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With only days to go until the General Election, campaigning is now in full swing. But if you’re still unsure who to vote for, we have picked out the pledges and promises each of the main parties in England have made about housing in their manifestoes. Don't forget to vote on July 4th!
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Renting and buying are both expensive business, and both come with pros and cons. What is the right decision for you may depend on your long-term goals, and it’s important to know what you need from your home before making a final decision.
Renting used to be seen as the more affordable option, however depending on what the markets are doing, both in sales and lettings, this may not always be the case anymore. Letting a property, is often viewed as a waste of money, and gets this stigma because you’re spending a lot of money that won’t actually lead to ownership. However, there are a lot of perks to renting a home rather than buying. Owning a home is a big responsibility and can end up being VERY expensive is you’re not careful.
There may be some people who are not currently in a position to buy but are debating whether to start saving for a deposit or whether that money could be put to better use elsewhere. Your decision will depend on a large number of factors, but generally considering finances, responsibility for maintenance, flexibility and security, will be a good place to start. The choice on whether to rent or buy is a relative one, however we will explore the things you need to assess to hopefully make this important choice just a little bit easier.
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Although it feels like we first heard the phrase ‘Renters Reform Bill' eons ago, it finally returned to the House of Commons for its Report Stage and Third Reading at the end of April. After a huge number of proposed amendments from all parties and a long debate, it was voted on by MPs, and it will now move up to the House of Lords for further scrutiny. The Bill sets out the Governments plans to reform the private rented sector (PRS) in England, with the White Paper first being introduced 3 years ago. Many of the Bill’s original measures continue to be included in the amended version that now goes to the House of Lords, however there have also been some controversial amendments, that have, or haven’t, been included. Let’s have a look at those now.
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The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is an assessment used to identify hazards that may affect a property's fitness for human habitation. Originally Introduced under the Housing Act 2004, and later incorporated into the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, the risk-based evaluation tool can be used in all residential properties, to identify any potential risks or hazards that could affect a household’s health. Most often it is used by councils/local authorities to inspect privately rented properties to ensure the conditions of the property are safe for tenants. But how does the HHSRS work?
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The Great British weather is not something that many people are particularly fond of, and so far, 2024 has had its fair share of storms. Whether it’s blowing a gale, or raining cats and dogs outside, this adverse weather increases the risk of damage to your property. However, there are some easy steps you can take to safeguard your home once the skies open and the weather hits, so, follow our preventative tips and come hail or high water you can keep yourself, your loved ones and your home safe.
