Banner
Renters Rights Bill – be prepared As a key part of Labour’s manifesto, there is a clear political desire for this bill to progress to law without undue delay. We believe this will complete its journey through parliament and receive Royal Assent by summer 2025. Once the bill is law landlords will be unable to commence any legal action against tenants until they are at least 3 months in rent arrears. Then a Section 8 notice would be served and a potentially very long wait for the case to go through an overstretched court system. So, that is the bad news, what can landlords do to protect themselves? Firstly, it may seem draconian, but if tenants have a bad payment history or are already in arrears then action should be taken before the new act comes into force. Waiting and hoping things will improve is never the best course of action. Finally, we strongly recommend the protection a rent and legal policy provides if the worst happens. Please see our recommended insurance providers range of cover at https://www.aldreds.co.uk/landlord-tenant-insurance
Christmas, Boxing Day and The New Year! It is inevitable that the housing market slows through November and into December. Some people’s minds move to the festive period, and they postpone their house hunting plans until the grim reality of January arrives! However, house sales are agreed all year around! There will be sales done in December, houses will come for sale and viewers will be there. Ready to sell in December? Get the property listed! There will also be a small amount of activity between Christmas and New Year although beware of any agent talking about Boxing Day being a great day to list your house! It isn’t. In the week after Boxing Day last year only four sales were agreed in the NR31 postcode as an example. In a usual week this will be around 20-30! Even if you aren’t looking to launch your property for sale till the new year, it is still a very good idea to get valuations done and marketing prepared now to hit the ground running early January to capitalise on the New Year bounce. We would be delighted to come to see you to advise on this. Thinking of selling – Call us today to discuss!
Stamp duty changes 1st April 2025! It was announced in the Chancellors recent budget that stamp duty will return to the rates before Liz Truss mini budget of September 2022. This will add £2500 tax to purchases for none first time buyers buying over £250,000. First time buyers will be exempt up to £300,000. The rates from 1st April 2025 are below 0% up to £125,000 2% above £125,000 and up to £250,000 5% above £250,000 and up to £925,000 10% above £925,000 and up to £1,500,000 12% above £1,500,000 The good news is there is still time to beat this rise! If you are thinking of selling now or in the new year call us today to discuss your options.
Gorleston High Street Christmas Lights! Our Gorleston Office is supporting the High Street lights switch on by displaying one of Jackson Harmer's fantastic skateboards for the kid’s 'Elf Trail'. Should be a great event on the 17th November and we look forward to seeing you all there!
Bank of England Rate Decision! Good news for home buyers and the housing market as the Bank of England cuts the base rate of interest to 4.75%. The cut was expected, however it isn’t the 0.5% cut that was muted pre budget