Exclusive Newsletter
Want exclusive holiday offers?
Get our Newsletter delivered!
Blog
Changes to EPC policy
The Government has launched its new-look Energy Performance Certificate and announced that the EPC central register will be open to public inspection for the first time.
The moves were announced by CLG minister Andrew Stunell under the guise of eco-friendliness.
Notably, however, he did not tell the public that the addresses of their homes would be publicly available on the register, whether they wanted it or not. There are serious concerns that squatters could easily use EPCs to target empty properties, since EPCs are often carried out during void periods.
Instead, Stunell concentrated on environmental messages, saying the package of measures would make energy information on properties easier to understand, which if followed could help customers save money on their fuel bills. From this Friday, property particulars for rental and sales particulars will have to carry the first page of the EPC, which gives recommendations.
He also emphasised that Domestic Energy Assessors will have undergone further training to ensure that the new-look EPCs – to be used from April 6 onwards – are produced to a consistently high standard and assured advice is given to prospective home owners.
He said that prospective buyers and tenants will also be given this energy information early on, to give them time to plan how they will implement some of the recommendations included.
They will also be able to compare the energy performance of their home with that of similar properties, as the National Energy Performance Certificate Register is opened up to public use for the first time.
Changes to tenancy deposit protection from 6th April 2012-
The Localism Act achieved Royal Assent in December and the DCLG has now confirmed that changes to tenancy deposit protection, introduced by the Bill, will come into force on 6th April. Tenancies already in place on this date will have 30 days in which to comply with the new rules.
Here’s a recap of the changes due to take effect as a result of The Localism Act:
30 days – not 14 – to protect deposits
From 6th April, landlords and letting agents have 30 days from receipt of deposit in which to protect it.
The re-wording and extension of this timeline also closes the loophole with regards to deposit protection deadlines that was highlighted by cases such as Universal Estates v Tiensia in 2010.
Now, if a deposit is not protected within 30 days, the tenant can take their landlord or letting agent to court – there is no other way to interpret this legislation.
The requirement for providing the Prescribed Information to the tenant will also be changed to within 30 days of receipt of the deposit.
Whilst we provide a template for Prescribed Information on our website, it is the landlord or letting agent’s responsibility to ensure it is issued at the correct times so it’s vital they review the Localism Act and understand when Prescribed Information should be issued.
No retrospective protection after the tenancy ends
If a tenant makes an application to the county court once the tenancy has ended, the landlord will no longer be able to retrospectively protect the deposit in order to comply with the Act. If the tenancy has ended, the only option is for the landlord to repay the deposit, or part thereof, to the tenant.
Revised sanctions for non protection
The changes give the courts discretion to award not less than the amount of the deposit and not more than three times that amount depending on the individual case. For example, a repeat offender may find themselves with a larger fine compared to a landlord who has simply forgotten to protect as an administrative oversight.
Section 21 notices
Further clarity to Section 215 of the Housing Act highlights that a section 21 notice may not be given where a deposit has not been protected within the 30 day period. However, there are exceptions to this which you can view in The Localism Act.
For a comprehensive explanation of each change, read our blog from September 2011 – ‘Tenancy deposit protection amendments proposed by the Localism Bill’. You can also read the The Localism Act (section 184) and view the amendments against the Housing Act 2004 (sections 213 – 215 are relevant).
http://www.witlet.co.uk/blog/?p=201
This impacts on landlords of pre-exsiting and new tenants. Tenants are also protected for a further six years after the date they leave the property.
Osborne issues new property tax warning-
With just days to go before the Budget, Chancellor George Osborne has warned he will be taking "aggressive" new measures to tackle stamp duty avoidance.
In a BBC interview Osborne said buying homes through a company to avoid tax was "unacceptable".
He added that he would "come down on that practice like a ton of bricks".
Speaking on BBC One's Andrew Marr Show, Osborne said: "Rich people, often foreigners who come to this country, but also some people here in Britain, who put homes into companies to avoid stamp duty - that is completely unacceptable.
"We are going to come down on that practices like a ton of bricks, We are coming after that tax avoidance, we are going to be extremely aggressive in dealing with it, and people are going to face a very punitive charge."
He added: "People have had their warning. They need to pay stamp duty on the homes they live in."
To the relief of many, Osborne also said that this would be a "Budget for working people".
He said: "My priority is to help low and middle earners. That's where the bulk of effort in the Budget is going to be."
http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/osborne-issues-new-property-tax-warning
Important News for Landlords Who Take Deposits From Tenants – This Affects You
The Government has revised the penalty rules which apply if you fail to comply with the statutory requirements when you take a deposit from a tenant. The new rules are to come into force on the 6th April 2012. They will affect deposits which you are already holding if you have not already complied with the existing requirements.
They apply to all new deposits as well.
IMMEDIATE ACTION is needed NOW if you are NOT compliant.
The new rules mean:
1. Deposits under assured shorthold tenancies must be protected within 30 days of receipt (14 days at present).
2. The tenant/s (and anyone else paying towards the deposit e.g. a parent) must be given the prescribed information within 30 days of you receiving the deposit. N.B. This is not just a copy of the official receipt that you will receive from the scheme administrator – see below.
You must give the tenant/s (and anyone else paying towards the deposit) a copy of the relevant schemes tenants leaflet as well.
3. Failure to comply within the new 30 day time limit means that you could have to pay a penalty of between one and three times the amount of the deposit. There is no provision allowing any extension of time.
4. If you fail to protect the deposit within the 30 day time limit once it applies you cannot use a Section 21 notice to evict the tenant so long as you are holding the deposit, unless there has been a Court Order dealing with the penalty or the deposit has been returned. You can get your Section 21 rights back by returning the deposit in full. Alternatively, you can return it
with deductions so long as the tenant/s agree these deductions.
5. Assuming that you have protected the deposit within 30 days but have not given the prescribed information within the 30 days allowed, you cannot serve a Section 21 notice to end the tenancy until the prescribed information has been given.
6. Even if you get your Section 21 rights back as outlined above, you are still liable to pay a penalty if one is claimed.
7. Penalties for non-compliance can now be claimed even once tenancies have ended so that former tenants can claim for up to six years and a claim can be made even if the deposit has been refunded (unless the tenancy has already come to an end no later than the start date in April 2012).
8. The 30 day period starts on the day of receipt of the deposit. This day is included in working out the 30 day period (even if the tenancy starts later).
The day the scheme notifies you that the protection is effective is the key date and, in the case of prescribed information, it is the date that it has actually given to the tenant/s (and any third paying towards the deposit) which is crucial.
9. Cleared funds may be needed in order to effectively protect the deposit whether to pay over the deposit itself or any fee required to protect it (depending on which scheme you use) so allow long enough for this and do not leave things to the last minute.
10. The new rules will apply to deposits which you are already holding when they come into force. You will be allowed 30 day period of grace from the start date to protect these deposits and/or give the prescribed information if you have not done so already. Failure to comply will mean that the new penalty/Section 21 rules will apply in the same way as they do to new deposits.
Budget 2012: Osborne to tax the rich through stamp duty
Stamp duty on housing transactions worth over £2 million will increase to 7%, it was revealed in Wednesday's Budget.
At present, all properties worth over £1 million are liable to 5% stamp duty when purchased.
But from midnight tonight stamp duty will rise to 7% on properties worth over £2 million, meaning anyone who has exchanged on a £2 million property and is set to complete tomorrow needs to find £40,000 fast.
The move came just 12 months after the Treasury introduced the 5% stamp duty rate - up from 4%.
However, the change is likely to affect only the rich. On average, 67,000 homes are bought each month in England and Wales, and of those only 95 are worth over £2 million.
"Few parts of the Budget smacked of such naked tokenism as the new top rate of stamp duty," said Russell Quirk, director of estate agents eMoov.co.uk.
"The extra tax revenues generated by the new 7% rate will be small, given that these super-prime homes are such a small proportion of the market."
He added: "But if his fiscal case is shaky, the Chancellor's political calculations are flawless. Much of the pain of the new top rate will be felt by wealthy foreign buyers, who can't vote in Britain."
Stamp duty loophole closed
As well as increasing the top rate of stamp duty, Osborne also moved to dramatically reduce stamp duty avoidance.
At present, some wealthy homeowners try to avoid stamp duty by buying residential property through an offshore company.
However, Osborne has brought in a 15% stamp-duty rate on corporate purchases of properties worth more than £2 million with immediate effect, which all but eliminates the attractions of purchasing property through a company.
"I can't help but feel sorry for the people who genuinely have to buy a big property in a company name. Unless you happen to be able to complete by midnight tonight I must assume those deals will fall through. A 15% rate is just absurd and a cack-handed political gesture to the Lib Dems," said Ed Mead.
http://www.iii.co.uk/articles/28843/budget-2012-osborne-tax-rich-through-stamp-duty
Mair Y Coed Self Catering Betws Y Coed
Mair Y Coed Self Catering Betws Y Coed lots of vacancies for the summer !
Give the owner Steve Povall a call to reserve your dates at this lovely house in Betws Y Coed
Six new properties - North Wales and Liverpool
We now have six fantastic new properties!
Two stunning lodges and a high quality apartment, all self catering, in North Wales. Followed by three fantastic self catering apartments in Liverpool.
For more details please see the relevant section of the website.
Chester Racecourse Package
Holiday Rentals Properties has now launched the Chester Racecourse Package!!
These 2 night stays in Chester include Chester Races tickets, a Racecourse apartment for your stay and 2 meals!!
Ski season approaches !
The ski season is approaches fast !! We have vacancies available for half term 2012 . Call us now for up to the minute prices .
Holiday properties in Chester still available for Christmas call us now for prices or check prices and availability on line .
Do want to study English in Chester call us now for our comprehensive packages including accommodation .
Summer 2011 Vacancies
We still have a few vacancies in Chester for a holiday break in Chester or a short stay in Chester ! Go to www.holidayrental-properties.co.uk or call us on 01244 343355 right now.
Thinking of a half term ski-break in France ? We have vacancies in Morillon 1100 ( Morillon les Esserts ) for half term 2012 this is a terrific resort close to Geneva ( about an hour away ) with a fanatstic snow record .
The apartments are modern, well equipped, ski in and ski out , televisons and en suites in most of the apartments .
HOLIDAY TIME !
Holidayrental-properties.co.uk based in the heart of Chester is a long established property rental company . Our Chester properties give you the opportunity to stay in Chester on a short break for a period from 3 days upwards.
Holidaying in Chester has never been easier just call us on 01244 343355 or email to sales@holidayrental-properties.co.uk
We are able to offer short stays in Chester and fully serviced apartments in Chester and longer term stay through our rental agency www.uk-to-let.co.uk
Discounts on the Chester holiday apartments are available for longer stays .
The following searches are worthwhile to find Chester properties providing short term accommodation .
Chester accommodation
Chester holiday properties
Chester holiday accommodation
Chester short term accommodation
Chester serviced properties
Chester serviced apartments
Chester short stay accommodation
Chester serviced accommodation
Probably and possibly the oldest established rental agency in Chester offering rentals in Chester of apartments , houses and flats . We also let properties on a short term basis starting at 3 days and upwards . Call us on 01244 343355 or 0844 5763236 or email sales@holidayrental-properties.co.uk
Holiday rental properties
Holiday home landlords should be price conscious says Insight Survey
Landlords with summer holiday homes have been told that price is the biggest influencer for 83 percent of families when browsing and bookings holidays according to research conducted by holidaylettings.co.uk.
Photographs of the accommodation came a close second in influencing the holiday choice (65 percent).
The Holiday Lettings Family Holidays Insight Survey, which surveyed 3,000 parents also revealed that for 64 percent of families holidays are the most important focus of their budgeting after necessary expenses on food, bills and clothes.
48 percent take a seven night holiday once a year while 31 per cent take a14 night holiday once a year. Only 51 percent of parents feel the need to travel abroad to have a ‘real holiday’.
For 37 percent the holiday only really starts when parents find the accommodation is expected. 63 percent expect accommodation marketed as ‘family friendly’ to provide secure gardens, cots, high chairs and stair gates, and to a lesser extent toys, sterilising equipment and pushchairs.
65 percent value the freedom and flexibility that self-catering provides and the larger the family the more appealing it seems to be.
As demand for self-catered holiday accommodation booked directly with a property owner continues to grow in popularity, holidaylettings.co.uk has seen a 21 percent increase in booking enquiries this year compared to the same period in 2010.
Kate Stinchcombe-Gillies, spokesperson for holidaylettings.co.uk, said: “Kids or no kids, the added space, privacy and flexibility that comes with renting a home versus a room in a hotel is proving increasingly invaluable for consumers and the value for money speaks for itself. Typically, there is no VAT to pay on a rental and perhaps most importantly for families the cost per person is significantly less.
“Holiday Lettings has recently added TripAdvisor’s review system to its holiday home adverts and the uptake in just a few weeks reflects the fervour for peer opinion these days. Holidays are one of the family’s largest annual expenses and it should come as no surprise to see such investment in holiday research and heeding the experiences of others.”
A quick profile of our managing director Steve Povall
Steve Povall has headed up our operation for over 20 years in Chester. The company has grown over the years as we have developed different strategies and entered other market places.
One of Steve Povall’s strengths has been the ability to embrace change. We are working on new projects at this moment and are almost ready to launch some new ideas to the property market.
Continually Steve Povall and his team are reviewing and assessing the market ready to bring new methods into the market.
Expensive or not?
It’s worthwhile comparing our rates to:
Chester Guest Houses
Chester Hotels
Premium lodge
Chester bed and breakfasts
With us you have an exclusive apartment with your own kitchen, bathroom living room and bedroom. It’s just like a hotel only better.
Our lets start at 3 nights and can be long term if necessary, if you are seeking long term rental or even buying consider our relocation company:
All bills are included with Wi-Fi and television at no extra charge and all our properties have adjacent free parking.
We are a national property company with a reputation to keep up, we have been around in the property market for over 20 years we are part of the www.uk-to-let.co.uk group
Web Site Changes - Update #1
Welcome to the Blog for our website. We are adding lots of exciting new developments to holidayrental-properties.co.uk over the next few months. We hope you're enjoying and finding useful the increased amount of information about the regions you could rent or let a property from us in.
We're working hard to add more information to help you make an informed choice on your destination. We are adding new properties to our website all the time in both flavours of short term lettings and long term lettings. If you don't find a property that suits you please do give us a call on 0844 5763 236 or use our contact us form to get in touch and we'll try our best to help.
Go Karting Event
We have a great team here at holidayrental-properties.co.uk and we often have staff events that allow us to bond together further. Heres a picture of a recent event in April 2010. A fantastic day was had by all.
Our managing director STEVE POVALL is pictured in the centre bottom row
