For those who take comfort in knowing that most of life’s pleasures can be enjoyed within a short stroll from their front door, Hampstead is the ideal neighbourhood. Culture, beauty and well-being fill its historic streets, intriguing shops and cosy eateries. It’s no surprise that virtually anyone who appreciates beautiful surroundings will naturally gravitate towards …

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On the rise Although only a three mile walk from the pomp and pageantry of Windsor Castle, Slough has been somewhat overlooked down the years, a fact that is probably due to a misplaced prejudice about its industrial past. However, the beginning of the 21st Century has seen the Thames Valley grow into a modern …

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Here, we are on-site at Colindale Gardens: the latest chapter in a North West London’s regeneration success story that continues to attract property investors. From here, our Head of China Desk, Sasha Chen shares up-to-the -minute information on how this new development typifies the resilience of London’s property market as a whole.

Shoreditch has traded post-industrial neglect for a quirky creativity that makes setting up home here the ultimate lifestyle choice, but what makes the neighbourhood so cool for homeowners and renters alike? Here are five reasons: Commercial history The streets of Shoreditch are where traditional East End entrepreneurship mingles with cutting-edge technology and an openness to …

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A. The Tenant Fees Act 2019 states that lettings agents and landlords are no longer allowed to charge tenants for reference and credit checks as well as the preparation of legal documents such as a tenancy agreement. The Tenants Fee Act 2019 has made such charges illegal and after a twelve month transition period, came …

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A. Most of the landlord’s responsibilities should be clearly documented in the tenancy agreement and this will include repairs to: The structure and exterior of your home, including walls, roof, foundations, drains, guttering and external pipes, windows and external doors. The structure and interior of your home, including basins, sinks, baths, toilets and their pipework, …

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While it is reasonable to view the relationship between landlord and tenant as one that mirrors the customer/provider dynamic, it would be naïve to assume that renting comes free from obligations. There are expectations on both sides and it is therefore imperative that as much as possible be included in writing in the form of …

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A. Not only are landlords responsible for fixing a faulty boiler, they are also responsible for its upkeep and maintenance as they are health and safety issues which are taken extremely seriously and non-compliance could be breaching the law. It is also the landlord’s legal obligation to service any other gas appliances with the frequency …

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A. It may come as a surprise to know that landlords don’t always have to have a reason to evict tenants from their property. However, the grounds for a “no fault” eviction are pretty clear and come with certain safeguards for tenants. There are, of course, several factors that landlords can and will point to …

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A. No. Lettings agents in England and Wales are now banned from charging fees to tenants and in England deposits are capped at the equivalent of five weeks’ rent. The Tenant Fees Act 2019 aims to enable tenants to see exactly what fees will be involved when renting a new property, with no hidden costs, but it means landlords must now pay for services such as referencing and inventory checks …

A. In the case of fixed-term tenancies, landlords cannot increase rents unless there is a mutual agreement with the tenant. Alternatively, they must wait until the rental term expires which is why it is so important to have a professionally drawn up contract that lets both parties know where they stand, what their responsibilities are …

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A. A simple answer would be no. Painting any part of a private rental property without the landlord’s permission would usually be classified as damage and landlords are within their rights to insist that the house be repainted before you move out or that deductions be made from your deposit. However, like many things property-related, there are levels of nuance and as always, communication …