View articles published in:
View posts tagged with:
New properties in February 2022!
Published: 24/02/2022 Last Updated: 24/02/2022 12:06:42 Tags:
Properties of the month!
With the property marketed being tough for renters and agents at the moment. We have two new gems to offer for rent. Paul Simon only deals with the best, with both properties offering a modern touch and amazing locations for renters. Please do get in touch for any viewings or to register your interest.
Emerald Apartments Ewart Grove N22 - £1450 PCM
One bedroom ground floor apartment with a large open plan living space, set within a modern constructed and stylish private gated development. The property comprises luxury bathroom, fully fitted modern integrated kitchen with dishwasher, dual ovens and double bedroom. Further benefits include hard wood flooring, video intercom, alarm system and external bike storage.
Emerald Apartments is a development offered by the award winning Paul Simon Group. This contemporary luxury apartment offers style and luxury throughout.
Located with easy access to Wood Green tube station (Piccadilly Line, Zone 3) & High Street with its numerous and varied amenities. Further access to Alexander Palace BR and Bowes Park transport links. The North Circular Road (A406) is situated is situated due north.
Furnished. Available 18th April 2022.
Furnished. Available 18th April 2022.
Camden Mews NW1 - £3974 PCM
Camden Mews - Stunning mews house created and designed by RIBA award winning architect. Refurbished to the highest of standards with fully integrated high specification kitchen with open plan living space and dining area. Three modern chic bathrooms, three good size bedrooms, walk in wardrobe, bicycle storage, various terraces, and private patio space. Great use of light within this cool & intelligent design with exposed brickwork and high ceilings, a truly unique urban space.
The property is situated close to Caledonian Road Underground and Camden BR with excellent access to the city and Central London. A short distance to the vibrant and busy Camden market area with a vast array of shops, restaurants, and popular bars.
Available 22nd April 2022.
New properties to rent in November 2021!
Published: 18/11/2021 Last Updated: 24/02/2022 12:07:10 Tags:
We are proud to announce two new properties available at Paul Simon Lettings!
Times have been hard recently but we are here to help find the right property for you
Kings Road, London, N22 - £1700 PCM
A rarely available unique two-bedroom house with private off-street parking on popular residential road. The property has been extensively refurbished and lovingly maintained by the current owners and now ready for first time rental occupation. The house comprises large ground floor open plan reception with contemporary kitchen and access to low maintenance private garden. Two well proportioned double bedrooms, main bedroom with en-suite shower room and modern fully tilled family bathroom.
The property is situated within a short distance to Wood Green Station (Piccadilly Line) & Bowes Park BR with excellent transport links to the city via train a bus. Located within proximity to Wood Green High Street and Green Lanes restaurants, shops and cinema complex.
Ridge Road, London, N8 - £2000 PCM
Prime location! Crouch End N8 - Stunning newly refurbished two-bedroom flat with sole use of charming well maintained rear garden, finished to a high quality. The property retains some character features, offering high ceilings and spacious feel throughout. Whilst offering all new mod-cons, fully fitted and equipped kitchen including dishwasher and open plan living area. Two bedrooms and luxury modern bathroom with three-piece suite. Further benefits include wooden flooring gas central heating and beautiful sunny south facing rear garden with patio and grass area.
The property is located off Ferme Park Road, in fashionable Crouch End with a vast array of popular shops, restaurants and bars a short distance away. Harringay BR connecting Finsbury Park Tube Station (Victoria and Piccadilly lines) Moorgate & City.
Please call our lettings office for more details - 02088001155
Demand Soars for Pet Friendly Properties
Published: 22/09/2021 Last Updated: 22/09/2021 12:37:40 Tags:
Demand soars for pet-friendly rental homes
Are you among the millions of households across Britain sharing your home with a new best friend?
The ‘pandemic pet boom’ has seen more than a third of UK households become pet owners since the first lockdown period in March 2020.
We’re now seeing the rise in pet ownership translate to the rental market, with demand from tenants looking for pet-friendly properties up by 120% in a year.
The significant increase in demand, which is measured by prospective tenants enquiring about properties via Rightmove, compares to total tenant demand rising by 13%.
Our property expert Tim Bannister says this could impact the types of homes renters search for long-term.
He says: “Becoming a pet owner is a long-term commitment, so what’s really interesting to consider is the impact this could have on the rental market in the future, and it’s a signal to landlords that if they were to consider allowing a well-behaved pet then it may open them up to a bigger pool of potential tenants.”
Ian Gibbs, Director of Neighborhoods at Get Living, agrees. “We’ve also seen a substantial increase in people looking for a home that allows cats or dogs. Get Living became pet-friendly across all its neighborhoods last summer, and one fifth of potential residents mention pets specifically as part of their requirements.” he says.
Search for a property to rent here
What tenants want
Over the past year, with many home movers prioritising outside space, the demand for properties with a balcony has increased by 70%, while demand for homes with gardens has risen by 39%. Parking has also increased in popularity (+48%), and one of the most common requests from renters, for all bills to be included, is up by 38%.
Ten most popular terms used in Keyword Sort for renters
1. Pet friendly / Pets allowed |
2. Balcony |
3. Garden |
4. Furnished |
5. Garage |
6. Bills included |
7. Parking |
8. New build |
9. Terrace |
10. Ensuite |
Article via Rightmove September 2021
DSP Rent Index Q2 Summary - Trends
Published: 19/08/2021 Last Updated: 19/08/2021 16:31:41 Tags:
DSP Rent Index Q2 Summary - Trends
London
In Q2 2021, London saw an £11 reduction (-0.83%) in average rents, down to £1,314. This trend is different to the rest of the UK, where average rents mostly increased or stayed around the same level.
Over the last 12 months, London is the only region to have seen average rents fall, with a £31 decline (-2.30%). Despite this, it is still the most expensive region. With average wages at £41,017, renters in London can expect to spend 38.74% of their monthly income in rent, far above the national average of 30.90%.
Semi-detached houses were the only property type in London to see a rise, increasing by £25 (1.49%) to £1,705. This is the second largest increase across the UK, after Yorkshire (£34, 5.24%). Detached houses saw the biggest fall, dropping by £29 (-1.62%), to £1,764.
By county, rents in Outer London picked up by £4 (0.32%) to £1,250, whilst Inner London dropped by £15 (-1.09%) to £1,367.
South East
The second quarter of 2021 saw average rents in the South East reach £937, an increase of £5 (0.54%) on the previous quarter. Year on year, we see a sharper rise of £51 (5.76%) from £886, which is the largest across all regions in the UK.
After London, the South East is the second most expensive region for average rents, and three of its counties are among the top five most expensive counties in the UK: Surrey, Wokingham and Brighton & Hove. Interestingly, Kent showed the largest drop in the South East, down to £860 (£19, -2.16%), whilst the Isle of Wight, which saw a sharp decline in Q1, recorded the largest increase in this quarter to £702 (£34, 5.09%). With wages averaging £33,004, those in the South East can typically expect to spend 34.33% of their income on rent.
Semi-detached houses saw the largest rise this quarter, with rents increasing from £1,165 to £1,181. Detached properties in the South East registered the largest decline from £1,438 to £1,419, which makes this the only region in the UK, apart from London, to register a decrease for this property type.
South West
In line with the national trend, average rents increased in the South West, with a £7 (0.89%) quarterly rise from £797. With average wages standing at £29,529, renters in the South West can typically expect to spend 32.64% of their income on rent, higher than the national average of 30.90%.
Bath and North East Somerset is the least affordable county for the whole of the UK in terms of percentage of wages earned, despite a £22 (-2.02%) drop in average rents this quarter, to £1,065. The City of Bristol and Swindon are the two other counties in the region declining the most in terms of average rents, with a drop of £8 (-0.85%) to £935 and £5 (-0.70%) to £708, respectively.
While all property types in the South West saw growth this quarter, the rise in average rents amongst semi-detached properties was the sharpest in the region, increasing by £23 (2.53%) to £931.
East
Average rents in the East remain the third most expensive in the UK. This quarter, they rose by £14 (1.65%) to £860. Average wages stand at £31,044, meaning that individuals in the East typically spend 33.5% of their income on rent, which is 2.6% higher than the national average.
Hertfordshire, which recorded the most sizable increase in average rents last quarter (£22, 2.14%), has now dropped back (£5, -0.48%) to £1,047, but remains in the top five least affordable counties.
Rents for all property types increased in the East in this quarter, and semi-detached properties saw the largest growth in the region, rising by £16 (1.63%) to £999. Detached properties saw the smallest increase across all regions (£3, 0.25%) to £1,191.
East Midlands
After remaining stable in Q1 2021, average rents in the East Midlands increased this quarter by £14 to £626 (2.29%). This is the second largest increase in the UK, after Wales. With average wages at £29,102 in the East Midlands, renters typically spend 26.01% of their income on rental costs - 4.89% below the national average.
By county, Leicester was the only area to drop back to £586 (£20, -3.30%), with Derby showing the largest growth, up £31 to £562 (5.84%). This is a reverse of the changes these counties experienced in Q1.
All property types increased in the East Midlands in Q2 2021, with semi-detached and terraced houses recording the largest spikes to £714 and £638 respectively (£20, 2.88% and £19, 3.07%) and flats registering the smallest rise to £559 (£10, 1.82%).
West Midlands
In the West Midlands, average rents have changed only marginally since last quarter (£2, -0.31%), standing at £645. Year-on-year however, there has been a £27 (4.37%) increase from £618. With average wages at £29,516 in the West Midlands, renters can typically expect to spend 26.43% of their income on rent.
West Midlands and Worcestershire were the only two counties that recorded a decline in rent this quarter, after picking up in Q1 2021. The reduction is £33 (-4.93%) to £636 and £3 (-0.43%) to £690, respectively.
Terraced houses saw an increase of £21 (3.19%) to £679 in Q2 2021, which is the 2nd largest increase for terraced houses, after Wales. Flats registered a £9 drop to £580 (-1.53%) which wis the second largest fall after the North East.
Yorkshire
Interestingly, Yorkshire saw a relatively large increase this quarter compared to other regions, up from £549 to £562 (£13, 2.37%). Year-on-year the increase is £16 (2.93%), which is one of the smallest across the UK. With wages averaging £28,745, those in the Yorkshire region typically spend 23.64% of their income on rent, which makes Yorkshire the second lowest region after the North East.
Semi-detached houses registered the largest growth in Yorkshire, with an average rent of £683 and a quarterly increase of £34 (5.24%). This is the largest increase across all regions, followed by London, where average rents for a semi-detached stand at £1,705 (£25, 1.49% increase on Q1 2021).
Despite this, the City of Kingston Upon Hull is the least expensive county to rent in, with an average rent of £466 (£2, -0.43% compared to Q1 2021) and North East Lincolnshire takes third place.
North West
In the North West, average rents dropped slightly (£2, -0.32%) to £627, but year-on-year the trend is different, with rents in fact rising £23 (3.81%) from £604. On average, wages stand at £29,558 in the North West, meaning renters in the region typically spend 25.65% of their income on rent.
Halton saw the largest quarterly increase in average rents, rising by £49 (8.80%) to £606, whilst Merseyside is the only county dropping back to £580 (£1, -0.17%).
All property types saw a rise in rental prices, but this remained small, with terraced and semi-detached showing the largest growth to £603 and £741 respectively (£5 or 0.84% and 0.68% respectively). Flats showed the smallest rise to £609 (£1, 0.16%).
North East
The North East showed the largest decline in average rents across the UK, from £557 to £530 (£27, -4.85%) in Q2 2021. Moreover, two of the UK’s top five least expensive counties to rent in, are in this region: Hartlepool and County Durham. However, both counties recorded a slight increase in rent, £22 (4.88%) to £473 and £4 (0.81%) to £495, respectively.
Those in the North East spend the lowest proportion of their income on rent when compared to the rest of the UK. Average wages in the North East stand at £27,856, meaning that renters typically spend 23.01% of their income on rent.
Detached properties saw the largest rent increase to £767 (£10, 1.32%), and semi-detached also showed an increase to £602 - the smallest recorded across the UK (£4, 0.67%). Conversely, flats dropped more so in the North East, than in any other region to £523 (£29, -5.25%).
Looking at the counties, Tyne and Wear showed the largest decline, falling to £563 (£23, -3.92%), whilst Hartlepool had the largest rise to £473 (£22, 4.88%).
Scotland
Average rents in Scotland remained flat this quarter, with just a £1 increase (0.15%) to £650. With wages averaging £31,605 in Scotland, those in the region typically spend 24.87% of their income on rent.
Of the top five most affordable counties in the UK, based on percentage of average wage, four are in Scotland: Dumfries & Galloway, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, and Falkirk. In Q2 2021, Dumfries & Galloway rose to £512 (£9, 1.79%) and North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire and Falkirk dropped back to £515 (£3, -0.58%), £519 (£24, -4.42%) and £521 (£11, -2.07%), respectively.
Most of the main cities such as Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow registered a rise in rents. Edinburgh increased £26 (3.15%) to £852, £30 (5.40%) to £586 for Aberdeen and £40 (5.92%) to £716 for Glasgow.
Flats in Scotland showed the largest increase across all regions in the UK, moving from £633 to £650 (£17, 2.69%), whilst semi-detached properties showed the largest drop in the region to £673 (£19, -2.75%) - the only drop for this property type in the UK.
Wales
Average rents in Wales have seen a quarterly and yearly increase, now standing at £626 (£16, 2.62% on Q1 2021 and £42, 7.19% on Q2 2020). Despite this, Gwynedd remains one of the least expensive counties in the UK, with an average rent of £498 (£23, 4.84% on Q1 2021). With average wages at £28,125 in Wales, those in the region typically spend 26.92% of their monthly income on rent.
Terraced properties registered the largest growth across all regions, with a rise to £641 (£38, 6.30% on Q1 2021), and there were no property types that registered a reduction in average rent.
The County of Denbighshire showed the largest growth this quarter, with a £48 (9.01%) to £581 quarterly rise, though the sample size was too small to be conclusive.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland remained flat this quarter, with a £1 reduction in average rents to £558 (-0.18%). But year-on-year there is a stronger upward trend, rising by £16 to £542 (2.95%).
Northern Ireland is currently third lowest in terms of rent as a percentage of average wage. With wages averaging at £28,324 in Northern Ireland, those in the region can typically expect to spend 23.82% of their income on rent. Northern Ireland is also second lowest in terms of rent, sitting just above the North East.
Article via DPS Online
New-build home development hits 21-year high
Published: 22/07/2021 Last Updated: 22/07/2021 13:09:58 Tags:
The number of new homes being built in England hit a 21-year high in the first quarter of this year. And 81% of them are houses.
The new homes industry got off to a flying start this year as it continued to recover from Covid-19 disruption.
A total of 49,470 properties were completed between January and March, the highest level since figures were first collected in their current format in 2000.
Meanwhile, the number of houses in development accounted for 81% of all new builds, the highest proportion since 2000/01.
There was also a steep jump in the number of new-build starts, with the first phase of construction hitting a near-15 year high, according to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Why is this happening?
The housebuilding industry was hit hard in the early stages of the pandemic, when construction sites were forced to close during lockdowns.
But the Government has since introduced a range of measures to enable building to continue, while also keeping workers safe, including allowing builders to negotiate flexible working hours on construction sites with their local council.
The measures have led to a steady increase in the number of new homes being completed, since a low point in the second quarter of last year.
Who does it affect?
The Covid-19 pandemic has seen people undertake a once-in-a-lifetime reassessment of their housing needs, as they search for more space following successive lockdowns.
The good news for potential buyers who want to purchase a new-build property is that 81% of homes completed during the first quarter were houses, rather than flats, the highest level since 2000/01.
In regional terms, the proportion of new homes being completed was highest in the South East, East Midlands and East of England, while new-build starts were highest in the South West and East of England.
The jump in new properties being built particularly benefits first-time buyers, who can use the Help to Buy scheme to purchase a new-build home with just a 5% deposit.
What’s the background?
It has previously been estimated that the UK needs between 240,000 and 340,000 new homes a year to keep pace with rising demand.
Only 155,960 new homes were completed in the year to the end of March, 11% fewer than in the previous 12 months, as Covid-19-related disruption continued to impact figures.
Before the pandemic struck, the number of new homes being built had been on a steady upward trend since 2014.
But building new homes is only one way in which properties are added to the available housing stock.
Residential properties are also created through the conversion of existing buildings, such as factories, offices and farm buildings into homes, or dividing large houses into flats.
In the year to the end of March, applications for Energy Performance Certificates on new dwellings totaled 220,730, suggesting the overall increase in homes in England was significantly higher than just the new-build figures suggest.
Article via Zoopla July 2021
Housing market on course for busiest year since global financial crisis
Published: 27/05/2021 Last Updated: 27/05/2021 15:54:38 Tags:
Housing market on course for busiest year since global financial crisis
The stamp duty holiday and the pandemic-led 'search for space' are set to lead to the highest level of homes changing hands for 14 years.
The housing market is on course for its busiest year since the global financial crisis as the scramble for properties continues.
More than 1.5 million homes are expected to change hands this year, a staggering 45% more than in 2020, according to our latest House Price Index.
With the number of housing sales each year rarely exceeding 1.2 million over the last decade, this would mark the highest level of housing market activity since 2007.
As well as breaking a recent record, 2021 looks set to be one of the top 10 busiest years since 1959.
The housing market is on course for its busiest year since the global financial crisis as the scramble for properties continues.
More than 1.5 million homes are expected to change hands this year, a staggering 45% more than in 2020, according to our latest House Price Index.
With the number of housing sales each year rarely exceeding 1.2 million over the last decade, this would mark the highest level of housing market activity since 2007.
As well as breaking a recent record, 2021 looks set to be one of the top 10 busiest years since 1959.
Meanwhile, the total value of homes sold in 2021 is expected to reach £461bn – up 46% or £145bn compared with 2020, and 68% compared with 2019. While this is largely being driven by the sheer volume of homes changing hands, it is also due to more expensive properties selling amid the pandemic-led 'search for space.
What’s happening to house prices?
House price growth has almost doubled during the past year to stand at 4.1% in April, up from 2.3% in the same month of 2020, as demand from potential buyers continues to outstrip the supply of homes on the market.
House price growth is strongest in areas where affordability is greatest. Wales leads the way at a regional level, with house prices up 6.3% year-on-year, followed by Yorkshire and the Humber at 5.4% and the north west at 5.3% respectively.
At a major city level, Liverpool and Manchester have seen the highest levels of house price growth for the fifth month in a row at 6.9% and 6.8% respectively – twice the level recorded in the more normal markets seen between 2017 and 2019.However, price growth is slower in southern regions where affordability is more stretched. London recorded the slowest regional rate of house price growth for the sixth month running at 1.9%, well below 3.5% seen in the south west and east of England.
House prices in the heart of London are almost unchanged year-on-year. And a number of boroughs have actually seen price falls, reflecting the softening of buyer appetite in the capital during the peak of the pandemic.
Property values are 2.5% lower than a year ago in the City of London, while in the City of Westminster they are down 2.2%, and in Kensington and Chelsea, and Hammersmith and Fulham they have dropped by 1.7% and 1.4% respectively.
House prices in the heart of London are almost unchanged year-on-year. And a number of boroughs have actually seen price falls, reflecting the softening of buyer appetite in the capital during the peak of the pandemic.
Property values are 2.5% lower than a year ago in the City of London, while in the City of Westminster they are down 2.2%, and in Kensington and Chelsea, and Hammersmith and Fulham they have dropped by 1.7% and 1.4% respectively.
New from Zoopla
Most in-demand UK property hotspot revealed as housing market slows in cities
Published: 16/04/2021 Last Updated: 16/04/2021 15:07:07 Tags:
Newquay has the most in-demand property market in the UK right now, according to data from a property website.
The Cornish town has been named the hottest sellers' market, with 82% of all properties put up for sale this year already sold, according to figures from Rightmove.
It is followed by Newton-Le-Willows in Merseyside, where 81.8% of properties have sold, and Plymstock in Devon where 81.2% have sold.
Newquay agent Bradley Start, partner at Start & Co Estate, said the area is seeing the worst property shortage for 30 years as out-of-town buyers fuel a demand for housing.
He said: "The stock shortage is the worst I've seen in thirty years and there's just seemingly endless demand. "It's a mix of locals moving, people buying holiday homes and those relocating completely, which is leading to more out-of-town buyers than we would normally see."
Asking prices in the top 10 seller areas have continued to rise since the market reopened in May 2020 following the first lockdown, with seven of these hitting a new record this year.
The demand is being helped by people looking to leave cities and relocate as working from home becomes the norm. As a result, the property market is much slower in city centres which have been hit hard by the pandemic - with many seeing just one in five properties on the market sold since the start of the year. Birmingham city centre has been named as the top buyers' market, where just 18.4% of properties have been sold. It's followed by Liverpool city centre where 22% have sold. Other areas in the top 10 buyers' market include affluent areas like Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire - where average asking prices are over £1m - and Sunbury-on-Thames in Surrey with average asking prices over £500,000.
The list is based on just under 300,000 properties that have come up for sale since the start of 2021. Rightmove said the easing of coronavirus restrictions has increased activity in an already busy housing market. Across the country almost two out of every three properties are currently sold subject to contract, and available property is down 26% on this time last year, the property website added. The number of new properties coming up for sale rose by 51% in March, but demand continues to outstrip supply. So far this year Rightmove has recorded 20 of its busiest days, with a new record set on 7 April when more than 9.3 million visits were made to the website.
Rightmove's director of property data, Tim Bannister, said: "Areas around the north and South West are the stand-out sellers' markets right now, and places in Cornwall and Devon are continuing the trend of a desire to move to the seaside and countryside. "Suburbs are also faring well as some people move further out from the centre of cities. Both sale and rental properties in city centres have been suffering over the past year as the usual appeal to live there has temporarily been taken away, leading to more stock than usual being available, but we may see these start to shift more quickly over the next few months as lockdown restrictions continue to be removed."
Top 10 sellers' market areas by % of properties sold
Newquay, Cornwall - 82.0%
Newton-Le-Willows, Merseyside - 81.8%
Plymstock, Devon - 81.2%
Hailsham, East Sussex - 81.1%
Canvey Island, Essex - 80.5%
Atherton, Manchester - 80.3%
Quedgeley, Gloucestershire - 80.1%
Willingdon, East Sussex - 79.2%
Whitchurch, Bristol - 78.2%
Melksham, Wiltshire - 77.9%
Top 10 buyers' market areas by % of properties sold
Birmingham city centre - 18.4%
Liverpool city centre - 22.0%
Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire - 29.0%
Manchester city centre - 31.0%
Sunbury-On-Thames, Surrey - 31.4%
Langley, Berkshire - 31.5%
Bushey, Hertfordshire - 31.8%
Norwich city centre - 32.5%
Witney, Oxfordshire - 33.2%
Southampton city centre - 33.3%
Article via Sky News
Stamp duty holiday deadline extended in Spring Budget
Published: 04/03/2021 Last Updated: 04/03/2021 15:39:48 Tags:
Stamp duty holiday deadline extended in Spring Budget
The government has today announced that the temporary stamp duty holiday in England and Northern Ireland has been extended until the end of June.
The news will hopefully come as a relief to those buyers and sellers who have been desperately trying to get their sale completed in time to meet the previous deadline of 31st March.
What is the temporary stamp duty holiday?
The temporary stamp duty holiday, first announced by the government on 8th July last year, means that if you are buying a home up to the value of £500,000 you will not pay any stamp duty.
The extension means you now have until 30th June to complete on the purchase to make the stamp duty saving.
Then, to smooth the transition back to normal, the nil rate band will be £250,000, double its standard level, until the end of September.
It will return to the usual threshold of £125,000 on 1st October.
There hasn’t been any further update from Scotland on any extension to the Land & Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) holiday, which is currently due to end on 31st March 2021.
In Wales, temporary Land Transaction Tax reductions are also set to end on 31st March, but we’ll let you know if this changes.
Housing market remains open during lockdown
Published: 19/01/2021 Last Updated: 19/01/2021 14:32:35 Tags:
As England and Scotland enter new lockdowns, the latest official guidance says that you are still able to move home throughout the period, as long as you follow strict safety guidelines.
In this article we answer some of most common questions we’ve been asked by home-movers in England, Scotland and Wales about what the restrictions mean if you’re starting out on your search or are already in the process of moving.
I live in England, can I move home?
Yes, the government’s official guidance says you can still move home and estate agents have been told they can continue to work.
In the latest guidance it says that carrying out activities related to buying, selling, letting or renting a residential property are reasonable excuses to leave home.
But the most important thing is that you follow the guidance to help everyone stay safe, and throughout last year agents changed how they operate to keep to these safety guidelines.
If you are already in the process of moving, people outside your household or support bubble should not help you move home unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Can I put my home on the market?
Yes, you can put your home on the market and look for properties to buy or rent. However, if you or any member of your household is showing symptoms of coronavirus or is self-isolating, then estate agents and potential buyers should not visit your property in person.
Estate agents can still visit to take photos of your property, but of course, they need to follow the appropriate safety guidance. As usual, you should also start to gather together the necessary documents to sell your home.
To help prevent the spread of infection, the government recommends that you carry out initial property searches online, and only visit a property in person when you are seriously considering making an offer on it.
If you’re planning to buy a new-build property, you should contact the developer. You should be able to make an appointment to view the show home or visit the particular plot you are interested in purchasing.
Can I go on a property viewing?
Yes, if you’re looking to move home, you can continue going to viewings during lockdown.
But you should if possible ask for a virtual viewing first. It’ll reduce the number of viewings you have to go on, which will help minimise the spread of germs.
It could also save you time, because you’ll have a better idea of whether a house is worth seeing or not.
When viewing a property in person, make sure you wear a face mask, avoid touching surfaces, and wash your hands or use sanitiser before and after.
There shouldn’t be more than two households within the property at any one time, and viewings should only be arranged by appointment, so ‘open houses’ aren’t happening at the moment.
If you’re selling your home and are having interested buyers come around to have a look, open all the inside doors beforehand so they don’t have to touch the door handles.
It’s recommended that you’re not in the property during the viewing, and that you disinfect all surfaces after.
I’m a renter, can I still move home?
Yes, renters can still look for properties and move homes.
Cleaners are also still allowed to carry out work in your home, so if you need to bring in a professional cleaner before the end of your tenancy, you’re allowed to do so.
Renters should follow the same safety guidance that applies to buyers during this period, such as doing online viewings first.
Inside The Most Viewed Homes of 2020!
Published: 10/12/2020 Last Updated: 10/12/2020 15:12:11 Tags:
Rightmove - Inside the most viewed homes of 2020!
It is that time of year for us to look back at the most viewed properties of 2020 and reveal the five homes the nation has been drooling over.
We have seen many new trends unfold this year, but one thing that is remained constant is your curiosity to view the most amazing homes currently up for sale.
And there is no mistaking that these five properties are the crème de la crème this year.
So, without further ado, sit back and relax as we reveal the homes that have captured your imaginations over the past 12 months…
The Surrey manor
Set in an enormous 30 acres of beautiful parkland, this sprawling 10-bedroom mega-mansion has its own private, indoor two-lane bowling alley, complete with disco lighting.
On the market for a cool £30million, the masterful property is approached via a sweeping drive to reveal a colonnade entrance and an iconic Georgian style façade.
The £40million mansion
This supremely extravagant home has a glass lift to each of its three opulently decked out floors and is up for sale for a whopping £40million.
The 10-bedroom property boasts panoramic views over Hampstead Heath and beyond, with its two acres of land incorporating a tennis court and a phenomenal indoor swimming pool.
The James Bond-style residence
This beautiful five-bedroom home, found deep in the Essex countryside, is set in a whopping 52 acres of land and has its own Olympic-sized equestrian centre.
The enormous mansion also boasts an impressive underground car port – big enough to accommodate a fleet of ten supercars – and is like something out of a Bond film.
The elegantly luxurious five-bedroom property is also home to an incredibly swanky indoor swimming pool, complete with a waterfall and jacuzzi, as well as a sauna, steam room, cinema room, and a home gym.
Zoopla Rental Market Report Q3
Published: 13/11/2020 Last Updated: 20/11/2020 15:07:32 Tags:
Report summary
Rental growth is being supported across the country as demand outstrips supply. Demand is being underpinned by more potential first-time buyers staying in the market for longer, amid a squeeze in mortgage lending for those with smaller deposits.
Mirroring the sales market, there is rising renter demand for larger homes – particularly those with outside space.
Time-to-let is now down from an average 20 days to 18 for flats – and it stands at just 16 days for houses.
However, the rental market is running at two speeds. While rents are rising across most regions of the country, they have fallen sharply in London – down -5.2% year-on-year.
“The split in the rental market caused by COVID-19 has now crystallised, and we’re seeing the two-speed market firmly entrenched.
“For most of the UK, the demand/supply gap is underpinning moderate levels of rental growth. We haven’t seen the exodus of students from cities and, as more people are staying in the rental market given the squeeze on mortgage lending, higher levels of demand will continue to underpin rents.
“At the same time however, muted earnings growth will start to limit the headroom for rental growth in some markets.
“The search for additional space, both indoor and outdoor, within the rental sector is also set to continue as the country goes through additional periods of lockdown.”
Rental growth is being supported across the country as demand outstrips supply. Demand is being underpinned by more potential first-time buyers staying in the market for longer, amid a squeeze in mortgage lending for those with smaller deposits.
Mirroring the sales market, there is rising renter demand for larger homes – particularly those with outside space.
Time-to-let is now down from an average 20 days to 18 for flats – and it stands at just 16 days for houses.
However, the rental market is running at two speeds. While rents are rising across most regions of the country, they have fallen sharply in London – down -5.2% year-on-year.
“The split in the rental market caused by COVID-19 has now crystallised, and we’re seeing the two-speed market firmly entrenched.
“For most of the UK, the demand/supply gap is underpinning moderate levels of rental growth. We haven’t seen the exodus of students from cities and, as more people are staying in the rental market given the squeeze on mortgage lending, higher levels of demand will continue to underpin rents.
“At the same time however, muted earnings growth will start to limit the headroom for rental growth in some markets.
“The search for additional space, both indoor and outdoor, within the rental sector is also set to continue as the country goes through additional periods of lockdown.”
Free Valuation
Published: 06/04/2018 Last Updated: 06/04/2018 16:07:06 Tags: House Prices, Property News, Investment Opportunities, Landlord News
Free Valuation
Published: 04/04/2018 Last Updated: 04/04/2018 13:59:05 Tags: House Prices, Property News, Investment Opportunities, Landlord News
Live in Dalston (not so) Square E8
Published: 30/01/2018 Last Updated: 30/01/2018 12:50:41 Tags: House, Property News, Opportunities, Rental, North London, Luxury
How Cool Are You...
Live in Dalston (not so) Square E8
2 Bed 2 Bath recently built lux apartment, all "lifestyle" amenities in a 'stones-throw', cafe, gym, bars, Rio cinema, Dalston Junction Station, clubs, restaurants and X-Rail coming soon
£2100 pcm
Lumiere London 2018
Published: 17/01/2018 Last Updated: 17/01/2018 15:07:07 Tags: Fun, Things To Do, London, News, Art, Design
Lumiere London
Prepare to be mesmerised!
Lumiere London is back and it’s brighter, bolder and more magical. Join us on January 18-21, 5.30-10.30pm, and see King’s Cross transformed into a spectacular, nocturnal art show that will lift your spirit.
Paul Simon are proudly sponsoring student photographers from Tottenham and Wood Green
Stunning newly built detached house in Crouch End
Published: 10/01/2018 Last Updated: 10/01/2018 11:51:27 Tags: House, Property News, Investment Opportunities, Landlord News
Stunning newly built detached Crouch End house comes to market
A rare gem, this 3000 ft2 detached 5 bedroom house embracing state of the art technnology & eco - efficency within chic contemporary design,set behind a secure gated drive with private parking.
0208 800 1155
Offering 0% Commission for all new Property Managements *
Published: 28/11/2017 Last Updated: 28/11/2017 12:20:22 Tags: Property, Landlords, Management, Offer, Commission, Deal, Info
Stamp Duty cut
Published: 28/11/2017 Last Updated: 28/11/2017 13:26:34 Tags: Landlords, Property, News, Info, Stamp Duty, Buyer
First time buyers may be emboldened to make an offer following the Stamp Duty cut announced yesterday, but industry figures and experts warn it's only a sticking plaster.
Firstly Robert Cote, Chairman of the Office for Budget responsibility, revealed that his organisation thought the tax cut would push up prices by 0.3% and that “the main financial gainers will actually be people who already own properties, rather than first time buyers themselves”.
Treasury Chief Secretary has subsequently dismissed the OBR’s prediction and just a “minor increase”.
“We have seen this in areas where Help to Buy is offered, as it attracts a great deal of interest from first time buyers,” he said.
“Cutting stamp duty for first time buyers is unlikely to do much – the majority of first time buyers don’t pay anything or only a small amount presently, so it won’t make a huge difference to the masses,” she told The Express.
“The only people it will really help are first time buyers purchasing high worth properties, who already have the funds to do so.
“Essentially, it strikes me as a bit of a PR stunt designed to generate headlines, but something that will actually make very little difference to the market.”
Alison Platt, CEO of Countrywide (pictured, right), however, didn’t think the Stamp Duty cut went far enough.
“It is activity among movers that is most critical to the growth of transactions in the wider housing market,” she said. “While first time buyers face affordability issues, so do movers and without making it easier for these second steppers to move on the supply of property to buy will always be limited, adding more to price pressures.”
House of the Year
Published: 27/11/2017 Last Updated: 27/11/2017 16:11:03 Tags: Property, News, North London, Info, Landlords
House of the Year
Inside the 'spaceship' house in Highgate longlisted for Grand Designs
This is the home of Mike Russum, an architect, and his partner Sally Cox. It has been longlisted for the Royal Institute of British Architects (Riba) House of the Year award, which is the subject of a four-part series on Channel 4; the winner will be announced in the final episode on Nov 28.
It's the sort of house that makes people stop and stare. "If I see someone standing outside looking, I invite them in and give them a tour," says Russum.
If I see someone standing outside looking, I invite them in and give them a tour"I like houses to be a series of unfolding surprises," says Russum. The first is Sally's study on the upper ground floor, with a glazed back wall that opens on to a full-width terrace overlooking the garden and trees beyond. Sally, a retired interior designer, creates designs for her wood sculptures here.
They had to dig into the hillside of the sloping plot to create their fourstorey home. Two en suite bedrooms are "below decks", on the lower ground floor, and the main bedroom is flooded with morning light from sliding doors that lead straight on to the garden.
A floating conservatory is suspended above the living space; it has a circular yellow floor and a curved blue structure that is part seating and part planter filled with tropical foliage. The glazing curves up into a dome ceiling, with views over gardens, trees and the city.
"It's like sitting in a tree canopy up here," says Russum. "It's a great place to come for a sundowner, and at night you can see the moon very clearly. This is a small house – 1,345 sq ft – but I wanted the main living space to be as grand as possible, so we devoted the two upper floors to open-plan living and made it double height."
"This is a great house for summer parties, everyone spreads out onto the terraces and up into the conservatory," says Russum. The final outdoor space is a balcony jutting out from the living space, suspended over the garden like the prow of a ship.
"We call that the Kate Winslet balcony," says Cox, "as in Titanic."
Europe’s biggest urban wetlands opens
Published: 22/11/2017 Last Updated: 22/11/2017 13:46:10 Tags: North London, News, Nature, Things To Do, Info, Tenants
Europe’s biggest urban wetlands opens
We’re strolling along Songbird Walk, beneath a row of waterside poplars very like ones Monet painted in Normandy. The October sky is grey but the footpath is lined with colourful wildflowers: yellow gorse, purple knapweed, white campion. With a liquid twittering, a flock of goldfinches swoop overhead, then a clear, penetrating song bursts from the bushes to one side. “Ooh, a Cetti’s warbler,” says wetlands director Veronica Chrisp.
The remarkable thing about this peaceful scene, though, is that it’s not some corner of rural England but a former no-go area in the Lee valley, between downtown Walthamstow and gritty Tottenham in north London, a few miles north of the Olympic Park. For decades, this group of reservoirs was out of bounds to everyone except, basically, a bunch of anoraks: fishermen and birders who obtained the necessary permits.
Now, after a £10.6m investment by the London Wildlife Trust, Waltham Forest council, Thames Water and the Heritage lottery fund, Walthamstow Wetlands, Europe’s largest urban wetland reserve, is ready to open to the public.
Owned by Thames Water, it is still operational, supplying 3.5m households. But from 20 October, the 211-hectare site, with 13 miles of footpath and cycle track between 10 reservoirs, eight islands, and London’s largest heronry, will open to the public daily from dawn to dusk. London already has a well-regarded wetland reserve, in south-west London but a family ticket to the Barnes centre costs more than £30, while this one is free. (There is a parking charge but it’s walking distance from several tube and overground stations.)
At the main gate, on Ferry Lane, an 1885 building that housed the steam-driven pump engine is now a visitor centre with cafe, shop and exhibition space. From its viewing platform, we look down on swans gliding along the pretty Coppermill stream, then over three 19th-century hand-dug reservoirs, looking like natural lakes with their organic shapes and wooded banks. More modern reservoirs further out are less attractive but, we’re told, their large stretches of water and islands are important to the overall ecology of the site.
Walthamstow Wetlands expects to see 250,000 human visitors in its first year, but other kinds of guest have been coming to this site of special scientific interest (SSSI) for years: waterfowl such as pochard, gadwall and shoveler ducks overwinter here; and it’s a stopover for migrating sandpipers, redshank, lapwings and more. The “common” kingfisher (which is anything but) breeds here, and every year cormorants rebuild a colony of sticks and branches on the larger islands to rear their downy chicks.
The engine house’s Victorian chimney has been rebuilt as bijou accommodation for winged visitors: 50-odd small openings up and down its flanks are perfect nesting sites for swifts, aerobatic whizzes who sleep on the wing and only stop flying to breed, but whose numbers are threatened by urbanisation. Slits on its south side are a des res for the site’s large bat population, for whom lighting levels at night are kept suitably low. The newly-planted reed beds we see as we head south on Heron Walk enhance the look of reservoir one, but also make a great habitat for bitterns and bearded tits.
It was important, says Veronica, to keep it feeling wild – a place primarily for nature: there are no big information boards, and signage is all ground-level and low-key. As we round a bend past a bird hide, an excellent view of the Shard, the Gherkin and other City towers is a sharp reminder that this is not, in fact, deepest Suffolk.
Further down the stream is the rather older Coppermill Tower. There has been a mill on this site since at least 1086 (it’s in the Domesday Book), producing paper and gunpowder as well as copper, but this mid-Victorian building, with its Italianate loggia, wouldn’t look out of place in Siena. Now also open to the public, it offers panoramas south to the Olympic Park and Canary Wharf, and west across Hackney Marshes to central London.
With 500,000 people living within two miles of the reserve, and millions more under an hour away by public transport, excitement about the opening has been widespread. Photographers will relish the watery sunsets, cyclists welcome a new GLA-funded route across the Lee valley to Tottenham, naturalists look forward to seeing mating damselflies in the spring, and twitchers to spotting everything from little grebes to peregrine falcons (particularly once the first bird hide is renovated – a second is awaiting funding).
But those of us who are none of the above can, as Wetlands Steve says, just enjoy this “beautiful, therapeutic and tranquil place”. Anoraks not compulsory.
Full article: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/oct/19/walthamstow-wetlands-london-birdwatching-nature-reserve-free-entry
Rising Rental Income
Published: 25/10/2017 Last Updated: 25/10/2017 15:51:24 Tags: Landlord, Tenant, News, Rental Market, Property, Income
Rental income continues to rise,
despite increase in supply
Rightmove’s most recent Rental Price Tracker shows asking rents outside London in the second quarter of 2017 were 2.8 per cent up on the previous quarter. While some may expect a rise in rents to be at least partially a result of low supply, the opposite was in fact true with property availability up by seven per cent in comparison with Q2 in 2016.
Wood Green is the new Shoreditch?
Published: 28/09/2017 Last Updated: 28/09/2017 15:47:27 Tags: Wood Green, Art, North London, News, Info, Property, Rent
Blue House Yard
A unique creative hub in the heart of Wood Green
Blue House Yard is a redevelopment and re-imagining of an empty and underused site a few minutes from Wood Green station.High Street Works in partnership with London Borough of Haringey will transform the site into a place for local creatives, entrepreneurs and residents for the meanwhile use period of 5 years.
The redevelopment will create both private space for rent and a new public space for meeting friends, discovering events and interacting with local designer makers.
Broad Walk
Published: 26/09/2017 Last Updated: 28/09/2017 15:37:23 Tags: Property, Lettings, Sales, House, London, Info, Mansion
BROAD WALK
Detached Mansion
8 Bedrooms & 10 Bathrooms
Enquire on 0208 800 1155 or info@paul-simon.co.uk
Offshore income and assets
Published: 01/09/2017 Last Updated: 10/05/2019 10:47:07 Tags: Haringey, Housing, Landlords, Tenants, News, Council, North London, HMRC, Tax, Income
If you have money or other assets abroad, you could owe tax in the UK
Things are changing – the tax world is becoming more transparent
• HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is getting tougher on those not paying the right amount of tax across their offshore tax affairs.
• From 2016, HMRC is getting new financial information about our customers from more than 100 jurisdictions – including details about overseas accounts, structures, trusts, and investments.
• HMRC is already using information, supplied by overseas banks, insurers, and wealth and assets managers, to identify the minority who are not paying what they owe.
Are you confident that your UK tax affairs are up-to-date?
You need to regularly check that you have declared all of your UK tax liabilities and, if needed, bring your tax affairs up-to-date.
This is your responsibility.
Personal circumstances change. For example, you may have recently inherited assets overseas.
Tax laws change too.
All of this means that previous advice can be out-of-date, with costly consequences.
• If you are confident that your tax affairs are up-to-date and complete, then you don’t need to do anything further.
• If you are unsure, we recommend that you speak to a tax adviser to find out if you need to take action now.
• If you find that you need to bring your tax affairs up-to-date, it can be easier than you think. You can chooseto do this now using HMRC’s straightforward online disclosure facility at www.gov.uk/guidance/worldwide-disclosure-facility-make-a-disclosure
If you have not paid the right amount of tax and choose not to take action now, you need to know that:
• HMRC will find out about your money and assets overseas through new information from more than 100 jurisdictions.
• Penalties are increasing for those who are not paying the right amount of tax on their offshore assets, and you can even face criminal prosecution. Under new rules, you could face further penalties based on the value of the asset as well as the tax due, resulting in potentially life-changing consequences.
If you choose to delay in coming forward, it’s very likely to cost you more and there is also more chance that HMRC will come for you.
Come to us before we come for you
Remember
• If you are confident that your tax affairs are up-to-date, and you have declared all of your UK tax liabilities, then you don’t need to do anything further.
We are already using early financial information to identify the minority who are not paying what they owe.
If you need to bring your tax affairs up-to-date, it is your responsibility to do so – act now at
www.gov.uk/guidance/worldwide-disclosure-facility-make-a-disclosure
Diana the 'People's Princess'
Published: 31/08/2017 Last Updated: 31/08/2017 16:02:57 Tags: Haringey, Housing, Landlords, Tenants, News, Council, North London
The 'People's Princess'
The iconic royal, Diana Princess of Wales, would be 56 now. Diana was an inspiration to so many, and she was aptly dubbed the 'People's Princess' owing to her kindness and compassion. Although Diana sadly passed away 20 years ago, her legacy continues to live on through her children, William and Harry, and her grandchildren, George and Charlotte, of whom we are sure she would be immensely proud.
On what is likely to be a reflective day for our royal family, we also reflect on the wonderful life she led. Here, we look back at the most memorable moments that truly capture Diana Princess of Wales as a style icon, philanthropist, and - of course - a loving mother.
1. Princess Diana's Wedding in 1981
Lady Diana Spencer married Prince Charles in 1981 in what was called 'the wedding of the century'. Her memorably large dress was designed by David and Elizabeth Manuel, consisting of huge puffed layers of taffeta, topped with lace, sequins and tens of thousands of pearls.
2. Her first appearance with her son, William
On June 21st 1982, Princess Diana appeared on the steps of St. Mary's Hospital to introduce the new heir to the throne, Prince William. 2 years ago, William welcomed his very own heir on the same steps, alongside Kate Middleton who also donned blue polkadots.
3. Diana's first major tour
In 1983, Diana accompanied Prince Charles and tiny baby William for her first major tour. The young royals visited Australia and New Zealand, meeting representatives of the Maori people. It was here that Diana first demonstrated her kindness to the people she met, leading to the nickname she held throughout the rest of her life of being the 'People's Princess'.
4. The birth of Prince Harry
Just two years after the birth of her first child, Princess Diana welcomed Prince Harry to the world on September 15th, 1984. Today, Harry follows in his mother's footsteps as a philanthropic figure.
5. The Travolta Dress
Princess Diana was quickly becoming a style icon, and her appearance at a White House Gala cemented her in this role. While visiting President Reagan, Diana wore a stunning midnight-blue evening gown designed by Victor Edelstein. The dress was dubbed the 'Travolta Dress', as she danced with American heart-throb John Travolta at the gala, and the pictures of them gliding around the room circulated widely. In 2013, the dress was auctioned for £240,000, making it the most expensive auctioned dress.
6. Her role as President of Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children
Princess Diana was involved in many charitable causes, but one of her most notable was the work she did with children. In 1989, she became the president of the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London, and she regularly visited the hospital and supported them in their new developments.
7. The Leonardo Prize
In June 1995, Diana visited a children's hospital in Moscow that she had previously supported through her charity work. While in the Russian capital, Diana was awarded with the Leonardo Prize, given to the most distinguished patrons and people in the arts, medicine and sport. This was to be the first in a series of prizes rewarded to her for her philanthropic work.
8. Her work with AIDs victims
In the 1980s and early 1990s, there was a huge stigma attached to those with HIV and AIDS, and they suffered immeasurably. Princess Diana played a huge role in de-stigmatising AIDS, first by shaking hands with an AIDS sufferer in 1987 when it was still unknown whether the disease could be contracted by physical contact. In 1989, she opened the Landmark AIDS Centre in South London, where she continued to work closely with the patients. Although this venture did not have the support of the royal family, her work continues to be recognised today as an act of extreme kindness and compassion towards a highly stigmatised group.
9. Her work with the Red Cross
Among Diana's other notable charitable causes was the Red Cross, of which she became a patron in 1988. This role led her to travel the world in support of Red Cross projects. Here, she is pictured visiting the Red Cross centre in Nepal in March 1993.
Pros & Cons of Green Lanes restaurants
Published: 25/08/2017 Last Updated: 29/08/2017 13:24:41 Tags: Haringey, Housing, News, Council, North London, Local, Business, Restaurant
Residents say giant new Turkish restaurant on Green Lanes flouts rules to preserve the high street
Residents campaigning to shut down a Turkish restaurant that opened unlawfully in London’s “Little Istanbul” say a rapid rise in the number of places to eat and drink is killing their high street.
Sira Vanadokya, which opened at the weekend, takes up three shopfronts along Green Lanes in Harringay, which were knocked into one without full planning consent.
Sira Vanadokya, which opened at the weekend, takes up three shopfronts along Green Lanes in Harringay, which were knocked into one without full planning consent.
Objectors accuse the owners, who have been refused retrospective planning permission, of flouting rules designed to preserve the balance of the street scene. Fifty have written to Haringey council, saying traditional retailers have been squeezed out of Green Lanes over the past decade, leaving the street a “ghost town” by day.
However, the restaurant owners say the venue enhances the street’s reputation as a destination for Turkish and Kurdish cuisine, drawing parallels with foodie destinations such as Chinatown and Brick Lane, which attract customers from across the capital.
Michael Anderson, who has lived in the area for 33 years, said: “Fifteen years ago when we started to get restaurants around here I welcomed it because it had become deserted.
"But now it seems everyone has the same idea. A lot of the ordinary trading shops are dying. We are at a tipping point.” Council figures show restaurants, pubs and takeaways comprise a quarter of the 142 units on the mile-long strip.
"But now it seems everyone has the same idea. A lot of the ordinary trading shops are dying. We are at a tipping point.” Council figures show restaurants, pubs and takeaways comprise a quarter of the 142 units on the mile-long strip.
Hugh Flouch, founder of community website Harringay Online, said: “I do use the local restaurants and it’s great we have a vibrant restaurant economy but I don’t want that to be all there is.
"People have talked about wanting a more diverse high street offer including things like a fish shop, a book shop and a stationers.”
The Sira is made up of three units which the owners successfully applied to convert into three individual restaurants one by one over the past 12 months.
However, an overall application to permanently combine them into a single diner of 5,000 square feet, open from 7am until 2am daily, was refused last week. Objectors have complained about noise, cooking smells and public disorder from the bigger outlet, equivalent to the size of two tennis courts.
One wrote: “We have no need of any further huge restaurants on this stretch of Green Lanes. To grant retrospective planning permission would send the message that local planning law is to be flouted by simply ignoring it.” In another objection sent to the council, Ian Sygrave, of residents’ group the Ladder Community Safety Partnership, accused the owners of using “dubious and murky” tactics in their attempt to change the building’s use. He added: “Every new loss of a shop undermines the viability of existing outlets and helps to reduce daytime footfall in favour of the night-time economy.”
In their council application, the owners said the venue was part of a cultural tradition of Turkish and Cypriot restaurants in Green Lanes which “will enhance the vibrancy and vitality of the town centre, particularly during festival times”. In a letter backing the new restaurant, Shefik Mehmet, chairman of Harringay Traders Association, said: “We like to draw similarities with Chinatown and Southall. Green Lanes is the Turkish equivalent.”
Councillor Ali Ozbek said: “The exciting restaurants have not only added economic improvement but also helped neighbouring units to benefit.”
Haringey council said: “We are aware the site has started trading as a restaurant without planning permission and have passed this on to our enforcement team who are investigating further.”
The BEAST at Alexandra palace
Published: 24/08/2017 Last Updated: 24/08/2017 14:54:24 Tags: Haringey, Things To Do, News, Ally Pally North London, Fun, Bank Holiday
The BEAST
It's the world's largest inflatable obstacle course, and it's coming to Ally Pally
At 272 metres long, with 32 inflatable obstacles, a DJ and epic light displays, this ain't your standard bouncy castle in a pub garden.
This is serious.
That's why it's called The Beast.
The monster inflatable is being blown up at Ally Pally this August bank holiday.
Street food vendors, including Saucy Chip and Taco Revolution, will also be on site, alongside bars with cocktails, craft beer and prosecco on tap.
Our only advice is to indulge after and not before you take on The Beast.
Definitely not before.
The Beast will be at Alexandra Palace from Friday August 25 to Monday August 28.
It'll be open between 10.00am and 11.00pm, with morning sessions for kids and families.
Please note the following age restrictions:
10am-10:45am 11-15 years old only
11am – 11pm Adults only (ages 16+)
The Beast is a physical obstacle course, so we advise to wear comfortable clothing.
DO I NEED A TICKET?
Yes. Sessions on The Beast inflatable are ticketed yes and will run through the day in 15 minute blocks from 10.00am to 11.00pm. You will need to purchase a ticket in advance to experience The Beast.
However, the food, drink and party areas will be open to the public throughout and you don’t need a ticket to access these areas.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Tickets are limited so don’t miss out by booking yours today. The Beast sessions are ticketed and will run through the day in 15 minute blocks from 10.00am to 11.00pm, with morning sessions for kids. Each ticket costs £20 (plus a £2 booking fee) and includes one full circuit on The Beast. The food, drink and party areas will be open throughout your experience
IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT TO GO ON THE BEAST?
Afraid so – for the adult sessions which will run from Midday to closing at 11pm each day, you will need to be 16 or over.
There are morning sessions for kids each day from 10am, but these will only be for 11-15 years olds.
Read More:
Landlords will be required to report quarterly to HMRC
Published: 22/08/2017 Last Updated: 19/09/2019 16:53:31 Tags: Haringey, Housing, Landlords, Tenants, News, Council, North London
LANDLORDS - Are you aware from April 2018 you will be required to report to HMRC quarterly?
Hmrc has confirmed the timetable for the rollout of quarterly reporting and a year end reconciliation under Making Tax Digital with the first tranche of taxpayers, including buy-to-let landlords and the self-employed, set to kick in from April 2018
The changes will affect most businesses, including micro and small businesses. This includes over three million self-employed individuals (including around 900,000 buy-to-let landlords), 1.6m companies, over 400,000 ordinary partnerships, and about 600,000 businesses with income from different sources (for example, both self-employment and property).
The requirement for quarterly reporting and a subsequent year end reconciliation will be mandatory for all businesses by 2021, although the introduction is being staggered depending on the size of business so that larger incorporated businesses will not be drawn into the system before 2019 at the earliest.
Quarterly reporting for landlords and the self employed will start from 6 April 2018 although the threshold of £10,000, suggested in the original proposal documents, is still up for review, with the government yet to confirm whether this will be raised to exclude more of the smallest unincorporated businesses and sole traders. This arbitrary figure has come in for criticism as it is even below the current tax free threshold for individual taxpayers.
There is also some discussion about whether the deferral threshold will also be changed which would give a one-year exemption to some businesses.
A decision on both threshold issues will be made by the middle of the year at the latest, but it will definitely have to be taken before the Finance Bill 2017 is laid in July. There is likely to be more consultation on this particularly complex issue.
Theresa Middleton, HMRC director of Business Customer and Strategy told CCH Daily: ‘We have not included the exemption threshold and deferral threshold as the government has decided that it needs more time to consider these issues, but they will be confirmed before July 2017 when the legislation is laid.’
From next year – 6 April 2018 - businesses, self-employed people and landlords will be required to start using the new digital service.
The key dates are:
- April 2018 if profits chargeable to income tax and pay Class 4 national insurance contributions (NICs);
- April 2019 onwards VAT falls under Making Tax Digital, so anyone registered for VAT will report and pay this through the new system; and
- April 2020 for corporation tax payers.
Individuals in employment and pensioners will be exempt from digital tax reporting unless they have secondary incomes of more than £10,000 per year from self-employment or property.
It has not been confirmed what the cut-off threshold for larger companies under Making Tax Digital will be as yet, although tax experts are expecting that businesses with annual revenue over £10m and larger partnerships will not be within the scheme as their tax affairs would be too complicated to report in this way.
In the consultation, the government said that it was considering exempting more of the smallest unincorporated businesses from the requirement to keep digital records and report earnings.
Larger partnerships with income exceeding £10m are likely to be exempted from Making Tax Digital as their tax affairs would be too complex to report through this system.
It was also considering deferring the mandatory start date of Making Tax Digital (MTD) by one year for the next tier of small unincorporated businesses and landlords with annual incomes of above £10,000, but below a threshold to be determined. Final decisions will be made before legislation is laid later this year.
Read full article here: https://www.cchdaily.co.uk/making-tax-digital-quarterly-reporting-requirements-landlords-and-self-employed
Changes to your waste service
Published: 21/08/2017 Last Updated: 22/08/2017 16:03:34 Tags: Haringey, Housing, News, Council, North London, Good To Know
Haringey Council blames cuts for changes
to waste collection
Haringey Council has defended its approval of changes to the collection service given to residents.
Haringey Council approved changes to Veolia’s waste collection system on June 30.
These changes include charging £25 for four bulky items from July 24; charging £30 for replacement bins from July 31; and, charging £75 for garden waste from October 23 and distributing wheelie bins to those who subscribe.
Councillor Peray Ahmet, Haringey Council cabinet member for the environment, said: “After years of council funding reductions, we still need to find another £20 million of savings across the borough, which unfortunately means making some tough decisions.
“We are committed to delivering a good waste and recycling service and understand this is important for residents.
“These charges will allow us to continue to provide that service while helping us to continue to make budget savings and allow more of our remaining resources to go into other essential areas such as adult social care, libraries and children’s services.”
In an e-petition opposing the implementation of changes located on the Haringey Council website, it is argued that the potential impact contravenes the council’s five-point corporate plan for the period 2015 to 2018.
The e-petition suggests the changes could result in the increase occurrence of fly-tipping, with some residents unwilling to pay the extra charges.
Further counter-arguments to the changes target specific points of the plan.
It is pointed out that with most residents already having more than one bin, increasing the number further will go against point 3 to ‘make our streets, parks and estates clean’.
And, it is argued that increased trips to recycling centres will counter point 4 to ‘reduce emissions across the borough’.
A further dispute is over the amount to be charged for garden waste.
Some boroughs charge between £50 to £60, whereas Haringey residents are to be charged £75.
Haringey residents already pay the eighth highest council tax of 33 London boroughs.
Waste collection company Veolia does offer alternatives to the 240 litre bin for garden waste, but an outreach officer must visit each property before a smaller bin is considered.
There is also dismay at mention of a £30 fee for replacing a lost or stolen bin, and replaced when broken by operatives, which opponents say could be open to interpretation; operatives may not realise they have broken bins on their busy routes.
Read full article: http://www.enfieldindependent.co.uk/news/15454244.Haringey_Council_blames_cuts_for_changes_to_waste_collection/
Child genius from North London
Published: 20/08/2017 Last Updated: 22/08/2017 17:00:59 Tags: Barnet, News, Information, School, North London
A 12-year-old boy from north London has been named Child Genius 2017
Rahul, from Barnet, was the last child standing on the Channel 4 show after he swept to a 10-4 victory in a head-to-head final with nine-year-old Ronan.
Cheered on by competitive father Minesh and pharmacist mother Komal, Rahul impressed host Richard Osman with his specialist knowledge of the work of English scientist Edward Jenner in the semi-final.
Cheered on by competitive father Minesh and pharmacist mother Komal, Rahul impressed host Richard Osman with his specialist knowledge of the work of English scientist Edward Jenner in the semi-final.
He clinched the title after answering a question on 19th-century artists William Holman Hunt and John Everett Millais' involvement with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.
On his win, the youngster said: "I am extremely delighted to win, well done to Ronan and all the other competitors. Thank you."
He was entered into the show by Minesh, an IT manager, who called the win a "phenomenal achievement".
His father had earlier said: "We're a family who are used to winning and doing well in exams and competitions and things."
Rahul captured the imagination of audiences during the competition after he gained full marks in a spelling test and correctly memorised the order of a pack of cards.
He had been expecting to do battle with 11-year-old Joshua but Ronan's knowledge of 1666 London saw him secure a spot in the final.
Both the grand finalists scored 15 in their specialist fields, with Rahul focusing on Edward Jenner's medical innovation and methodology in
18th-century England.
Joshua, from Staffordshire, came in fourth behind 12-year-old Dylan in third while the only girl to reach the final, Aliyah, 10, placed fifth.
Cashless Parking
Published: 17/08/2017 Last Updated: 17/08/2017 16:28:12 Tags: Haringey, Housing, Landlords, Tenants, News, Council, North London
Cashless parking
The following has been sent out by Haringey Council:
Our on-street Pay & Display (P&D) machines are up to 20 years old and some are in poor condition with high maintenance costs. They are also susceptible to cash box theft, vandalism and, on occasions, complete removal. This has been apparent of late as approximately 50 machines have already been taken out of service as a result of vandalism - or being at risk of vandalism.
Replacing a P&D machine costs up to £5,000 for supply and installation; so replacing damaged machines is costly. This doesn’t include the costs associated with future cash collections and ongoing maintenance.
On top of this, we have been advised that it would cost nearly £100,000 to convert all of our P&D machines to take the new £1 coin. It is increasingly difficult to justify such expenditure at a time when the Council is experiencing extreme financial pressures and so a decision has been made to move towards cashless parking and commence a programme to phase out P&D machines across the borough and only offer ‘Pay by Phone’ parking. We understand that a number of other London Boroughs are going through the same process.
Pay by Phone parking has been operating successfully in Haringey since 2012 and all our recently introduced CPZ's are already ‘cashless’ (Woodside West, Bounds Green East, White Hart Lane, Bruce Grove East & West).
Cashless parking payments can be made by using a simple smartphone app, calling a telephone number or by texting the location number, all of which are given on parking signs. An account would need to be set up but this only takes a few minutes and can be done in advance at home. The system offers a wide range of benefits to customers including choice of payment method, reminders that their parking session is about to end and the option of extending their parking session. Users have also said the biggest advantage is not having to carry lots of coins.
We acknowledge that some users may not have access to a smart phone or they may simply prefer to use cash and so we will be introducing a cash payment option via PayPoint. This allows users to pay for their parking session in a PayPoint enabled local shop. A message then gets sent to civil enforcement officers (CEO's) to note that payment has been made for a specific vehicle (the parking session automatically starts and the CEOs handheld will note payment as it would if you were to text or pay for the session using the app). This means that you don’t have to walk back to your vehicle to display a ticket. This PayPoint cash payment system is well established across London.
We have been working with our Communications Department to develop a comms strategy, which will include publishing articles in Haringey People, adverts on street and posting information and guidance on Pay by Phone parking on our website. We will also be engaging with the business community to ensure that they are aware of our intention and reassure them that customers will continue to be able to park locally and conveniently. An advantage of the PayPoint system is that users have to walk into shops to pay for their parking sessions and so this is an obvious way for businesses to generate footfall through their premises.
Some businesses have also asked us if they can pay for their customers parking session and this is something we are working with Pay by Phone develop.
We intend to start decommissioning P&D machines from the beginning of September and hope to complete the programme by 15 October, which is when the old £1 coin will no longer be legal tender.
Further information on cashless parking and setting up a Pay by Phone account can be found at www.paybyphone.co.uk or if you have any questions please contact frontline@haringey.gov.uk
N22 Open Studios
Published: 15/08/2017 Last Updated: 15/08/2017 09:18:10 Tags: Haringey, Art, Creative, News, Council, North London
OPEN STUDIOS
LOVE WOOD GREEN FESTIVAL
Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September 2017 - 12 noon-6pm
We are putting the artists of Wood Green on the map!
Unbelievably this is the 21st Chocolate Factory N22 Open Studios and this year it’s part of the new Love Wood Green Festival!
The Open Studios map shows 3 studio buildings Chocolate Factory 1, 2 and 3 where over 100 artists are opening their doors. We also have exhibitions of portraits by Michelle Eva May at Karamel, and abstract paintings by Joanna Wilkinson at The Green Rooms in Station Road, Wood Green N22.
The studios in Chocolate Factory 1-3 are home to painters, print-makers, photographers, designer-maker, jewellers, sculptors and ceramists. So, whether you are looking to liven-up your wardrobe or your living space, you need to check out the talent in Wood Green.
Collage Arts, the promoter of the N22 Open Studios and Love Wood Green Festival, has been at the cornerstone of the Wood Green Cultural Quarter for over 30 years. During this time they have created opportunities for thousands or creative people to get established. The latest programs show how diversity has been indelible etched on the ethos.
Making Creativity Work supports young people with a passion for fashion. Create Your Future is working with a group of Kurdish Women to turn their textile skills into enterprises. You can see what they have produced in the market stalls at Studio 28. If you think that the stalls look opulent it is because they will form part of the set for our spectacular Great Gatsby Christmas Party – you will not want to miss that.
Our inclusive programs are central to making Wood Green work for everyone.
Enjoy the Open Studios and Love Wood Green!
Free and family friendly.
Love Wood Green Festival! Featuring the 21st annual N22 Open Studios, studios, stalls, art exhibitions – now part of four days of live music, dance workshops, childrens’ theatre and more.
Wednesday 20 September to Sunday 24 September 2017.
Start and finish times:
12 noon-6pm
Event contact details:
Tel: 020 8365 7500 | email: info@collage-arts.org
Price details:
Free
Event category:
Advice, jobs and training
Art and crafts
Children and families
Cinema/film
Community events
Food market
Literature
Music
Theatre and dance
Venue:Karamel Restaurant
Address:
Karamel RestaurantChocolate Factory
4 Coburg Road
Wood Green
N22 6UJ
Marvellous Myddleton
Published: 14/08/2017 Last Updated: 14/08/2017 16:12:34 Tags: Haringey, Housing, Landlords, Tenants, News, North London
In Victorian times, Myddleton Road – tucked away behind Bowes Park Station – was a bustling terrace of shops, restaurants and homes. Thanks to the fantastic efforts of new independent traders and a strong sense of community spirit, the area is enjoying a renaissance as one of Haringey’s best-loved destinations, drawing visitors from across the borough and beyond. Local traders – such as independent bar the Step, Greek grocery Hellenic Gourmet and Italian deli La Coppia – have taken care to preserve the street’s character while making improvements, and the Myddleton Road Community gardens are a haven of calm at the centre of the area. Now a local artist has captured Myddleton’s special heritage through two beautiful 7.3 metre-long panorama artworks – using traditional techniques to capture the street for future generations. Gabriela Schutz’s ‘A Walk in Myddleton Road’ – on display at Bruce Castle Museum until late October – is an installation of two drawing panoramas that record Myddleton Road and a third drawing of the New River, which flows openly near the street. The panoramic format was popular in the 19th century, when people would go to see huge immersive panoramas of landscapes and historical events in a kind of early version of 3D cinema. Gabriela said: “The panoramas of Myddleton Road represent many walks in the road. Hopefully they will serve as an historical document of the street as it was in 2016/17. “Drawing the street, rather than viewing via Google Earth or Streetview, is about slowing down and looking properly at things – and that is true for myself, the artist, and for the viewer. “These days we spend so much time on our phones, exchanging information and communicating with distant people – yet at the same time being by ourselves. It is the personal and physical connection with a place which is the heart of this project. It is about being part of a local community and engaging with reality. “Drawing is a way of observing the world and being totally present. I have been intrigued by the changing architectural styles along the street, by the shop fronts representing different periods of time, diverse cultures and distinct aesthetic tastes.”
www.haringey.gov.uk/brucecastle www.gabrielaschutz.com
Haringey - Biggest annual house price gains
Published: 01/08/2017 Last Updated: 15/08/2017 09:20:54 Tags: London, Haringey, Property, House Price, Landlord, News
London house prices:
Haringey enjoys biggest annual house price gains while Islington named the biggest faller
Sales of London homes to the end of April were 29 per cent lower than the same period last year, according to Your Move’s latest England and Wales house price index.
House prices in the capital continued to rise, up 2.7 per cent in the year to April 2017, but this is the second lowest annual rise seen in London since March 2012. The average house price in London at the end of April stood at £615,838, up 0.1 per cent on the month before.
Haringey was named the best performing borough, with house prices up 12.5 per cent annually thanks to an increase in prices of flats. In contrast, Islington was the worst performer with house prices down 10.4 per cent following a surge in sales of terraced houses ahead of the three per cent stamp duty surcharge on second homes introduced last year.
The index also found that prime property in the capital registered strong growth on an annual basis.
Kensington and Chelsea, where average prices stand at £1.9m, enjoyed annual growth of 8.8 per cent while house prices in the the City of Westminster rose by 9.7 per cent. Meanwhile, the City of London saw the biggest monthly increase up 9.6 per cent to £998,709.
Meanwhile, average house prices in England and Wales during May reached new peak of £303,200 despite "General Election uncertainty", Your Move said.
Transactions in the north east (up 10 per cent), North West (six per cent), Yorkshire and Humberside (seven per cent), East Midlands (four per cent), West Midlands (six per cent) and Wales (13 per cent) are all higher in the three months to the end of April 2017 than the same period in 2015.
Meanwhile, transactions in greater London and the south east are down by 19 per cent and seven per cent respectively.
Oliver Blake, managing director of Your Move and Reeds Rains estate agents, said: “There was a lot of talk about housing from the parties in their election manifestos, it’s now time for those words to be put into action.
“The market remains resilient and there’s encouraging activity in the north, but we need to urgently address the serious blockages in house building holding back labour mobility and economic competitiveness in too many areas of the country.”
| RANK | LONDON BOROUGH | Apr-16 (£) | Mar-17 (£) | Apr-17(£) | Monthly change | Annual change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA | £1.83m | £1.95m | £1.99m | 2.1 per cent | 8.8 per cent |
| 2 | CITY OF WESTMINSTER | £1.62m | £1.75m | £1.77m | 1.1 per cent | 9.7 per cent |
| 3 | CAMDEN | £1.03m | £1,03m | £1.07m | 3.5 per cent | 3.5 per cent |
| 4 | CITY OF LONDON | £978,300 | £911,046 | £998,709 | 9.6 per cent | 2.1 per cent |
| 5 | HAMMERSMITH AND FULHAM | £924,728 | £870,635 | £850,121 | -2.4 per cent | -8.1 per cent |
| 6 | RICHMOND UPON THAMES | £787,671 | £759,416 | £768,301 | 1.2 per cent | -2.5 per cent |
| 7 | WANDSWORTH | £779,290 | £776,782 | £765,262 | -1.5 per cent | -1.8 per cent |
| 8 | ISLINGTON | £793,998 | £726,011 | £711,374 | -2 per cent | -10.4 per cent |
| 9 | BARNET | £638,817 | £649,619 | £672,427 | 3.5 per cent | 5.3 per cent |
| 10 | HARINGEY | £574,186 | £647,189 | £645,872 | -0.2 per cent | 12.5 per cent |
| 11 | MERTON | £628,355 | £625,435 | £641,754 | 2.6 per cent | 2.1 per cent |
| 12 | SOUTHWARK | £646,663 | £652,751 | £623,206 | -4.5 per cent | -3.6 per cent |
| 13 | LAMBETH | £593,444 | £599,002 | £598,081 | -0.2 per cent | 0.8 per cent |
| 14 | BRENT | £550,006 | £569,111 | £583,612 | 2.5 per cent | 6.1 per cent |
| 15 | HACKNEY | £592,321 | £577,075 | £571,739 | -0.9 per cent | -3.5 per cent |
| 16 | EALING | £527,086 | £562,858 | £558,959 | -0.7 per cent | 6 per cent |
| 17 | KINGSTON UPON THAMES | £565,193 | £536,596 | £538,036 | 0.3 per cent | -4.8 per cent |
| 18 | HOUNSLOW | £507,108 | £527,306 | £535,569 | 1.6 per cent | 5.6 per cent |
| 19 | HARROW | £495,212 | £539,875 | £528,555 | -2.1 per cent | 6.7 per cent |
| 20 | TOWER HAMLETS | £485,493 | £541,603 | £521,627 | -3.7 per cent | 7.4 per cent |
| 21 | BROMLEY | £469,537 | £486,981 | £493,660 | 1.4 per cent | 5.1 per cent |
| 22 | ENFIELD | £444,711 | £469,098 | £472,220 | 0.7 per cent | 6.2 per cent |
| 23 | HILLINGDON | £450,907 | £462,411 | £462,014 | -0.1 per cent | 2.5 per cent |
| 24 | WALTHAM FOREST | £434,126 | £455,296 | £452,757 | -0.6 per cent | 4.3 per cent |
| 25 | LEWISHAM | £447,725 | £451,719 | £451,838 | 0.0 per cent | 0.9 per cent |
| 26 | REDBRIDGE | £420,450 | £445,638 | £449,066 | 0.8 per cent | 6.8 per cent |
| 27 | GREENWICH | £439,019 | £431,684 | £420,661 | -2.6 per cent | -4.2 per cent |
| 28 | SUTTON | £398,310 | £399,118 | £404,936 | 1.5 per cent | 1.7 per cent |
| 29 | CROYDON | £377,330 | £397,070 | £393,490 | -0.9 per cent | 4.3 per cent |
| 30 | HAVERING | £352,493 | £375,895 | £377,291 | 0.4 per cent | 7 per cent |
| 31 | NEWHAM | £361,310 | £373,505 | £365,573 | -2.1 per cent | 1.2 per cent |
| 32 | BEXLEY | £338,756 | £353,308 | £352,643 | -0.2 per cent | 4.1 per cent |
| 33 | BARKING AND DAGENHAM | £289,577 | £297,827 | £298,224 | 0.1 per cent | 3 per cent |
| ALL LONDON | 599,661 | 614,971 | 615,838 | 0.1 per cent | 2.7 per cent |
Read full article :
HMO - changing law
Published: 21/06/2017 Last Updated: 21/06/2017 14:55:56 Tags: HMO, Landlord News, Law, Council, Government, Legislation
THE CHANGING LAW AND VALUATION GUIDANCE FOR HMOs
Andrew Wells
Following a consultation period last year, the Government plans to extend the scope of mandatory licensing of houses in multiple occupation - known as HMOs - later this year. Under the new HMO licensing proposals, the existing ‘three storey rule’ may be scrapped so that all properties will require a licence if they are occupied by five of more people from two or more households. In addition, flats above and below commercial premises will also need to be licensed.
LONDON'S NEXT GREAT NEIGHBOURHOOD
Published: 19/06/2017 Last Updated: 21/06/2017 14:39:52 Tags: London, Tottenham Hale, News, Haringay
Tottenham Hale is to be London's next great neighbourhood - a bustling new centre with an uinternational transport hub, residnetial quarter and thousands of new job opportunities. In this section you will find out about Haringey Council's plan to create a new centre for Tottenham Hale, deliver new housing and improve streets, and green and open spaces.
Important announcement - CMP
Published: 10/05/2017 Last Updated: 24/05/2017 16:19:46 Tags: CMP, Client Money Protection, Landlord News, Property Obmudsman
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
* PRESS RELEASE *
Date of issue: 10th of May 2017
Housing Minister supports Government report which calls for new measures to protect rental money
Paul Simon Estate Agents takes on new CMP cover to safeguard the money they handle for landlord and tenants in
London and surrounding areas.
Letting agents across the country will soon be required to protect rental monies through an approved Client Money Protection (CMP) scheme, following the recommendations made in a new Government report.
Paul Simon Estate Agents is already offering local landlords and tenants in London and surrounding areas enhanced levels of protection to safeguard to protect rental income from fraud and unlawful use.
Letting agents play a crucial role in passing on rental payments from the tenant to their landlord but there is currently no legal requirement for letting agents to take out any insurance to protect the rental money they handle.
The Housing Minister has responded to a parliamentary review of CMP and supported its recommendations to make CMP mandatory for agents in England that handle client money.
The report estimates that letting agents currently hold approximately £2.7 billion in client funds but found that very few landlords or tenants are aware of CMP and how it safeguards rental money if an agent goes bankrupt or attempts to use client funds fraudulently.
Paul Simon Estate Agents can now offer its landlords and tenants complete piece of mind that any client funds held by the branch is insured through a new Client Money Protection (CMP) insurance policy, which goes above and beyond current legal requirements to safeguard client funds.
The move has been praised by The Property Ombudsman (TPO) scheme, which provides a free, fair and impartial dispute resolution service to protect consumers from unfair practices and raise standards in the property industry.
The Government launched an official review into CMP in August 2016[1] to decide whether it should become a legal requirement for every letting agent to have CMP cover. As part of this review, TPO agreed to carry nationwide survey, which found just 11% of landlords ask how their rental money will be handled.
Gerry Fitzjohn, TPO’s Vice Chairman, said: “While there is legislation in place for agents to protect a tenant’s deposit by registering it with a government-backed protection scheme, there is no legal requirement to safeguard rental income and ensure the agent passes on a tenant’s rent to their landlord.
“It is essential that landlords and tenants only use agents that have CMP cover or a method that guarantees the rent collected by their agent is covered against fraud and unlawful use. I would always urge consumers to check the credentials of their agent to ensure their deposits and renal money is protected, and the firm is registered with TPO should a dispute arise.”
[1] Government Client Money Protection (CMP) review: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/client-money-protection-cmp-review
Night Tube
Published: 12/03/2017 Last Updated: 21/06/2017 14:40:30 Tags: Transport Info, Property News
New TAX Regime for landlords
Published: 01/03/2017 Last Updated: 21/06/2017 14:40:16 Tags: Government Legislation Changes, Landlord News, Property News
George Osborne unveiled a shock tax change in 2015: the tax relief that landlords get for finance costs will be restricted to the basic rate of Income Tax. To put it another way, the current rules give most landlords a 40% discount on their current interest costs, but under the new regime, this discount will drop to 20%. This tax change will be phased in from will start to be phased in from 6th April this year and fully implemented by 2021.
There’s no doubt these changes will makes things more difficult for landlords, but the first thing to note is that landlords who are basic rate tax payers (earning less than about £40k), or those without a mortgage, won’t be affected at all.
Secondly, there are steps landlords can take to try and cut their interest costs. The first being re-mortgaging. Buy-to-let mortgage interest rates have fallen significantly in recent years, so deals currently on the market may well be substantially better than on products arranged a few years ago.
With large increases in property prices in London, another tip is to get your rental property re-valued. This will make your lender recalculate your LTV, and a lower LTV means a better interest rate and a larger choice of lenders.
Biggest house price rises will be in Zone 3 outwards
Published: 24/02/2017 Last Updated: 27/03/2017 14:14:59 Tags: House Prices, Property News, Investment Opportunities, Landlord News
Though we believe that prices will soften in prime central London, we still expect certain hotspots to experience price growth - though perhaps not at the level we’ve seen in previous years.
If it’s an investment you’re after, it’s crucial you buy in areas that are undergoing gentrification or experiencing infrastructure investment, that offer healthy yields so mortgage repayments aren’t a problem.
Areas in the outer Zones are likely to experience the best price growth this year. Zone 5’s East Croydon is becoming the capital’s next big property hotspot. It’s currently undergoing huge development, offers key train links and the Gatwick Express, Westfield Shopping centre will soon be arriving, plus it offers a mix of luxury and affordable living ideal for young professionals.
Crossrail winner Forest Gate is also likely to experience further gentrification when the high-speed rail link arrives this year, which will keep house prices on their upward climb. Leyton is another east London pocket tipped for house price growth, and in fact, east London as a whole will be one of the best investment areas generally this year down to improving transport links and the fact that prices here are still “affordable” compared with the rest of the capital.
If you want to invest centrally, Farringdon is a safe bet, again thanks to key infrastructure changes such as Crossrail and the fact that the nearby silicone roundabout is becoming a great area in which to live, work and play.
Is Tottenham becoming the new Shoreditch?
Published: 24/02/2017 Last Updated: 27/03/2017 14:15:04 Tags: Investment Opportunities, Landlord News, Property News
An art installation in Tottenham's Markfield Park
The times they are a-changing. Slowly. When you emerge at ground level using the north stairwell of Seven Sisters Tube station, you are greeted by the sight of a popular coffee franchise and an equally well-to-do supermarket. A little further up the High Road, towards the nest of shops and traffic congestion that is Bruce Grove, an estate agents – of the type which deals in affluent city-dwellers and families seeking to up-size without necessarily leaving the conurbation – has set up stall.
Further on still, at number 639, the Blooming Scent Café sings softly of organic teas and a licensed bar with a range of wines by the glass. Quietly confident, it is affiliated to the Bernie Grant Arts Centre, the cultural complex next to the Town Hall, which boasts a cinema and a superb 274-seat auditorium.
Wander, and you will find further notes of intrigue. Meander east towards Tottenham Hale and you might stumble into Craving Coffee, one of those artful dens of caffeine where your latte comes with a froth-top doodle – of a flower, a tree, a bird, a fish. You might also come across Beavertown Brewery, where the context is Lockwood Industrial Park on Mill Mead Road, but the ales produced within have more in common with the craft-beer scenes in hip American cities like Portland and Seattle. And after a drink or two in the tap room, you might drift back towards the High Road, following your nose towards the aromas pouring out of Chicken Town – an eatery where the name suggest a greasy takeaway, but the blurb on the menu states that “we use happy herb-fed chickens, which we gently steam before flash-frying in rapeseed oil for a delicious, healthier treat.”
At the end of all this, you might wipe your mouth and ask if you really are in Tottenham – and not Shoreditch, Hoxton, Dalston, or some other newly gentrified part of the capital.
The 12th richest football club on the planet lies at the heart of this historically deprived district.
It has been a slow journey for an often unloved segment of the metropolis. And, in truth, it is a march which still has some way to go.
The new stadium will hold 61,000 people and generate a projected £293 million a year for the local economy CREDIT: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
At the centre of all this is a contradiction. The vast hulking presence of a Premier League football club. Plenty might argue that Tottenham Hotspur is bigger in reputation than it is in achievement – for all the fine players to have graced its pitch, Glenn Hoddle’s feet a pair of magician’s wands; David Ginola moving with long-haired lyrical grace – the club has just two league titles to its name (1951, 1961), and has failed to crest the summit of the English game in the monied Premier League era (which began in 1992). But it is definitely sizeable in wealth. The latest Deloitte figures, released earlier this month, rank it as the 12thrichest football club on the planet – with an annual turnover of £209million.
Spurs hope the stadium will be a destination beyond football .
There is always something a little unsettling about a major sporting institution, flush with cash, radiating its good fortune from within an area rather shorter on readies. But Spurs – to use the club’s popular nickname – is far from a lone case in this. And the club would be swift to argue that its White Hart Lane stadium has long been good for Tottenham, bringing some 36,000 supporters into the area every fortnight during the season – fans whose disposable income is funnelled into the district’s pubs, bars, cafes and newsagents.
As of next year, that relationship will broaden. The club has played at White Hart Lane since 1899 – but although it has rebuilt it several times during that period, it has now outgrown its mid-range capacity (Tottenham’s nearest neighbours and arch-rivals Arsenal upgraded to their own 60,000-seat arena in 2006). So from August 2018, the team will run out at a new, state-of-the-art stadium capable of holding 61,000 people. It will be revolutionary for Spurs, more than doubling its match-day income. But it will also be a boon for Tottenham – generating a projected £293 million a year for the local economy.
There are hopes the stadium will boost the local economy
That, at least, is the hope. Up on the fourth floor of Lilywhite House, the club’s pristine new offices, executive director Donna-Maria Cullen is talking in glowing terms. “‘Game-changer’ is an overused word. But for Tottenham, this really is,” she enthuses. “The stadium will be a new sport and entertainment destination for London – and for Europe.”
The "Tunnel Club" will offer a close glimpse of the team
Beyond the window, the arena in question is now taking shape. Indeed, the north-east corner of White Hart Lane has already been dismantled to allow construction crews better access to the building site – as the rush to have the project completed in time for the 2018-2019 season intensifies. Colossal concrete support blocks rear above the pavement, cranes peck at the skyline, and the hard sound of industrial drills is a constant cacophony.
Once completed, the stadium will be more than just a sporting cauldron. It will have a hotel and a museum. It will be adorned with extra touches – a “public square” on the concourse with room for food stalls and events; an in-house microbrewery capable of dispensing up to 10,000 pints per minute; a “Sky Walk” climbing wall which will allow visitors to clamber 40 metres up the exterior of the complex. And the club has grand designs for it to be a year-round music venue which will occupy the space in the London mega-gigs market that exists between Wembley Stadium and the O2. “Wembley Stadium is fine if you are Muse, Coldplay or U2,” Cullen explains. “But there is a gap down to the O2, which holds around 20,000 people – and we are hoping that the stadium will fill it.”
Then there is the match-day experience, and the not-so-small matter of corporate entertainment – which, nowadays, is such a crucial element of any sporting behemoth’s balance sheet. An innovative blueprint will see accoutrements such as “The H Club”, a members’ space supplying high-end cuisine and chef’s table dinners. And the “Tunnel Club”, a first of its kind in the UK where “premium” guests will be able to watch the players waiting in the tunnel before kick-off – an intriguing piece of 21st century fan culture which, thanks to one-way mirrored glass, will not disturb the team’s preparations.
Throw in the fact that the arena will also host American Football matches – a contract is in place for Spurs to stage two NFL fixtures a year for a decade, via a special artificial pitch below the main (retractable) playing surface – and the club coffers are set to jingle.
This is all well and good – but will it really bring anything to the area beyond the roar of bigger crowds? Cullen is adamant that it will – and gestures downwards, towards the base of Lilywhite House, where Tottenham University Technical College, which opened in September 2014, takes up most of the ground floor (with the London Academy of Excellence Tottenham (LAET), a sixth-form college, due to launch in September). “The stadium will be responsible for 3,700 jobs, of which 1,700 will be totally new,” she adds.
Back on the High Road, opposite the rising pile of stone, reinforced metal and men in high-visibility jackets, nothing much is stirring. The fledgling wave of renewal has yet to reach this far up the thoroughfare, and the one customer in Chick King is buying his dinner in a fast-food outlet that shares a meat, but little else, with cool kid Chicken Town. Tottenham is still far from being an unmissable destination for those seeking to explore further corners of London – but come the summer of 2018, seven years after the area was fractiously ablaze, it will find itself in the headlines, and on the map, for the right reasons.
Show More Articles
