Three in five first-time buyers depend on the bank of mum and dad in order to get onto the property ladder, according to research by Just Group. In the last five years, 61 per cent of FTBs relied on financial help from relatives in order to purchase a property. In comparison, just 20 per cent of FTBs relied on financial assistance from relatives 30 years ago.
Current legislation means that if a property doesn't have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of ‘E’ or above, then it cannot legally be let. With soaring energy prices a real problem for all of us, an energy efficient home is now on a higher proportion of prospective tenants' wish lists. Not only are we all becoming (rightfully) more environmentally aware when it comes to our properties, but for tenants, a higher EPC rating means lower bills, a decrease in the risk of mould and a warmer place to live.
2020 saw landlords fall victim to empty properties and reduced rents in a bid to cling onto the remaining city dwellers. But fast forward 18 months post-pandemic and according to reports from London estate agents, the tide is turning on the London rental market, as renters look to return to urban life.
Over 15% of the UK’s total carbon footprint comes from emissions created at home, so it falls to all of us to do our bit to improve our home life for the better when it comes to considering the environment. As you are in control of how you run your household and how you shop, there is no easier way to start making immediate changes, than with our three easy ways to greenify your home.
So, are you thinking of jumping on the second home bandwagon? Whether it’s switching an existing let property from a long-term rental to capitalise on the more lucrative short-stay market, or buying a second property or even adding to their portfolio, there is a boom in UK buy-to-let and second home property purchases happening right now.
Modern mortgage needs are so wide reaching for today’s homeowners, that equity release is fast becoming a more commonplace method of funding a retirement income. Having evolved hugely from their early, more rigid days, there are now far more lenders in the market offering flexible equity release products.
