In this two-minute read, we discover why the opportunity clocks are ticking for people wanting to make the most of the Stamp Duty holiday. “Life is a Game” is a quote attributed to Mother Teresa, but it could be easily applied to property. And as with all games, there are winners and losers when it comes to selling a home. Timing always plays a part in how successful you are, as does having a...
2020
In this three-minute read, we look at what a recent court ruling that found a “no DSS” letting ban was unlawful means for landlords. A disabled mum-of-two emerged victorious from York County Court earlier this month after winning a case that sent ripples through the lettings industry. The woman, who was on housing benefit, had been blocked from renting a property by a blanket “no DSS”...
In this three-minute read, we look at how the Eat Out to Help Out scheme can give struggling restaurants and cafes in Rayleigh & Hockley a much needed boost. We’ve been asked to do many things in recent months: stay home, home school, wear masks, keep apart and wash our hands, to name but a few. And now we’re being called to action again. But this time to dine out to help the...
In this two-minute read, we look at the return of 90% loan to value mortgages (LTV) and the flurry of activity in the housing market. The property market has received a shot in the arm with some lenders including Nationwide reintroducing 90% LTV mortgages for first-time buyers. As Nationwide is Britain’s second-biggest lender, the decision is another piece of good news for the sector which has...
In this three-minute read, we look at why our sports clubs and arts groups in Rayleigh & Hockley are so crucial to our communities. It was a sad and sorry sight when clubhouses, theatres and church halls were mothballed during the lockdown. Places that once buzzed with activity sat empty; the groups who once occupied them hit for six by social distancing rules. But we’re glad to...
In this three-minute read, we look at what the Stamp Duty holiday and a new grant scheme for green home improvements mean for landlords. Chancellor Rishi Sunak made two big announcements about the property market last week and triggered a flurry of activity. Both initiatives represent attractive propositions for savvy landlords. But, as always, it pays to do your homework first. Stamp Duty...
In this three-minute read, architect Nigel Bidwell shares his tips on what to look for when buying a property AND ways to add value to your current home. Since the easing of lockdown restrictions, the property market has roared back into action. This has been turbo-charged in England and Northern Ireland by the stamp duty holiday announced last week on the first £500,000 of property sales. (Take...
In this three-minute read, we explore how you can help the little community groups that make such a big difference in Rayleigh & Hockley. Throughout this pandemic, many kind-hearted volunteers have rolled up their sleeves without fuss or faff. They have cooked, sewn, fundraised, collected, and delivered to support those in need. They are members of small neighbourhood groups and charities...
A 2-minute read. The Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced sweeping changes this afternoon around Stamp Duty which is excellent news for anyone thinking of buying a home in Rayleigh & Hockley. Stamp Duty is a tax applied when you buy a property and the announcement that there will be a payment holiday starting immediately means homebuyers will save thousands of pounds. What's Changing? The...
In this two-minute read, we look at helpful new advice for landlords dealing with cases of rent arrears. At the beginning of the pandemic, many predicted Covid-19 would have a disastrous impact on the private rental sector. But new figures show that 90% of tenants have paid their rent in full during the pandemic—a better result than many had anticipated. Unfortunately, we’re not out of the...