy efficiency is due to undergo a comprehensive overhaul. Landlords can expect to face increased costs as the new system demands more thorough and time-consuming assessments. Currently, properties undergo a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP), resulti ..read more

At R&G we are always looking for ways to lessen the financial burden for tenants and landlords. Another innovation giving 8 weeks deposit for landlords with no heft deposits for tenants. We are thrilled to announce an innovative partnership with Reposit, transforming the way tenants secure rentals and providing landlords with greater peace of mind. This collaboration introduces a groundbreaking alternative to traditional cash deposits, aligning with our commitment to ease and efficiency in the rental market. For Tenants: A Leap Towards Financial Freedom The Reposit model is a game-chan ..read more

"Hi, I'm Matt, Co-founder & part of the team here at R&G Property, and I want to share our journey and the mission that drives us every day. With over 30 years of combined experience in the estate agency sector, we've seen firsthand the challenges landlords and tenants face. From exorbitant fees to limited availability of rental properties, the industry seemed stacked against the very people it was supposed to serve. That's why we founded R&G Property, with a clear mission: To revolutionise the letting experience for landlords and tenants alike by offering fairer fees and encouragi ..read more

As your trusted local lettings and sales experts at R&G Property Bristol, we're here to break down the key points from the Spring Budget 2024, announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt on March 6, 2024. With our finger always on the pulse of the property market, we understand how these changes can impact our landlords, investors, and the broader property landscape in Bristol and beyond. Here's what you need to know: Changes in Tax for Holiday Homes and Multiple Dwellings: A significant update comes with the abolition of the furnished holiday lettings tax regime. This decision aims to address t ..read more

*Courtesy of Zoopla 2024 marks a promising turnaround in the real estate market for R&G Property Bristol. The first three weeks of the year have witnessed a notable resurgence in housing demand and sales agreements, propelled by favourable sub-5% mortgage rates that are bolstering market activity. Buyer demand has surged by 12% compared to the previous year, signalling a positive shift. However, it still stands 13% below the five-year average, which factors in the peak years during the pandemic (2021-2022). This optimistic start reflects the release of pent-up demand following a subdued se ..read more

In 2023, the UK housing and mortgage market faced challenges marked by higher interest rates and increased household costs, limiting access to mortgage credit. Affordability constraints led to a decline in external remortgaging, while internal product transfers, not requiring affordability tests, experienced growth. The cost of living and interest rate pressures contributed to a rise in arrears, although still representing only around 1% of total outstanding mortgages. Key figures for 2023: Gross Lending: £226 billion (-28% year-on-year) Lending for house purchase: £130 billion (-23% year-on ..read more

Comprehensive Guidelines for Property Disclosures and Full Material Information Guidance R&G Property Bristol proudly announces the release of comprehensive guidelines by the National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team (NTSELAT), covering all phases of the Material Information Programme. This initiative aims to enhance and standardize property disclosures, assisting agents in meeting their legal obligations effectively. Our Involvement in Shaping Improvements As a key member of the Material Information Project Steering Group, R&G Property Bristol has played a pivotal role ..read more

Comprehensive Measures for Buildings Over 11 Metres in Wales In a significant development, plans addressing high-rise safety have been revised to instill confidence in lenders. A concrete pathway to remediation has been established for all buildings exceeding 11 metres in Wales, with the commitment of ten major UK developers to undertake necessary fire safety works. Notably, these plans, coupled with anticipated cladding valuation guidance from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), signal to valuers and lenders that essential work can be executed without imposing financial burdens ..read more

Fixed-Term Tenancies: A Crucial Choice for Tenants and Landlords At R&G Property Bristol, we firmly oppose the proposed elimination of fixed-term tenancies. Our survey of agents revealed that over 93% believe such a move would have a detrimental impact on both agents and landlords. Fixed-term agreements offer security for tenants and guarantee rent payments for landlords. They are especially vital for tenants with low income or poor credit, providing confidence to guarantors about the duration of their commitment. In the student rental market, fixed terms align with the academic year, mak ..read more

Introduction: The world of short-term lets is undergoing significant changes, and the recent developments in New York City have sent ripples across the globe, including here in the UK. As a leading property management firm in Bristol, R&G Property is keenly observing these shifts and their potential implications for our landlords and tenants. New York's New Rules and Their Impact: New York City's stringent new regulations on short-term lets have led to a drastic reduction in listings. These rules, which include the requirement for hosts to be present during lets under 30 days and a cap on ..read more