Japanese Knotweed identification guide published
Specialist Japanese Knotweed removal firm, Environet, have provided a guide to help identify Japanese Knotweed. Japanese Knotweed is an intrusive weed spreading that is spreading rapidly through the UK. Earlier this year the Property Care Association (PCA) in conjunction with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyers (RICS) launched a best practice framework for dealing with […]
myhomemove staff expansion plans
The UK’s largest conveyancing company myhomemove, held its first ever recruitment open evening on 15th May 2013. The organisation has set out ambitious plans to treble in size over the next three years. They currently employ over 400 staff. 105 people from across the East Midlands attended the event. Doug Crawford, Chief Executive of myhomemove, […]
Remortagers attracted to good rates
The latest research from LMS has shown that 66% of those remortgaging in April were doing so to take advantage of lower rates. The company surveyed those choosing to remortgage in April and found that 42% did so to lower their monthly payment. 21% increased the size of their loan. Andy Knee, Chief Executive of […]
New Homes market keeps growing
The latest New Homes Index has revealed the average price for a new home in April 2013 was £236,122. This was a 1.9% increase over the month and a 4.1% annual change. Steven Lees, Director of SmartNewHomes, said: “It has been a very positive spring for developers. The launch of the Help-to-Buy scheme this month […]
Law Society Regulatory Performance Survey results
The Law Society has released the most recent survey results on solicitors’ experiences of regulation. The survey showed that businesses are still struggling with the changing regulatory landscape, with many believing that the current regulatory regime place too greater burden on firms. Firms did however see the SRA’s enforcement under outcomes-focused regulation (OFR) as an […]
New Head of Operations at PLS Solicitors
Commercial and residential property law firm PLS Solicitors have announced the appointment of Tricia Lonorgan as their Head of Operations. Ms Lonorgan was previously Operations Director at Barnett Solicitors. The appointment is part of the plans firms to continue to expand. They have recently moved to larger premises and plan to move again later this […]
Flood Insurance agreement extended for month
Members of the Association of British Insurers (ABI) have agreed to extend the flood insurance statement of principles for one month after it expires on 30 June 2013. Both the government and ABI have said they want flood insurance to remain widely available and affordable in the future. The ABI say they will need some support […]
Property demand at new high
According to the latest RICS Residential Market Survey demand for property in April reached its highest level in the last three years. The increase was attributed to the governments Help to Buy scheme. More than 25% more chartered surveyors reported demand for property increasing rather than falling. Supply increased only modestly leaving not enough housing […]
SRA popularity falls
A Law Society survey has found that solicitors are less likely to speak positively of the Solicitors Regulation Authority than they were a year ago. It was not all bad news with poor results also decreasing to the lowest level since the survey started in 2009. Firms were less likely to give good ratings for […]
Could Stamp Duty revenue fund new housing?
According to housing association Network Housing Group the revenue from Stamp Duty could lead to a 91% increase in affordable housing. A London Finance Commission report recommends wide reaching changes to taxation and spending, including control over business rates, stamp duty and other taxes to be passed to the Mayor. Annual Stamp Duty generates approximately […]
Scottish house prices rise for third month in row
According to the latest figures from LSL Property Services Scottish house prices climbed £1,082 in March. Prices have now increased by £3,776 in 2013 taking the average price to £144,615. Richard Sexton, director of e.surv chartered surveyors, part of LSL Property Services, said: “Although the Scottish housing market has had to battle with a lack […]
Co-operative strive to maintain customer confidence
The Co-operative Bank is trying to reassure its customers that it will not need a multimillion-pound taxpayer bailout following the departure of their Chief Executive and Moody’s downgrades of their debt status. Several weeks ago we reported on the banks decision to pull out of a deal to buy 632 branches from Lloyds Banking Group. […]