Safe as Houses (of Parliament)

Out with the old, in with the new. Every business has to operate in the environment which it is presented. Whichever way you look at it, this is a critical time for property investors – who typically need to think both long-term and very strategically – having a plan A, B (and C). As the new government settles-in, we’ll be keeping a close eye on anything coming down-stream that could affect the way either ourselves or our partners operate – and bring it to you so you can stay agile and quick on your feet. This week;

Co-living is rising as a high-quality rental option – driven by a deepening demand/supply imbalance – with nearly 2,500 new beds in the UK last year, a 65% increase from 2022. Knight Frank reports 13,483 units under construction or approved. Institutional investors, increasingly attracted to co-living, have invested nearly £1 billion since 2020. The trend extends beyond London, with regional cities and smaller markets developing co-living schemes, meeting diverse housing needs, and delivering robust returns.

ATTENTION: Housing Cooperatives, Associations, Charities and Councils: We want to help you increase your housing stock and save up to 2 thirds per person housed in the process! Currently, we have units available NOW at 90 day’s notice for lease in central Glasgow for up to 6.5years for use as-is, or lightly modified to suit a C3(b) Supported Living purpose – and other areas may be coming soon. On an ongoing basis, we can offer 1 to 10 properties per year, per organisation we work with in the same vein – depending on your needs. Get in touch here.

Labour MP Matthew Pennycook is appointed as the principal housing minister in the new government. Previously a shadow housing minister, Pennycook’s initial focus will be on the Labour version of the Renters Reform Bill. He expressed his commitment to tackling the housing crisis and boosting economic growth.

A survey by Foxtons reveals that most UK landlords believe Labour’s landslide victory won’t impact their investment plans, with 59% stating it won’t influence their decision to expand or sell portfolios. However, landlords feel unsupported by major parties, with low perceptions of support from both Labour and the Conservatives. Despite concerns about rent legislation, most landlords plan to continue investing. Increasing social housing supply ranked as the top desired change in the private rented sector (PRS), while reforming land developments was deemed least important.

(Psst… we also post various things on Social Media daily, including completed projects. Follow us on Facebook here.)

UTILITY OF THE WEEK. Stamp Duty Rebate. Bought a house with “defects” in the last 4 years, or bought an investment property but then sold your main residence within 3 years? Then you may be entitled to a Stamp Duty Rebate – which could potentially save you £thousands.

Labour’s manifesto pledges to abolish Section 21 evictions and overhaul private rented sector regulation. It aims to build 1.5 million homes, restore mandatory housing targets, and prioritise brownfield development while preserving the greenbelt. Labour also promises the biggest increase in social and affordable housing and support for first-time buyers and plans to clamp down on unscrupulous landlords.

Top 10 Deal-Breakers for Tenants when House-Hunting; A Barclays Property Insights report Renters’ top 10 deal-breakers when house-hunting are that the property is (1) damp/mould free (46%), (2) it has a living room (34%), (3) it has a private garden and/or outdoor space (32%) (4) it has double-glazing (32%) (5) enabled for fast internet (24%) (6) open to pets (23%) (7) has off-street parking (21%) (8) has large bedrooms (17%), (9) owned/managed by a likeable Landlord/Agent (17%) and (10) private from neighbours / not overlooked (16%).

Who are M2P? Married2Property are a family-run property company that aims to build social good through property.

Shropshire council thanks private landlords for helping with homelessness and urges more to join its scheme. The council offers cash incentives and support for landlords and tenants to provide stable housing. With a rise in homelessness due to factors like flooding and the cost-of-living crisis, the council seeks diverse accommodation options and offers extensive assistance to landlords.

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Rents in London dropped for the second consecutive quarter in 2024, with notable declines in Mortlake, Holland Park, and Kentish Town. Despite a 1% year-on-year increase, a downward trend is emerging in London. UK rents overall rose 5% year-on-year. SpareRoom’s Matt Hutchinson highlights the need for coherent housing policy amid rising living costs and housing shortages. The message is clearer nationally – rental property supply in general is needed more than ever, but long-term, yields continue to be significantly better outside of London – particularly now.

The previous week’s Posts in case you missed them, or just FOLLOW US on Facebook: Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday / Friday / Saturday / Sunday

Song of the Week: 🎶 I Don’t Wanna Wait – David Guetta 🎸

And Finally… The picture below is a REAL image that an Estate Agent ACTUALLY once supplied me with in order to (apparently) help me assess a property. Perhaps they wanted to engender a sense of intrigue and suspense, making me wonder what the rest of this bathroom looked like – or indeed the rest of the property?… A different approach I’ll grant them. Touché Agent, touché...

(no, we didn’t buy it either)

What do M2P do? Married2Property aim to help Housing Associations, Cooperatives, Charities and Councils to increase their housing stock – helping to home the homeless as well as other vulnerable groups.