Search Acumen Comments On ONS Construction Figures
Today’s construction figures show the value of construction new work in Great Britain continued to rise in 2018, reaching its highest level on record at £113,127 million; this was driven by growth in public sector work of £2,697 million and to a lesser extent growth in the private sector of £750 million. Moreover, the number […]
Right To Shared Ownership Shake Up Confirmed By MHCLG
Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick, has confirmed the implementation of a number of measures designed to help lower income households gain a foothold onto the property ladder. The Government had pledged to reform the shared ownership model in August, allowing for buyers to step up in 1% increments as opposed to the current model which restricts […]
Government Green Light Reservation Agreement Trial
The Government are ready to launch the second stage of their research into reservation agreements by implementing a trial over the next several months. The idea of creating policies to reduce gazumping and gazundering by establishing a financial bind during the pre-completion stages of the buying and selling process has been something the Ministry of Housing, Communities […]
Guidance on VAT Disbursements
The Law Society has issued guidance around VAT treatment of disbursements and expenses following on from a decision made of the First-tier Tax Tribunal in Brabners LLP v The Commissioners for her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) (2017 UKFTT 0666) . Brabners LLP were treating the cost of property searches as disbursements and as a result were not […]
CoPSO Frustrated By HM Land Registry Project
The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) feel frustrated by the speed and reduced uptake in the adoption of HM Land Registry’s (HMLR) digital Local Land Charges centralization project. CoPSO claimed the organisation is ‘entirely supportive’ of HMLR’s attempts to digitize local land charges but feel the pace of migration and lack of popularity amongst local authorities needs to improve. […]
Technology Drives Modern Buyer Property Preferences
Technology is driving change in consumer behaviour when buying property with internet quality superseding structural considerations like the quality of insulation and the condition of floors and walls. According to a market research survey of over 2,000 homeowners and privately rented tenants, conducted by Hyperoptic, has compiled a detailed list of the things a modern […]
Over 50s Opt To Downsize Over Releasing Equity
Despite the rise of equity release as a viable option in becoming financially secure in older age, downsizing is still a lot more popular amongst people aged over 50. Over a third of over 50s are considering downsizing in the future according to a report by Equity Release Supermarket. This may be welcome news to […]