WHAT LANDLORDS IN
TUNBRIDGE WELLS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STAMP DUTY AND THE GREEN HOMES GRANT
In this three-minute read, we look at what the Stamp
Duty holiday and a new grant scheme for green home improvements mean for
landlords.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak made two big announcements
about the property market last week and triggered a flurry of activity.
Both initiatives represent attractive propositions
for savvy landlords. But, as always, it pays to do your homework first.
Stamp Duty holiday
The Chancellor’s headline-grabbing announcement was
a Stamp Duty holiday. He raised the threshold to £500,000, a move that means a
potential Stamp Duty saving of up to £15,000, depending on the price of the
property.
But all holidays must come to an end, and this one
runs out at the end of March 2021. So, buyers will have to move relatively
quickly, given the time it takes to complete on transactions. As they say, you
snooze, you lose.
What it means for
landlords
For buy-to-let investors who wish to expand their
portfolio, this is a significant opportunity even though the current 3%
surcharge that applies to second homeowners still stands.
But - and sorry to state the obvious here - it only
represents a saving if you buy at the right price. Landlords also need to weigh
up the state of the lettings market to gauge their rental returns.
While most rental markets are holding firm, given
how much has happened in recent months, it’s worth getting expert advice first.
Talk to us about where the TUNBRIDGE WELLS rental market is heading
before you make any big decisions.
Green Homes Grant
The second big announcement was the Green Homes
Grant scheme which aims to encourage property owners to make their homes more
sustainable.
Full details on the scheme are still to come but, in
essence, landlords can get a grant that covers two-thirds of the cost of energy
efficiency improvements up to the value of £5,000. The scheme covers
insulation, eco-friendly boilers, double glazing, draught-proofing, solar panels,
and heat pumps.
To be eligible landlords will need to make an online
application (the government promises the website will be up and running from
September). Local suppliers will then quote on the work, and if the government
approves the submission, it will issue a voucher.
So, if you’ve been thinking about replacing the
rattling single-glazed windows at your property, or installing solar panels,
now is an excellent time to take the plunge (once you’ve received the nod from
the government, of course).
Providing the work is carried out to a high
standard, this will be a good move for the environment and your pocket.
It’s also an opportunity to make a property more
appealing to tenants (who doesn’t want to live in a home with low running
costs?).
And should you wish to sell further down the line,
it makes the property more marketable.
For advice about how best to make your property
energy efficient, speak to us.
We’re used to advising clients about energy
efficiency standards and can provide feedback about the most effective green
measures.
For up-to-date analysis of the lettings market or
advice about making a property more energy-efficient, contact us here at Martin
& CO.
We’re here to help landlords realise the full
potential of their investments.
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