London Central Portfolio responds to CML figures

Figures reported today by the Council of Mortgage Lenders have shown gross mortgage lending for the UK on the rise overall. Over £220 billion was lent in 2015 –the highest since 2008 and an 8 per cent increase over 2014. However, research conducted by London... View Article

Daniel Watney: Attacking landlords won’t fix private rented sector

The government’s approach towards private landlords risks hurting tenants, a leading London property consultancy is warning, after the government announced an extra £5m towards tackling ‘rogue’ landlords. Julian Goddard, head of residential at Daniel Watney LLP, has warned the government’s... View Article

CML: Gross mortgage lending up 8 per cent in 2015

The Council of Mortgage Lenders estimated that gross mortgage lending reached £19.9 billion in December 2015. This is 3 per cent lower than November (£20.5 billion), but 23 per cent higher than December 2014 (£16.2 billion). The estimated total for the year is thus £220.3... View Article

Council Tax proposals may damage house building, warns FMB​

Charging Council Tax on unbuilt developments could decrease house building numbers by deterring SME house builders, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to proposals made by the Local Government Association today. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the... View Article

Managing water in a wetter world

Michael White, business development director of Alumasc Water Management Solutions, says climate change, increased urbanisation and more extreme weather is causing problems for our built environment. Incorporating high capacity steel rainwater systems into our buildings is an effective and affordable... View Article

Modern and stylish adaptive bathrooms

When it comes to refurbishing housing stock with fully adaptive bathrooms, many landlords, housing associations and local authorities think high-end aesthetics are simply not cost-effective. An evolving market is now challenging that view more than ever. Peter Melia, UK business... View Article

New rules for smoke alarms

New government regulations demanding smoke alarms and, in some instances, carbon monoxide alarms in privately rented homes add to a confusing mix of requirements, leading alarm manufacturer Kidde explains. With occupants at least four times more likely to die in... View Article

Buying into biomass

As a sustainable low-carbon technology, biomass has become an increasingly popular option for housing associations. What’s more, registered landlords who have installed biomass have seen a reduction in fuel bills for their tenants, making it even more attractive – particularly... View Article

Selecting the right flooring for your housing

Designer Contracts MD, Peter Kelsey, offers his expert opinion on how to select the right contractor and the right flooring products for any social or private rented property The nature of social and private rental properties should be researched and... View Article

Landlords and Legionella – complying with the law

In April 2014 the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines for prevention of Legionella were brought into law, requiring every landlord to undertake regular risk assessments for each of their tenanted properties, whether managed by themselves or an agent. Failure... View Article