News archive - August 2010

First Time Buyers finding it tougher than ever

August 28, 2010

First time buyers are finding it harder to purchase a property than at any time in the past quarter of a century, Clear Property Investment has learned.

Figures revealed by the Nationwide Building Society show that with the average home costing £142,457 - more than four and a half times the average UK salary - those wishing to get on the property ladder are having to save for much bigger deposits and borrow far more cash.

Construction Companies head to Qatar

August 27, 2010

Investing in property shouldn't just mean sticking to your home turf - although it's often comfortable to do so. At Clear Property Investment we're always keeping abreast of foreign markets.

Buy to Let Mortgage Market may be Loosening Up

August 21, 2010

Buy to let lending is the highest it's been in two years, according to recent figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML), Clear Property Investment is pleased to hear.

The CML findings, at the end of June show 24,900 mortgages were taken out over a three month period - an increase of 13 per cent and 15 per cent higher than the corresponding period last year.

Property Investments - Short or Long-term Gain?

August 21, 2010

When investing in property, what are you looking for? Is it long-term gain ie buying property in lieu of a pension fund? Or are you after passive and stable rental income?

Whatever your aim, there are certain factors when purchasing property, you should always keep in mind.

Compulsory Tenant Deposit Scheme - Make your Views Known

August 14, 2010

A consultation into a compulsory Tenant Deposit Scheme has been published this week by the Scottish Government, Clear Property Investment has learned.

Landlords are advised to look at the consultation paper which includes a copy of the draft regulations and a series of questions and answers. The consultation period is set to end on October 3 this year. After this date no further responses will be accepted.

Energy Performance Certificate - Why you need it

August 14, 2010

Prospective landlords - and existing ones - should be aware of the need for an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

Since January 2009 this Europe-wide legislation has been a legal obligation in Scotland. All landlords wishing to rent out their property MUST ensure they have an EPC - unless they are prepared to face prosecution and a fine of up to £500.

House Prices Still Rising

August 07, 2010

Latest figures collated from building societies and Land Registry records show house prices rose last month, Clear Property Investment learned.

Halifax analysts reported a rise of just over £1000 on the average property - showing pessimistic government economists they'd got their figures wrong. However, the Halifax don't predict any further major rises this year, insisting that house prices will remain "broadly unchanged" until 2011 at least.

Who'll Manage my Property?

August 07, 2010

No-one – including us here at Clear Property Investment - can deny we're experiencing the full-blown after-effects of a recession.

So what does that mean to the existing property owner? Well, in the past it's meant a time of uncertainty and no doubt the odd sleepless night. But we trust his/her dreams are rather more positive-focused these days because if there's one person who is benefiting from the current recession, it's the landlord.