The Clapham Property Blog

Well if there is one bit of good news that came out of this Covid-19 Pandemic it's the sheer amount of help displayed from the government to assist those in need. We all know by now the extent of the grants and breaks for most of those in the economy, now the housing market needs a push. Estate agents are rejoicing in easy sales now as with the axe of stamp duty up to £500,000 it certainly means a considerable cash discount on purchasing a (next) home. Imagine not having to fork out with the £15,000 required on a £500,000 purchase price certainly makes a considerable difference!  And for investors? Sadly the 3% surcharge still remains... However there's still savings to be had of course, on £500,000 we are also saving that £15,000, so still less money to park in the "deal" upfront. This can only be a good thing. Forever? Well the key question is of course, how long will this last? At the moment details such as that remain unclear, so should we all rush to buy now? We

Another day, another law passed. I'm referring to the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020’ Basically just like a gas safety certificate it's the requirement of a certificate, this time to ascertain the electrics are safe.  Now I don't know about you, but I get the heebiejeebies when a new law like this has been passed. I mean, when was the last time you got electrocuted in your own place? Right, never I'd imagine. I'd wager that most, responsible, landlords like yourselves and me would never dream of letting a place with extension cords dangling over a fish tank. You know, the kind you see on Rogue Landlords on TV and the like... The government however thinks that this happens all the time. Well, it does happen enough to warrant a TV Series, but still, more red tape me thinks. Electrics are perfectly safe aren't they?? If sparks aren't flying then it's all good, right? The Flip side Maybe not... think about