Scotland

Scottish Government Seeks Public Input on Energy Performance Certificate Reform
Home Mortgage, home owners, London, Mortgage Broker, Scotland

Scottish Government Seeks Public Input on Energy Performance Certificate Reform

s The Scottish Government is seeking public input on proposed reforms to the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) system. The EPC system is used to assess the energy efficiency of buildings and provide recommendations for improvement. The proposed reforms aim to make the system more effective and efficient, while also providing better information to consumers. The Scottish Government is proposing a number of changes to the EPC system, including: introducing a new rating system, making the certificates easier to understand, and introducing more detailed information about energy efficiency measures. The proposed reforms also include the introduction of a new online platform for consumers to access and compare energy efficiency ratings for different buildings. The Scottish Government is invit...
Equity Release Gifting Could Reduce Mortgage Terms by Over 8 Years for First-Time Buyers
Home Mortgage, home owners, London, Mortgage Broker, Scotland

Equity Release Gifting Could Reduce Mortgage Terms by Over 8 Years for First-Time Buyers

First-time home buyers are often faced with a difficult decision when it comes to financing their purchase. With rising house prices and the cost of living increasing, many are unable to save enough for a large deposit. Equity release gifting could be the answer to reducing mortgage terms by over 8 years for first-time buyers. Equity release gifting is a way for parents or other family members to help first-time buyers with their mortgage. It involves the family member gifting a lump sum of money to the buyer, which can be used as a deposit or to reduce the mortgage term. This can reduce the length of the mortgage by up to 8 years, meaning that the buyer will pay less interest over the course of the loan. There are several advantages to equity release gifting. Firstly, it can help first-ti...
Walker Fraser Steele Reports 10-Year Low in House Prices in Scotland
Home Mortgage, Mortgage Broker, Mortgage Lenders, NEWS ARCHIVES, private rented sector, Scotland

Walker Fraser Steele Reports 10-Year Low in House Prices in Scotland

The housing market in Scotland has seen a significant decrease in house prices over the past 10 years, according to the Walker Fraser Steele reports. The reports, which are compiled by the leading property consultancy in Scotland, show that house prices have dropped by an average of 8.6% since 2010. This is the lowest level of house prices in Scotland in the past decade.The reports show that the average house price in Scotland is now £164,000, down from £179,000 in 2010. This is a decrease of 8.6%, which is the lowest level since the Walker Fraser Steele reports began tracking house prices in Scotland in 2000.The decrease in house prices is due to a number of factors, including an increase in the number of properties on the market and a decrease in demand. The number of properties availabl...
Agency Criticizes Government’s Attempt to Seize Property for Financial Gain
Home Mortgage, Mortgage Broker, Mortgage Lenders, NEWS ARCHIVES, private rented sector, Scotland

Agency Criticizes Government’s Attempt to Seize Property for Financial Gain

Recently, a government agency has come under fire for attempting to seize property from citizens for financial gain. This move has been widely criticized by watchdog groups and other organizations for its unethical implications. The agency in question is the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS has proposed a new rule that would allow them to seize the property of citizens who owe back taxes. This would include seizing homes, cars, and other assets. The IRS claims that this move would help them collect unpaid taxes, but watchdog groups have argued that it is an abuse of power and a violation of citizens' rights. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has been one of the most vocal critics of the IRS's proposed rule. They argue that the rule is unconstitutional and violates citizens' ...
Scottish Landlords Challenge Three Percent Cap on Rent Increases Through Judicial Review
Home Mortgage, home owners, London, Mortgage Broker, private landlords, Scotland

Scottish Landlords Challenge Three Percent Cap on Rent Increases Through Judicial Review

In recent news, Scottish landlords have launched a judicial review against the Scottish government’s three percent cap on rent increases. This cap was introduced in December 2017 as part of the Private Residential Tenancy Act and was designed to protect tenants from excessive rent increases. However, landlords argue that the cap is unfair and could lead to financial hardship for them. The judicial review has been brought by the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) and is being funded by a crowdfunding campaign. The aim of the review is to challenge the legality of the three percent cap on rent increases. The SAL argues that the cap is an arbitrary figure and that it does not take into account the individual circumstances of landlords or tenants. The SAL also argues that the cap could le...
Scottish Government Allows Rent Increases of Up to 6% After Lifting Rent Freeze
Goodlord, Home Mortgage, Mortgage Broker, Mortgage Lenders, NEWS ARCHIVES, private landlords, private rented sector, Scotland

Scottish Government Allows Rent Increases of Up to 6% After Lifting Rent Freeze

The Scottish Government recently announced that it will be lifting its rent freeze, allowing landlords to increase rents by up to 6%. This decision has been met with both criticism and support from various groups. The rent freeze was first introduced in 2017 as a way to protect tenants from excessive rent increases. The Scottish Government has now decided to lift the rent freeze and allow landlords to increase rents by up to 6%. This decision has been met with criticism from tenant groups who argue that the increase is too high and will put additional financial strain on tenants. They argue that the increase should be limited to 3% or less. On the other hand, landlords have welcomed the decision as they argue that the rent freeze has been detrimental to their businesses. They argue that th...
“Tenant-Focused Energy Efficiency Guide Released for Rented Properties”
Home Mortgage, Mortgage Broker, Mortgage Lenders, NEWS ARCHIVES, private rented sector, Scotland

“Tenant-Focused Energy Efficiency Guide Released for Rented Properties”

A new energy efficiency guide has been released to help tenants of rented properties save money on their energy bills. The guide, created by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), provides tenants with advice on how to reduce their energy consumption and save money on their energy bills. The guide is designed to help tenants understand the basics of energy efficiency and how to reduce their energy consumption in rented properties. It covers topics such as energy efficiency ratings, insulation, heating systems, lighting and appliances. It also provides tips on how tenants can save money on their energy bills and make their rented property more energy efficient. The guide is part of DECC's commitment to helping tenants save money on their energy bills. The department has also la...
Shropshire Housebuilder to Construct Second Phase of 269 New Homes at Historic Site
Home Mortgage, Mortgage Broker, Mortgage Lenders, NEWS ARCHIVES, private rented sector, Scotland

Shropshire Housebuilder to Construct Second Phase of 269 New Homes at Historic Site

Shropshire-based housebuilder, Taylor Wimpey, has announced plans to construct the second phase of a 269-home development on a historic site in the county. The development, located in the village of Wem, will be built on the former site of the Wem Paper Mill, which has been derelict since its closure in the early 2000s. The new homes will include a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom properties, with a range of styles and designs to suit different needs and budgets. The development will also include a new public open space, as well as a children’s play area and a community garden. Taylor Wimpey has worked closely with Shropshire Council to ensure that the development is sympathetic to the local environment and heritage. The company has taken steps to preserve the historic features of ...
How Will the New Year Impact Property Managers?
Home Mortgage, Mortgage Broker, Mortgage Lenders, NEWS ARCHIVES, private rented sector, Scotland

How Will the New Year Impact Property Managers?

As we enter into the new year, property managers are preparing for the potential impacts that the changing economic climate may have on their businesses. With the pandemic continuing to affect the economy, many property managers are wondering how the new year will impact their operations. One of the most significant changes that property managers may face in 2021 is an increase in rental demand. As the pandemic continues to disrupt the job market, more people are turning to rental properties as a more affordable housing option. This could result in a surge of new tenants for property managers to manage and could require them to hire additional staff to handle the increased workload. Property managers may also need to be prepared for a decrease in rental prices. With more people turning to ...
3 Strategies for Managing Mortgage Payments When Struggling Financially
Home Mortgage, Mortgage Broker, Mortgage Lenders, NEWS ARCHIVES, private rented sector, Scotland

3 Strategies for Managing Mortgage Payments When Struggling Financially

Managing mortgage payments can be a daunting task, especially when you are struggling financially. With the current economic climate, many people are finding it difficult to make ends meet and are unable to keep up with their mortgage payments. Fortunately, there are several strategies that can help you manage your mortgage payments and keep your finances in check. 1. Refinance Your Mortgage: Refinancing your mortgage can be a great way to lower your monthly payments and make them more manageable. By refinancing, you can get a lower interest rate or extend the term of your loan, which can make your payments more affordable. Additionally, you may be able to get a cash-out refinance, which allows you to use some of the equity in your home to pay off other debts or expenses. 2. Seek Assistanc...