A quarter of landlords are prioritising energy efficiency when it comes to adding a property to their investment portfolio, according to recent research. The revelation from the Mortgage Lender comes despite the government’s rollback on energy efficiency targets for buy-to-let (BTL) properties last year, which meant landlords would not get fined if they failed to upgrade their properties. Landlords who are considering purchasing an investment property are also prioritising monetary aspects such as price (48 per cent), expected rent yield (29 per cent), and long-term investment potential (23 p ..read more

Landlords are important contributors to local economies, according to research from specialist lender Aldermore. According to the bank, which provides financial services to small and medium-sized businesses and personal customers, they generate wealth for the areas close to their properties in different ways. According to the research, almost eight out of 10 landlords choose to use tradespeople who live or work in the vicinity of their rental properties. This sees them spending an average of approximately £6,003 a year each on electricians (52 per cent), plumbers (50 per cent) and handymen (3 ..read more

The National Residential Landlords Association is calling for balance and clarity following claims of potential amendments to the Renters (Reform) Bill. The calls follow the publication of a BBC News report claiming that the government has circulated draft proposed amendments to backbench MPs. The report claims that draft amendments to the Bill – which was published in draft form last May – may address issues such as selective licensing systems and section 21 repossessions.  Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, said: “We have long accep ..read more

New analysis has revealed that 40 per cent of build-to-rent (BtR) sites take at least a year to achieve planning consent, representing a rise of seven per cent from a decade ago. According to new analysis from the British Property Federation (BPF) planning times have become longer because of the application process. Despite this challenge, the analysis highlighted the sector has reached a significant milestone, with the total number of BtR homes completed in the UK reaching 100,300 units, an uplift of 17 per cent nationally, year on year. Ian Fletcher, director of policy, British Property Fed ..read more

The National Landlord Investment Show returns to Olympia London on March 6 this year for its first event of the 2024 calendar. Now in its 11th year, the free-to-attend one-day event features a packed schedule. The show includes over 50 seminars, offering the latest insights and advice on everything from tax, finance and legal advice to property education, proptech and interiors. Attendees will also be able to network extensively with like-minded professionals. There will also be the opportunity to peruse over 100 exhibitors stands, showcasing the latest products and services for helping landl ..read more

Those considering refreshing their home interiors this year might be interested to know the new shades for 2024 are warm, soft and easy on the eye. The Pantone Color of the Year is Peach Fuzz (PANTONE 13-1023), a light apricot shade which could work well against cream and ivory backdrops. Pepper it in through cushions, candles, towels and kitchen accessories or try larger accents, such as rugs, throws and blinds. Bringing it in via a feature wall or bedding will allow it to dominate the room, enhancing the overall ambience and adding a sense of warmth and comfort. Tiny touches through flowers ..read more

It has been another year of ups and downs for the property lettings market, but now landlords, tenants, agents and others involved are being invited to have their say. HM Treasury has opened its representations portal and invited anyone who would like their views to be considered to submit their ideas for the next budget by Wednesday, January 24. Each representation has to take the form of a written submission with the aim of commenting on government policy and suggesting new ideas to be considered by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in the Budget which takes place on March 6.  Guidance from HM Tr ..read more

A very happy Christmas and a big thank you to all our landlords, tenants, partners and those who are considering joining us in 2024! It has been a busy year for us at Norfolk Property Management and Lettings – and a year with many ups and downs for all those involved in property rentals. Times are not easy for landlords or tenants at the moment and that is where we can step in to help you. We have been working with many of our landlords for many years now, helping them navigate the changes and challenges of letting their properties. Likewise, we have tenants who have rented through ..read more

It’s the festive season and where would you most like to be living right now? Well, Norfolk locations seem to regularly top the British charts when it comes to favourite places to live and shop at this time of year. This year, London’s Metro publication listed Norwich as one of its top shopping destinations for anyone eager to escape the capital for a day or two. It highlighted the city’s superb balance of high street and independent shops, as well, of course, as the charming Lanes, the colourful market and the many eateries. Last year, Norwich was also named as one of this country’s 15 best ..read more

The Build-to-Rent (BTR) sector has continued to expand over the past 12 months despite the challenging economic conditions. According to new research by the British Property Federation (BPF) the total number of BTR homes completed or in the pipeline across the UK rose to 263,694 at the end of the third quarter (Q3) of 2023. This figure represents a year-on-year increase of 11 per cent year-on-year (up from 237,554 in the same period last year). The number of completed homes increased to 82,660 while the number of units under construction increased by 12 per cent (to 52,852) and in planning 10 ..read more