Landlords fear a rise in Capital Gains Tax

Landlords are becoming increasingly concerned about a possible rise in Capital Gains Tax after a report from the OTS (Office of Tax Simplification) as well as discussions in government over the last few months.

The concern is that a tax rise could cause problems in the rental market with renters not having the current availability of different properties and would also serve to reduce the flexibility of the market to adapt to the changes we’ve seen with coronavirus.

There has been a shift out of city centres in some parts of the country, changing the demand in towns and villages and with further disincentives for landlords to invest and manage properties, the market could see a depression.  

Many landlords’ principal motive in the buy to let market is to create a secure retirement, so any increase in Capital Gains Tax could negatively affect them.

The NRLA has said that there better ways to approach tax in rental market rather than just more tax increases.

Ben Beadle, NRLA chief executive, says: “Increasing Capital Gains Tax would reduce churn in the rental market undermining the flexibility it has always been good at providing.

“A tax hike would be a kick in the teeth for all those who have invested in property to provide security for the future for themselves and their families.

“The Chancellor needs to end the war on the rental market and recognise the importance of a healthy and vibrant rented housing sector. Tax should be used more smartly, not as a blunt attack on the market.”

This prospect has raised it’s head a number of times over the last few months and has perhaps only been delayed by the current events.

We’ll keep an eye on it.

If you have a large property or HMO you currently let or just planned to let, but with all the uncertainty in the market, you are considering your options, don’t hesitate to give us a call.  We specialise in these types of properties and can help you to evaluate your options.

Call 0161 850 5588 or email info@armisteadproperty.co.uk

Thanks for reading

Peter Armistead

Founder, Armistead Property

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Are house prices set to fall in the coming months?

Are House prices set to fall in the coming months as the stamp duty holiday and furlough schemes come to an end?

According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, with the ongoing lockdown restrictions as well as schemes like the stamp duty holiday due to end by March, these factors could see house prices falling significantly.

House prices have been incredibly resistant to the fallout from lockdowns and restrictions as the world deals with the coronavirus pandemic.

But in the last month these increases saw their smallest rise compared to previous months and most short term predictions on sales see a fall in demand and prices.

But is it all gloom?

Property Sales in the year ahead

The average outlook for the year ahead is still looking positive although HMO’s and large properties suitable for an HMO are suffering in some areas due to an extension of regulations and licensing.

First-time buyers could be impacted with average prices rising but lenders have been re-introducing some 90% Loan to Value products for first-time buyers which will help balance the market.

With this third lockdown, estate and letting agents have managed to keep operating which has been good news for buyers looking to complete before the Stamp Duty holiday ends on 31st March.

There have been calls for this to be extended for a further 6 months but no signs of movement from the government so far.

The Stamp Duty Holiday caused a resilient house market to grow even more.  The ONS revealed that average house prices rose by 5.4%.  But this has seen a delay in the mortgage market with the number of applications it has been handling and some could miss the March deadline for completion if demand continues.

The number of new buyer queries has dropped for the fifth month in a row causing the near- and long-term predictions of a drop in prices with a slowing of the market.

Queries and demand from potential landlords continued to fall in December. 

If you have a large property or HMO you currently let or just planned to let, but with all the uncertainty in the market you are considering your options, don’t hesitate to give us a call.  We specialise in these types of properties and can help you to evaluate your options.

Call 0161 850 5588 or email info@armisteadproperty.co.uk

Thanks for reading

Peter Armistead

Founder, Armistead Property

Keep up with the latest from Armistead Property on…

Facebook ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/ArmisteadProperty

Twitter ➡️ https://twitter.com/ArmisteadMcr

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Public support for students to be rent-free during lockdown

A recent YouGov poll has found that the public support students not to pay rent if they do not use their private or college accommodation due to the coronavirus lockdown.

Many students have been told to stay at parental homes if possible, during the latest lockdown.  Many were already staying at family homes over the Christmas break and have not returned to their student accommodation.

The YouGov poll found 54% support students not having to pay their rent if they are unable to use their properties, from private HMOs to purpose-built student accommodation.

Another 30% believe students should receive a discount and 5% said students should have to pay the rent in full.

In the UK there are an estimated 1.8m students who rent accommodation.

At the time of writing, there is no planned government support to make this a feasible policy for private landlords and college/university accommodation.

Landlords of large properties and HMO’s would be particularly affected, and it could have far-reaching consequences.

We’ll keep an eye on this story as it develops.

If you have a large property or HMO you currently let or just planned to let, but with all the uncertainty in the market you are considering your options, don’t hesitate to give us a call.  We specialise in these types of properties and can help you to evaluate your options.

Call 0161 850 5588 or email info@armisteadproperty.co.uk

Thanks for reading

Peter Armistead

Founder, Armistead Property

Keep up with the latest from Armistead Property on…

Facebook ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/ArmisteadProperty

Twitter ➡️ https://twitter.com/ArmisteadMcr

YouTube ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCElC71ezG9h2tofxtEM05DA