The Tenant Fees Act 2019 came into effect on June 1st 2019, making it unlawful for letting agents and landlords in the private rented sector (PRS) in England to charge fees to tenants. There is also a cap on tenancy deposits.

Unfortunately not.  There are laws governing what a landlord should do if the tenant vacates a property and leaves some of their belongings behind.  Any property left behind by a tenant still belongs to them and if possible, the landlord should always try to return it.  If the landlord disposes of the goods and it …

Continue reading “My tenants have left my rental property suddenly, leaving a car in the garage.  Can I keep the car?”

With a thumping election win in his back pocket, Boris Johnson is quietly lowering expectations for a third Heathrow runway which in property terms is pretty good news. For some time now, the area’s low prices and good transport links have been in the sights of investors and property developers and they’re probably glad to …

Continue reading “Fringe Benefits: Why London’s Property Hotspots Have the Edge”

If this happens, it is usually because the landlord has mortgage arrears or they have rented the property without the lender’s permission. What happens next depends on what type of tenancy agreement you have.

Thanks to social media, there is seemingly no reason to feel disconnected with the source of our inspiration or the people that make it happen. Artists like those exhibiting at the Only Art Fair are putting all their work out on Pinterest, while media savvy footballers directly tweet their feelings about every win, loss or …

Continue reading “What’s on in London – March 2020”

There has been a dramatic increase in enquiries from homebuyers looking to purchase London property following Boris Johnson’s December general election win and the UK’s departure from the EU on January 31st.

The property market is experiencing a remarkable turnaround in confidence since the election last year, with the latest figures revealing that house prices are rising at their fastest rate for almost two years.

Two years ago, in West London’s Zone 2, the transformation of the old low-rise commercial units into the White City Living development created a microhousing boom that helped kickstart a brand new W12 neighbourhood just north of Shepherd’s Bush. The first phase rollout of these high specification apartments was an instant hit with investors who …

Continue reading “New Phase at White City Living, London’s regeneration hotspot, bursting with investment potential”

Raising awareness has become a big driver of many London events. The rise of social media has made it even easier to gain exposure for a race, festival or show that galvanises the public’s imagination. Fun runs or catwalk shows that support cancer research, children’s issues or ethical trade are just some we always welcome …

Continue reading “What’s on in London – February 2020”

Marc von Grundherr, Director of Benham & Reeves talks about how after several years of subdued house price growth, the recent General Election victory by the Conservatives has offered a sense of stability and greater confidence to property investors.

More than a decade of low interest rates may have lulled some of us into a sense of false security, but current mortgage lenders are starting to ask some tough questions. Following on from guidelines set by the Financial Conduct Authority, borrowers will have to prove that they not only have the resources necessary to …

Continue reading “10 steps you need to take when considering a mortgage”

Renting a property in London needn’t be a shot in the dark. You have rights and it pays to familiarise yourself with them as much as possible. Here are 10 legal stepping stones to a happy outcome.