Surprisingly Useful Blog...

Are you obliged to pay tax when you sell your house or other property?

“It depends.”

We are about to shed light on this matter. Below you will find out if any taxes apply to you, and if so, how to lower your tax bill.

If the property you sell is in the...

After Boris made the announcement of the stamp duty holiday we've noticed a surge in interest so we thought we'd make it easy for you and compile a list of our top properties where you could pay absolutely no stamp duty* . We've focused our attention...

Whether you’re a veteran renter or a complete newbie, finding a new place to hang your hat can seem daunting. With rent and a deposit to pay, your bank balance might feel unusually stretched come moving time. But there is a way to avoid that sinking ...

It’s a question we hear time and time again from sellers, “What do I have to leave when I sell my house?”

When selling your property, it can be challenging trying to decide what you should and should not leave behind for the new owner. There are no l...

The property market is full of jargon that may be unfamiliar to many buyers and sellers. Here’s a useful glossary to help you understand important buying and selling terms.

• Advance – money provided by a lender to a buyer to secure a property.
• Annual Pe...

With the lockdown extended (for now) and property sales in many parts of the UK on-hold, lots of us have questions. When will conveyancers and agents reopen their offices? When will viewings start again, so surveyors can go back to work and people ca...

The Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown has upended rules and regulations in every aspect of our lives - and letting legislation is no exception. The government has made several temporary changes to the laws and guidance that govern the priv...

When you rent out a property or live in one, you deal with certain requirements.

The law establishes the main responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. However, questions about decoration, change of the general look of the place, or repair star...

Like any legal contract, an assured shorthold tenancy agreement becomes legally binding as soon as all parties – the landlord, tenant and guarantor (if applicable) – sign the document. A legally binding UK tenancy agreement is enforceable through the...

Technology has revolutionised how we live our lives. From home computers to smart appliances, most homes have multiple tech devices. They save us money, time, reduce energy usage, and make modern life a whole lot easier than it was 50 years ago. Smar...

In recent months, the London property market has seen a lot of growth. With the general election results in December 2019 providing more political certainty, the market built up momentum and saw a rise in property prices in what has been coined the “...

Renovating your property, whether you’re a homeowner or landlord, can add value to your property and even boost its appeal for tenants and buyers. It’s important to be aware of what prospective buyers and tenants are looking for and are willing to pa...

The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak, who was appointed only a month ago, delivered the first Budget in over a year on 11th March.

While the coronavirus was the primary theme, with the Chancellor vowing to pump billions into the economy to com...

Don't miss out on your chance to once again attend the Short Stay Show at the ExCel, London. Back by popular demand and doubled in size.

Read on to find out why you should attend and how you can get your hands on free tickets to the show!

Who Attend...

At Portico, we know that renting a property can be as challenging as landing the perfect job. The application process requires perseverance and preparation. 

To ease it, use a renters’ resume which will help you to stand out as a suitable tenant as it...

With Brexit now taking a back seat, private rental prices are rising, and demand is expected to continue to grow as the economy strengthens. Reports are predicting a rise of 10% in rental prices by 2024, with house prices forecast to rise by an avera...

Converting houses into flats is becoming increasingly popular. There’s a high demand for flats in London, and splitting a property into units can maximise both rental income in the short-term, and profit on sale in the long-term.

But where do you star...

You may have previously seen Spicer Hall listed with us for rent, but now this award-winning home is on the market with Portico for you to own almost exactly as you see it - that's right, the owner is leaving items of furniture in the home so it is r...

We are delighted to present not one, but two stunning apartments available to rent within this luxurious modern building just moments from Regents Park and across from the incredible London Zoo. Latitude House sits within Zone Two, just a stone's thr...

Rental yield is one of the most important areas to consider when looking to buy a property and let it out. This calculation helps landlords determine if a property is a good investment. No matter whether you’re a new landlord, an accidental landlord ...

The weather is a little grey and miserable – and for hopeful sellers and landlords, winter’s cold can lead to a corresponding chill in leads. Fortunately, there are some tried and true methods for avoiding void periods, particularly during the winter...

You’ve heard the news: Brexit will soon be a reality. After 11pm on 31 January 2020, the UK will no longer be counted as part of the European Union. But, what does Brexit mean for you? Will mortgage rates go up after Brexit? What about Brexit propert...

There’s some important things landlords should be aware going into 2020, from rent and rental yield forecasts to mortgage rates, licensing and landlord legislation. And while 2020 may still be a challenging one for landlords in some respects, many ar...

Ending your tenancy can be tricky, depending on the end results you desire. But nevertheless, there is a right and a wrong way to leave a property.

The wrong one is to abandon the apartment/house without giving your landlord notice. Needless to say, ...

Another year over. And a new one just begun!

Thinking of buying a home or investing in buy-to-let in 2020? The new year is prime time for home searches, and we are definitely starting to see an uptick in new listings post election. There are also som...

London has long been considered a great place to invest in property.

Vatche Cherchian, Portico’s Regional Director, gives us a thorough and interesting update on the London property market, from revealing what’s really going on with London house prices and transactional volumes, to highlighting up-and-coming property ...

GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS: Boris Johnson’s "get Brexit done" message has resounded with Britons, who have voted him in as the new prime minister of the UK. So, what does this mean for housing and the property market? 

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair r...

JMW Solicitors are a full-service law firm providing legal services and advice for both businesses and individuals. For more than 40 years, they have been fighting to achieve a positive outcome for their clients and train their staff on the importan...

Victorian terraces, apartments, maisonettes: There are a variety of beautiful homes for sale in Clapham.

Situated within easy commuting distance from central London, this neighbourhood offers great shopping, dining, delightful gastropubs and more. Th...

Please ensure you read these terms and conditions carefully as the #AdventOffers are subject to these terms.

HOW TO ENTER: Anyone who registers their details before 6pm 30th December will automatically be sent an email confirmation of the offer shortl...

The Conservatives, the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats have now launched their 2019 election manifestos, which set out the policies the parties aim to introduce should they win the election next month.

Some interesting pledges have come forth: ...

Before Just Landlords began in 2009, they were aware that many of the landlord insurance products available were not including a number of covers as standard without additional costs. In response to this, they decided that it was time for a change in...

The most talked about London Landlord Seminar is back on the 20th November 2019!

This year we are back with Richard Blanco, NLA London Representative, and we will be discussing 'Your Money'. Landlords are the only business to be taxed on their turnove...

Property prices have been relatively stagnant in London for the last couple of years, however, this doesn't mean that property is no longer a safe bet when it comes to investing your money, it just means it is time to start thinking outside of the Lo...

Despite a volatile market and tough tax changes, investing in property is still a good bet. The value of your property is likely to increase in the long term, while in the ‘short-term’ you can achieve a healthy monthly income - provided you invest in...