Two is better than one

This move is in recognition of changes that are taking place in the industry and positions the National Federation for Residential Landlords as a newly formed membership-based organisation servicing more than 9,000 landlords across the UK. Increased resources will enable a dedicated level of professional support to members and more focus to build on the national work programme.

The future of the NFRL is set to grow from strength to strength, and become the leading voice for landlords and for giving landlords all the tools for success.

If you are interested in joining the NFRL and would like more information on becoming a member please call our membership advisor at 01273 423295/0845 4569313 or visit our website at www.nfrl.co.uk.

NEWS ON THE BLOCK MAGAZINE

Sneak preview of the March issue

The March issue of News on the Block magazine is being prepared as we write. It includes topics on the environment, how to manage mixed-use developments, a new Legal Tool Kit section that focuses on Section 20 this month, an insight into property management training qualifications, features by Mira Bar-Hillel and Jane Barry, leading national property journalists, and much more.

Subscribe today and never miss an issue, plus receive all the benefits of on-the-spot information relating to leaseholders and flat owners.

Visit www.newsontheblock.com and simply ‘click’ subscribe or call our subscription hotline 08700 600 663 with your credit card/debit card to hand. Subscribe today and also receive one month’s access to www.newsontheblock.com. Total cost just £30.

(Remember, if you are a company you can claim this cost as a business expense.)

COMMENT & OPINION

Demand for rented homes remains strong

The third increase in interest rates in five months is expected to cause the housing market to slow, but will not cause buy-to-let landlords to flee from the market. Tenant demand remains strong, and is likely to get stronger while people delay making a house purchase.

Latest research by Paragon shows that rental yields achieved by residential investors have remained steady at 6% for the past eight months.

Nigel Terrington, chief executive of Paragon says: “The rental yield of 6% is derived from current valuations, whereas the funding cost is based on the original loan size and therefore does not take into account house price inflation. With the average gearing for a residential landlord being less than 40%, landlords are well equipped to absorb this latest increase, and the expected future interest rate rises.”

According to Paragon’s research, 32% of landlords say that tenant demand is growing or surging. Terrington concludes: “Some may speculate that rising interest rates will cause investors to take fright and offload their property holdings, but past experience and recent anecdotal evidence from landlords suggest otherwise. ARLA’s latest landlord research indicates that only 2.1% of landlords would sell if house prices fall and, indeed, that six out of 10 landlords plan to buy more properties over the next year.”

AND FINALLY…

Government Carbon Challenge should not ignore existing homes

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) welcomes community secretary Ruth Kelly’s drive to raise the environmental standards of new build homes with the Carbon Challenge, but warned the major challenge facing us is carbon emissions from existing housing stock.

Sarah Webb, CIH deputy chief executive, said: “We are pleased to see that the environmental sustainability of new homes is so high on the political agenda, but we must not forget the problem of existing housing, two thirds of which will still be in use in 2050. We would urge Government to introduce similar environmental initiatives for existing homes.”

See the March issue of News on the Block magazine for a detailed analysis of the latest environmental developments.

DISCLAIMER/LEGAL etc.