Oxford Property

Oxford Market Report

David Blythman Managing Director Scott Fraser (Estate Agents) Limited www.scottfraser.co.uk 17 March

It is very difficult to argue against the almost daily headlines of market difficulties which the media is driving hard. However, Oxford is best placed to out perform most of the UK because its housing market is so strongly linked to demand created by its universities with their 30,000 students and associated businesses. Still we should expect no better than 5% capital growth this year. Conversely the lettings market will remain buoyant and rents are likely to increase. To read more about Scott Frasier

Readers Comment

neonf2 // March 18, 2008 at 6:01 pm openweb@idealpresentations.com

It is very difficult for first time buyers such as myself no matter where you live, even as we do near Cardiff University. I have to admit however it is better since house prices started to go down a little, but still not what one might call cheap. I think its better to see an independent financial advisor rather than go to the bank since they can give impartial advice. Searching sites online such as http://www.mortgages2suitu.co.uk can also provide great results, and if not a better deal than your IFA, at least give you some idea of what to expect.

World Property Predictions for 2008

Emma Holifield Property Frontiers 20 December 2008

With the New Year already upon us, Property Frontiers’ Research Team has compiled this brief overview of 2008’s most interesting investment opportunities. We have also highlighted those markets which have come off the boil.

Following the American sub-prime crisis and the subsequent credit crunch, the question as to which markets are likely to perform best this year, and to what degree, carries particular weight.

Although the US market has largely gone into reverse and the UK market has slowed, many other markets remain buoyant. It is likely that the main victims will be the highly developed Western markets which have seen long periods of strong growth fuelled by cheap and easy lending. In an interesting turn of fortune, it is the emerging market economies that have come to stand as the global economy’s pillar of stability. Large currency reserves have protected these economies from the US slowdown whilst surging internal demand has seen impressive economic growth rates continue. The stable growth in emerging markets continues to be reflected in their property markets. Many parts of Asia and South America still seem cheap and are yet to experience the long property boom that the developed world has seen over the last 10 years.

To read more Property Predictions 2008

LET CONNELLS MOVE YOUR HIPS

On 10th September it became a legal requirement that all properties with three or more bedrooms, which were coming onto the market for the first time, had to have a Home Information Pack (HIP). This requirement is expected to be rolled out to smaller properties in the next month or so.

A GUIDE TO BUYING IN MALAYSIA

Malaysia occupies one of the most picturesque corners of the world and offers a cultural, geographic and topographical vibrancy that few other countries can match. Home to a kaleidoscope of cultures Malaysia is one of the most popular expatriate regions in the world with seven out of every hundred residents in the capital city originating from abroad. Famous for its palm fringed white beaches, gentle seas and lush rainforests, the country is also home to flourishing financial and high tech industries. Indeed Malaysia effortlessly marries colonial charm with a vibrant engulfing modernity providing eclecticism that appeals to a range of tastes.

Barker Report

Housing has always been a bit of a political football, and the recent Kate Barker Review of Housing Supply 2004 has brought it back into the spotlight. Its proposals for a significant stepping up in housing production have angered many in the rural propertied classes as represented by such groups led by Prince Charles and the CPRE (Campaign for the Preservation of Real Estate Values), since the Review strengthens the case for more development. In fact, they deny there is a housing shortage as outlined in Kate Barker’s Review; rather they argue that the real problem is making efficient and effective usage of current stocks and there are many who would appear to argue that, if there is a problem they would rather the homeless remained on the streets, than sacrifice the usage of an empty piece of land to provide decent housing for such groups.

Inheritance Tax Troubles

Gordon Brown was obviously scared when the Conservative party promised that if it wins an election, it will raise the threshold of inheritance tax (IHT) to one million pounds. Immediately, the PM retaliated by offering to raise the threshold himself, at least for married couples. Odd for a Labour government to reduce inheritance tax – once the mainstay of their agenda, which is supposedly the abolition of social class? Old Labour emitted an audible howl when the Thatcher government, tardily and grudgingly, reduced the rates of IHT in the 1990s. Mr Brown justifies his new stance by saying it makes the system fairer for married couples. Why favour the children of divorced or unmarried couples? Everybody seemed to agree that it was a smart move to gain popularity.

The Taxing Question of Overseas Property

With a strong pound and booming economy, it looks like many more of us are joining the likes of Cliff Richard and are buying a place in the sun. It appears, we ‘…British have beaten the Germans when it comes to throwing our metaphorical towels over foreign rooftops,’ says John Barnes, of Newfound Property International. But what a lot of Britons seem to forget, is that just because they are away from home, does not mean, that the taxman has forgotten them. It just means it won’t probably be British taxman you will be paying, but a foreign tax official.

A BUY TO LET CHECKLIST

What you need to do to ensure that you make the most of your buy to let property investment.

Property Development Guide

Suggestions for adding value to your home or property