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Over the last few days there has been more comment about negative base rates in the UK and how these might impact mortgage interest rates. Surely, we must be at or near the bottom of the mortgage interest cycle? Even taking into account reduced borrowing costs, mortgage companies still have...

Over the coming weeks and months there should be some extremely attractive properties up for sale across all areas of the UK. Many of the better prices will be found for those with "cash on the hip" and able to pay immediately. This prompts the question, is it time to build up a fighting fund of...

There is certainly renewed demand for holiday lets in the UK as investors look to switch from the "difficult" private rental market. However, which areas of the country offer the best value/potential for those looking at holiday let's? This is a very interesting article:-...

Forecasting the short-term direction of the UK property market is difficult, let alone looking medium to longer term. So far the UK property market has astounded many critics who (again) have been predicting a collapse in prices. We seem to remember the same critics forecasting the collapse...

There seems to be far too much of a gap between what the EU want and what the UK want in Brexit negotiations. As a consequence, this issue could drag on for many months if not years to come. We have already seen some weakness in sterling, with the UK government threatening to break an...

So, there was a poll at the weekend which suggested that support for independence is growing in Scotland. What kind of impact do you think this would have on Scottish property prices? Would a financial divorce from the UK have a big impact on Scottish government spending? What about government...

While there are rumours that UK base rates could move into negative territory in the short-term, is it really worth holding off on a remortgage? Firstly, while the trend for mortgage interest rates will soften as UK base rates fall further, more in reality there is not much further to go for...

I saw some recent posts regarding holiday lets in Scotland and the challenges the industry is facing. What does everybody think about staycation holidays growing in popularity in the UK as a consequence of the virus? Or will we simply fall back into our old ways?

There was more panic on the UK high street this morning with the announcement that Bournemouth-based Beales department store has gone into administration. This is yet another body blow for the UK high street even if there are hopes than a trimmed down smaller version of the company could emerge...

As more and more consumers switch to the online arena, we have yet again seen the demise of the UK high street with news that Beales department store has gone into administration. Has the e-commerce revolution ruined the UK high street and demolished the assets of many property companies?

Up and down the UK many people are now turning towards their own businesses with self-employment numbers continuing to rise. There are a number of common difficulties in working from home which has resulted in an increase in small business centres around the country. Surely these must be an...

The idea of using bridging finance is very straightforward, short-term debt to improve a property with the aim that the increase in value will be greater than the cost. Have you ever used bridging finance to develop a property? If so, what was your experience?

While we take it for granted, we just pay stamp duty on shares, property and many other things, why do we pay stamp duty? What is the legitimate reason behind charging stamp duty? Have you ever thought about it?

There is ongoing concern that the Union may be on the verge of breaking up with England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland potentially going their separate ways. If this was to happen, which countries look most attractive on an independent basis?

It seems obvious that the UK government would prefer large conglomerates to run the UK private rental industry. However, if this was to happen then large conglomerates will eventually have a significant influence on the government and future policies – due to their growing size and stature...

There is no doubt that 2018 has been a very eventful year for worldwide real estate markets (to say the least!). How did you perform in 2018? What are your hopes for 2019?

Since the Brexit referendum in 2016 the North-South house price divide has reduced significantly. A recent report by Savills suggests that this trend is set to continue. In light of a favourable Brexit deal, will it be reversed again...

As recent tax changes continue to bite into buy to let investment returns, is it time to move further down investment ladder increasing potential returns and also risk? https://www.propertyforum.com/property-investment-strategies/ramping-up-the-property-investment-risk-reward-ratio.html

It looks as though the UK government is going to cut business rates in tomorrows budget:- https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/oct/26/budget-to-offer-business-rates-relief-for-small-shops Too little too late?

The Labour Party has floated the idea of doubling council taxes for second home properties and using funds raised to distribute to good causes across the country. How would this impact those property markets with a large number of second home investors? Would it have an impact upon local...