realtorlife

UK News

Getting your house in order: the UK’s Register of Overseas Entities and why you should care

New UK legislation requiring overseas entities holding UK property to obtain a certificate of registration from a new central register from August 1st, 2022, has been approved by Parliament. Overseas entities will be able to gain a certificate of registration for free. However, failure to comply with the requirements will trigger severe penalties of up to two years in jail or unlimited fines. Whilst this is already in force, further real estate provisions relating to restrictions on dealing with UK property are due to be released on September 5th, 2022. What prompted the introduction of this legislation? The new rules

Read More »
News

When does the stamp duty holiday end? See how it works for second homes and buy-to-let properties

Second-home buyers and buy-to-let investors will potentially save thousands of pounds due to the stamp duty holiday. All property buyers benefit from the tax break announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak in the summer of 2020, which was recently extended and tapered until September 2021. This means that those buying additional properties, such as a second home or as an investment, only pay the tax at a rate of three percentage points on the first £500,000 of a property’s price. Outside the holiday, these buyers would pay this surcharge on the first £125,000, after that they were charged 5pc on the

Read More »
Finance

Britain’s booming property market sees 13 buyers for every home sold

Agreed sales last month were up 57% compared to April 2019 Many estate agents are now immediately asking prospective buyers for their ‘best and final offer’ to prevent gazumping Experts said the industry is working around the clock and buyers are resorting to extreme measures to secure a home The surge in demand is largely due to ultra-low interest rates and stamp duty relief for homes under £500,000 Britain’s booming property market is producing record sales figures, with an average of 13 buyers for every home listed. Agreed sales last month were up 57% compared to April 2019, with many

Read More »
News

Insight into the Surging Buyer Demand and Rising House Prices in the UK Property Market

In recent times, the UK property market has witnessed a remarkable surge in buyer demand, driving average house prices to their highest levels since 2007. Let’s delve into the dynamics shaping this unprecedented phenomenon. Rapid Surge in Buyer Demand: Buyer demand across Great Britain has surged by an impressive 52% in April 2021 compared to April 2019, mirroring a similar trend in London with a notable increase of 48%. This surge in demand is indicative of a strong rebound in the property market, signifying renewed confidence among buyers despite uncertainties brought about by the pandemic. Impressive Growth in House Prices:

Read More »
News

Exciting developments buoy London’s property market

The extension of the temporary tax break has reinvigorated the UK housing market. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) recorded a jump in UK homebuyers–the highest since September. Although the latest House Price Index reflected a dip in March, property analysts attribute the slowdown to the original 31 March deadline of the stamp duty holiday. Fortunately, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has since extended the tax break until 30 June and activity indicators have since reflected a rebound. Lockdown-weary Brits are taking this opportunity to find bigger, greener spaces for a better quality of life. As a result, demand is exceeding supply

Read More »
News

Slowdown in UK house prices likely a ‘short lull’

Annual price growth slowed to 5.7% in March compared to 6.9% in February in what analysts partly attribute to the original due date of the stamp duty holiday which since been extended Earlier this year, there were reports that the UK housing market had lost its momentum. In March, it was confirmed by official figures that showed, for the first time in nine months, the housing prices had fallen in January. As indicated by the latest House Price Index by Nationwide, in the UK, the annual house price growth was 6.9% in February and had slowed down to 5.7% in

Read More »
News

Prime Central London property braces for a comeback

Real estate experts foresee a resurgence in Prime Central London (PCL) properties this year, driven by a surge in residential property demand ahead of impending changes to the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). The current stamp duty holiday, offering tax savings of up to £15,000, concludes on March 31, coinciding with the introduction of a 2 per cent SDLT foreign buyer surcharge on April 1. During this brief window, both domestic and foreign investors have an opportunity to capitalize on the favourable tax environment, leading to expectations of sustained momentum in the real estate market until the new tax incentives

Read More »
News

Cooling measures likely as Singapore house prices continue to rise

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), on 1 April, had released the data on rates of private homes in Singapore. It highlighted that the prices increased by 2.9% in the first quarter of 2021 when compared to Q4 of 2020. Before the real estate curbs were laid in July 2018, the property prices increased by 3.4% in the second quarter of that year. This year’s rise is said to be the sharpest quarterly surge since then. This estimate has been compiled by analysts based on the stamp duty payment transaction prices given in contracts. It also factors the data obtained from

Read More »
News

Highgate, East Sheen, and Belvedere top choices for UK homebuyers

The desire for greener spaces has ignited a significant uptick in home purchases within leafy neighborhoods. Highgate stands out as the top choice, experiencing a remarkable 97% surge in popularity compared to the previous year, as reported by Rightmove. Additionally, both East Sheen and Belvedere have secured positions among the top five preferences for first-time buyers, families, and buy-to-let investors alike. Apart from these coveted locales, Ealing in London Zone 3 and Preston in Lancashire have garnered notable attention from prospective homebuyers. Residing in London Zone 3 offers close proximity to the city’s major attractions while providing a greener environment

Read More »
News

What office spaces will look like post-pandemic

Analysts predict prevailing patterns in work and shopping to continue, though rumblings of the “death of the office” likely overstated Results of the recent quarterly commercial property survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) show a shift in demand towards industrial space and away from traditional office spaces and retail. This trend is buoyed by a boom in online shopping accelerated by the pandemic. Although the British government is ramping up the COVID-19 vaccination programme, restrictions are expected to stay put for the coming months. This means the prevailing patterns in work and shopping will likely remain for

Read More »