The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

Reasons to be Cheerful in Perth & Kinross

Reasons to be cheerful

While the Scottish residential housing market continues to be affected by a scarcity of stock, new data released by the online property portals give sellers some reasons to be cheerful.

While buyer demand is down by a third compared to last year’s buoyant market, it’s up 4% on this time in 2019. Plus, there’s been a bigger than usual New Year bounce-back in activity, making a much more encouraging start to the year than many anticipated.

Although average asking prices are still £8,720 lower than their peak in October 2022, after two months of falls, they have increased by 0.9% (+£3,301) this month. This is the biggest increase at this time of year since 2020.

January 5th saw the number of people sending a request to an estate agent to value their home – the third largest on record. In total the first week of 2023 was the busiest for home valuation requests since August 2022.

Carl Warden, Head of Estate Agency at Bell Ingram reports: “These national figures just released mirror the picture I’m seeing across Perth & Kinross. Although the supply of stock remains well below what I would have historically expected to see at this time of year, there’s no shortage of enquiries from potential sellers looking for market appraisals.

“Looking ahead I see no reason for house values to decrease in any significant way, but I think we are unlikely to see the big offers over the asking price that characterised the market in 2022. Instead, I predict the market will recalibrate and we’ll see a more realistically priced market emerging.

“Despite uncertainty over mortgage rates, inflation and the cost-of-living crisis, people are still looking to move, and if you get the price and presentation correct then there’s no reason why your property won’t sell.

“And for buyers, it is not always the ones with the deepest pockets who are coming out on top. Those who have all their ducks in a row, and who are chain-free, are often more successful than the highest bidder in securing their dream home.

“If you are looking to sell, then there is no time like the present. Using a prestigious agency such as Bell Ingram, with our property teams embedded in communities throughout the country, means we know the suitable buyers for your property and can secure a premium private deal if you so choose.

“Because we ask our buyers the right questions, we always secure the best outcome for our clients. We would therefore recommend that anyone who is thinking of buying or selling their rural property waste no time to get in touch with our agents to discuss your needs.”

If you are considering selling you home, farm or estate, our dedicated team is on hand to provide professional advice and expert guidance. Contact Carl Warden on 01738 621121 or email carl.warden@bellingram.co.uk

Our people

Carl Warden

Carl Warden

Partner
Estate Agency
Tel: 01738 621 121

About: Carl heads up the Residential Estate Agency division for the company and has a proven track record within the Scottish property sector. He has been marketing property in the Perth and Kinross area for over 35 years and has vast and detailed practical experience and knowledge of selling prime residential property: from period homes to contemporary developments. Carl is well known in the local area, having developed excellent relationships with buyers and sellers. His wider role involves looking after and supporting our Agency teams and colleagues in Oban, Beauly, Ayr and Forfar. Interests: Estate Agency, Market Valuation, Negotiation.

Get in touch

We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

    The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

    The property market is still moving, are you?

    The property market is still moving, are you?

    The decision to sell is never easy, so let our local property experts help. Bell Ingram’s free market appraisal service will give you the confidence that we can achieve the best result for your property’s sale or purchase.

    Drawing on over 120 years’ experience, we offer an extensive database which provides relevant, comparable evidence for market appraisals when marketing properties and matching buyers to suitable homes.

    Take advantage of the strong market in your area. Book your free market appraisal online now at bellingram.co.uk

    Our Team

    Based in key locations across Scotland our agents have an in-depth understanding of the regional and national markets.

    Carl Warden, Perth

    With over 30 years’ experience in the prime residential rural sector, Carl runs Bell Ingram’s Estate Agency service. He works from our Perth office and manages Agency teams in Perth, Beauly, Oban, Forfar, Ayr and Aberdeen. From period homes to contemporary developments, he has a wealth of experience selling high value property as well as plots, cottages, farmhouses and farmland.

    Carl is supported in Perth by Moira Webley and Johanna Wiseman. Well known in the local area, this expert team has developed excellent relationships with buyers and sellers and is able to offer a comprehensive and professional service.

    Andrew Fuller, Oban

    Andrew joined Bell Ingram following almost 15 years managing high-level private and commercial development projects in the United Arab Emirates. He brings a wealth of property management and investment experience to his role as Senior Associate Estate Agent managing Bell Ingram’s Oban office.

    He is supported by a dynamic team consisting of Laura MacCallum and Mairi Kennedy, and between them they cover Argyll and The Isles and the Morvern Peninsula, focusing on the sale of premium, rural properties.

    Joanne Stennett, Highland

    Joanne manages Bell Ingram’s Highland estate agency service from our Beauly office. She offers professional advice and expert guidance to sellers and buyers across the region and the Outer isles where she has strong connections with the local communities.

    Highly experienced in the assessment and sale of prime residential and other rural property, Joanne  is supported by Fiona Adam and Julie Connor preparing properties for sale and overseeing the marketing from launch to offer and negotiating property transactions.

     

    Our people

    Carl Warden

    Carl Warden

    Partner
    Estate Agency
    Tel: 01738 621 121

    About: Carl heads up the Residential Estate Agency division for the company and has a proven track record within the Scottish property sector. He has been marketing property in the Perth and Kinross area for over 35 years and has vast and detailed practical experience and knowledge of selling prime residential property: from period homes to contemporary developments. Carl is well known in the local area, having developed excellent relationships with buyers and sellers. His wider role involves looking after and supporting our Agency teams and colleagues in Oban, Beauly, Ayr and Forfar. Interests: Estate Agency, Market Valuation, Negotiation.

    Get in touch

    We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

      ,

      Our people

      Andrew Fuller

      Andrew Fuller

      Senior Associate
      Estate Agency
      Tel: 01631 566 122

      About: Andrew heads up the Estate Agency team in our Oban office and is focused on ensuring his clients have a first-class experience when they list their property with Bell Ingram. A resident of the Isle of Mull, Andrew is very well known across the West Coast of Scotland and has developed an excellent reputation for marketing prime residential property, including plots, crofts, island homes and lifestyle opportunities. Andrew joined Bell Ingram following almost 15 years managing several high-level private and commercial development projects in the United Arab Emirates. Interests: Residential Estate Agency, Rural Property Sales.

      Get in touch

      We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

        ,

        Our people

        Joanne Stennett

        Joanne Stennett

        Associate
        Estate Agency
        Tel: 01463 717 799

        About: Joanne heads up the Estate Agency team in our Beauly office and is focused on ensuring her clients have a positive experience when they list their property with Bell Ingram. From country houses to farms and estates, she has been marketing prime residential property in the Highlands and Islands for over 17 years. Joanne is well known in the local area, having developed excellent relationships with buyers and sellers. Interests: Residential Estate Agency, Rural Property Sales.

        Get in touch

        We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

          The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

          Demand for luxury energy efficient homes stronger than ever

          Demand for luxury energy efficient homes stronger than ever

          By Carl Warden, Head of Estate Agency

          Set against the backdrop of soaring energy prices and a cost-of-living crisis, how to make our homes more energy and cost efficient is at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

          For many, a move to a new build property is the answer as thanks to regulation for homebuilders, new build homes must meet strict thermal efficiency guidelines.

          Over the years Bell Ingram has partnered with prestigious bespoke housebuilders, who have been building energy efficient homes for many years. But as prices go up across the board, and building costs soar, this must be transferred to customers. So, are buyers still willing to pay a premium for energy efficiency?  

          In short, yes. At Bell Ingram we see green and thermal efficiency as the main driver for new build homes which is a market which remains hugely popular and is bucking the trend of regular housing.

          Working closely with buyers, our property teams recognise two key factors when it comes to energy in their home. One is thermal efficiency, or the home’s ability to retain and distribute heat from a heat source. The other consideration is the green credentials associated with generating the heat.

          For example, some buyers don’t mind if their main heat source is gas or oil, as long as the home performs well in maintaining and distributing the warmth. For others, the green credential of the energy is important, as renewable sources can drastically reduce costs.

          Bell Ingram has seen huge demand for our recent development in the Grange of Errol built by The Good House Company, as all homes available, priced from £539,000, were reserved in the first week.

          The Good House Company was founded in 2006 and is renowned for producing homes that are A-rated for energy efficiency, vital to compensate for the ever-increasing cost of fuel bills. They are super insulated and are heated by low-carbon technology. Their future aim is to build homes that are carbon-neutral and they are passionate about not sacrificing quality of finishes in order to be an ‘eco’ home – you can have both.

          4 Grange Of Errol, Perthshire, PH2 7SZ | Bell Ingram

          It is not only new build homes which have to comply with strict regulations, conversions must also reach minimum energy efficiency requirements. Bell Ingram is marketing the superb Milton Muir Farmhouse near Anstruther in Fife for offers over £650,000. The property benefits from air source heating.

          Milton Muir Farmhouse, Anstruther, Fife, KY10 3JD | Bell Ingram

          Finally, currently under construction, is 2 Castle View in Rumbling Bridge, Kinross-shire which also has air source heating and great thermal efficiency. This family home is within a small development in a semi-rural location, with uninterrupted views, for offers over £650,000.

          2 Castle Hill View, Rumbling Bridge, Kinross-Shire, KY13 0PX | Bell Ingram

          For more information on our Estate Agency services, or to browse our properties for sale click here.

          Our people

          Carl Warden

          Carl Warden

          Partner
          Estate Agency
          Tel: 01738 621 121

          About: Carl heads up the Residential Estate Agency division for the company and has a proven track record within the Scottish property sector. He has been marketing property in the Perth and Kinross area for over 35 years and has vast and detailed practical experience and knowledge of selling prime residential property: from period homes to contemporary developments. Carl is well known in the local area, having developed excellent relationships with buyers and sellers. His wider role involves looking after and supporting our Agency teams and colleagues in Oban, Beauly, Ayr and Forfar. Interests: Estate Agency, Market Valuation, Negotiation.

          Get in touch

          We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

            Article posted on 12/09/2022

            The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News, Uncategorized

            Keeping History Alive: Scottish Lime Centre Trust is Preserving Our Traditional Buildings

            Keeping History Alive: Scottish Lime Centre is Preserving Our Traditional Buildings 

            As head of Bell Ingram Design, architect Iain Cram wears a number of different hats, but none so interesting as his role as a Trustee of the Scottish Lime Centre Trust.

            The Scottish Lime Centre Trust (SLCT) was established in 1994 in response to the growing concern over a skills’ shortage in the field of traditional building technology.

            And over the last three decades, this not-for-profit organisation has promoted the appropriate repair of traditional buildings, and the conservation and development of associated building traditions, crafts and skills through training and education.

            The importance of preserving traditional building skills came into sharp focus recently for Bell Ingram Design who are key members of the team tasked with the restoration of A-Listed Braemar Castle in Aberdeenshire.

            Iain explains: “Braemar Castle is a perfect example of how vision and craftmanship can give a rundown landmark a new lease of life as a visitor attraction and community resource.

            “By using the traditional lime mortar process in the conservation process we are recognising the importance of Scotland’s older built environment, not just because of its heritage and cultural value, but because of the need for environmental and economic sustainability.”

            Through their work on other buildings of high significance – including the Marshall Monument in Perth and the Brechin Townscape Initiative – Iain and his BID team have built up a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that face these places as our needs and expectations evolve through time.

            Iain continues: “I believe that architects accredited in conservation have an essential part to play in safeguarding our built heritage and organisations like SLCT are an essential support to integrating heritage skills in to ‘mainstream’ construction training.”

            Based in Charlestown in Fife, the catalyst for the creation of the Scottish Lime Centre was rising concern over the effects of using ordinary Portland cement on historic masonry buildings.

            Rosamond Artis MRICS IHBC RICS, Director of the Scottish Lime Centre Trust, explains: “Over the past 150 years or so, since the introduction of cement, the lime industry in the UK has dwindled and the cement industry boomed with cement technology developing to produce harder and stronger material. Don’t get us wrong, we think modern cement is a great product, it should just never go anywhere near a historic masonry structure!

            “The increased use of cement in the construction industry resulted in the loss of knowledge and skills required to correctly and appropriately specify and use lime mortars. Through the later part of last century we increasingly saw the damage that was being caused by overly hard cement mortars, but the products, knowledge and skills were not available to transition back to the use of lime mortars, and this is where we come in.

            “In 1994 our organisation was established to bridge this gap and to bring back the understanding and skill required to successfully use lime mortars. Our remit has developed over the years and still specialists in lime mortar use and technology, we have a broader scope of providing advice, guidance and training relating to all aspects of traditional building technology.”

            The Scottish Lime Centre Trust runs practical courses aimed at all levels covering a wide range of traditional materials and techniques, designed to enhance craft skills and awareness. These are aimed at tradespeople and craftspeople; building supervisors and site agents; architects, engineers and surveyors; conservation officers; homeowners; students; voluntary conservation groups; estate managers; and those who just want to learn new skills.

            The organisation also promotes Continuing Professional Development (CPD) through lectures, seminars, demonstrations and practical courses for architects, surveyors, conservation officers and students.

            Its building advisory service offers professional and technical consultancy and advice provided directly to building owners or their appointed architect/surveyor.

            The organisation even offers a Materials Analysis Service and a Sands & Aggregates Database which holds records of currently available sands and aggregates enabling the appropriate specification for use in lime mortars and ability to match both the appearance and physical properties of a historic mortar.

            More information online at www.scotlime.org

            Our people

            Iain Cram

            Iain Cram

            Architect
            Design
            Tel: 01738 621 121

            About: Iain is Partner in charge of Bell Ingram Design. His main role is working with clients on projects from the initial concept, through site searches, funding challenges and statutory consents. He's an experienced and talented architect with a long track record, working on a diverse range of projects from small scale residential through to large public, commercial, residential and tourism builds. Interests: Architecture, Building Surveying, Trustee of the Scottish Lime Centre, a highly respected historic building skills training centre.

            Get in touch

            We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

              Article posted on 12/09/2022

              The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News, Uncategorized

              Highlands and Islands property market defies the headlines

              Highlands and Islands property market defies the headlines

              The property market in the Scottish Highlands and Islands has been booming for some years and despite signs of a slowing market elsewhere, prices remain strong in the North and West of the country.

              With mortgage rates rising and rumours of house prices stagnating, you could be fooled into believing the Scottish property market is about to crash. But our experts in Oban and Beauly are seeing no let up, with predictions that growth is to slow yet to be seen in practice.

              In fact, Andrew Fuller, Bell Ingram’s Estate Agent in Oban, recently secured a sale for a home achieving 100% over the asking price, which put paid to the fact that buyers are no longer willing to offer such large sums over the home report value as we have seen post pandemic. Most recently Andrew and his team also secured two notable sales of over £1million for homes in some challenging conditions.

              This is just one example, but it would appear to be backed up by the latest figures from Registers of Scotland that show the price of a detached home is up by 13% to £349,000 on average with the biggest increases seen in the council areas of Argyll, Highland and the Islands.

              Similarly, Joanne Stennett, our Estate Agent based in Beauly in the Scottish Highlands, is still experiencing huge demand in the region with houses regularly going to closing dates and achieving in excess of 10% over the asking price.

              Interest in both the Highlands and Islands remains strong with a constant stream of enquiries from buyers south of the border, and increasingly from the Central Belt. This demand for houses in the regions has remained strong since the pandemic and off market deals are becoming common place as buyers vie for properties before they reach the open market, such is the competition for stock.

              Despite a recent uptick in house prices in the regions, they continue to be favourable to those further south and Joanne believes this will only continue as mortgage rates squeeze buyers out of already expensive property markets.

              There is one thing Andrew and Joanne do not have on their side while working in some of Scotland’s most regions is and that is the weather. As we look towards the end of this year and early 2023, it will be the only thing holding them back.
              If you are interested in taking advantage of this strong market speak to your nearest Bell Ingram office about our free market appraisal service.

              Our people

              Andrew Fuller

              Andrew Fuller

              Senior Associate
              Estate Agency
              Tel: 01631 566 122

              About: Andrew heads up the Estate Agency team in our Oban office and is focused on ensuring his clients have a first-class experience when they list their property with Bell Ingram. A resident of the Isle of Mull, Andrew is very well known across the West Coast of Scotland and has developed an excellent reputation for marketing prime residential property, including plots, crofts, island homes and lifestyle opportunities. Andrew joined Bell Ingram following almost 15 years managing several high-level private and commercial development projects in the United Arab Emirates. Interests: Residential Estate Agency, Rural Property Sales.

              Get in touch

              We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

                 

                Our people

                Joanne Stennett

                Joanne Stennett

                Associate
                Estate Agency
                Tel: 01463 717 799

                About: Joanne heads up the Estate Agency team in our Beauly office and is focused on ensuring her clients have a positive experience when they list their property with Bell Ingram. From country houses to farms and estates, she has been marketing prime residential property in the Highlands and Islands for over 17 years. Joanne is well known in the local area, having developed excellent relationships with buyers and sellers. Interests: Residential Estate Agency, Rural Property Sales.

                Get in touch

                We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

                  Article posted on 12/09/2022

                  The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

                  Bell Ingram can help you achieve your agritourism dream

                  Bell Ingram Can Help You Achieve Your Agritourism Dream

                  The UK’s staycation market has never had it so good! Already gaining popularity before the pandemic, there’s no doubt that coronavirus has significantly accelerated the demand for holidaying at home.

                  Farmers and landowners looking for alternative revenue streams have embraced the opportunity to maximise their assets, and the high quality of many of these enterprises is giving foreign holiday destinations a run for their money.

                  Why bother with the hassle of flying abroad when you have luxury holiday lets and glamping experiences on your doorstep? Or the convenience of soaking up our beautiful scenery from the comfort of your motorhome.

                  The push to develop the sector is well underway in Scotland with the industry goal to have 1,000 Scottish farming and crofting enterprises offering an agritourism experience, with at least 50% providing a food and drink element by 2030.

                  If successful, this could be worth £250m to the economy, potentially supporting 10,000 full-time jobs by the end of the decade according to the first Scottish Agritourism Growth Tracker report which was compiled by VisitScotland on behalf of industry body Scottish Agritourism.

                  Agritourism is definitely becoming a growing travel trend and at Bell Ingram we are working with many clients who have already dipped their toes in this lucrative market.

                  However, if you are considering renovating farm buildings into holiday lets, creating a glamping facility or simply allowing motorhomes to access to your fields, there are a lot of things you must consider first … and Bell Ingram’s multi-disciplinary team of rural land and property experts can help you get started:

                  Valuations – Our RICS registered valuers can provide valuations for all types of rural property, including holiday letting and rural tourism. Our team of professionals provide valuations for a wide range of rural property types and we routinely work for private, corporate and public sector clients, as well as banks and other lenders.

                  Landlord/Tenant – Tenants must gain the permission of their landlord proceeding with any new business development opportunity. If there are projects you would like to pursue, our experts can advise tenants how to approach this in the best possible way.

                  Architectural Services – Whether it’s renovating an existing farm building to create a holiday let or preparing a 3D visualisation of a visitor centre, BID’s architects and technologists have s strong track record of working on agritourism projects of all sizes. BID also works with clients to identify sites for potential projects.

                  Planning – Working closely with Land Agents and Architects, our Planning Consultant can provide clients with expert advice to turn your ambitions into reality. Using a professional planning consultant takes the guesswork out of the process, ensures work proceeds smoothly which could save you money in the long run.

                  Microgeneration & Renewables – Bell Ingram have been providing independent and un-biased advice to private clients on all aspects of small-scale renewable energy schemes for almost 25 years. Our expertise ensures optimum payback on hydro, wind, heat pump, biomass heating, solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV), energy storage, community heating, and combined heat & power (CHP).

                  AMC – The first key component is how you plan to finance your agritourism enterprise. Bell Ingram’s highly experienced network of AMC agents can organise loans for clients looking to raise fund to get their project off the ground.

                  *Bell Ingram is a member of Scottish Agritourism Network and our staff will be attending the upcoming Scottish Agritourism Conference at Perth Concert Hall on Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th November. Look out for our distinctive blue gilets and stop us for a chat!

                  Our people

                  Rhona Booth

                  Rhona Booth

                  Senior Associate, MRICS
                  Rural Land Management, Valuations
                  Tel: 01307 462516

                  About: Rhona is a highly experienced RICS Chartered Surveyor and Registered Valuer working across Perthshire and Angus advising on all aspects of estate and farm management, including landlord and tenant negotiations, telecommunication mast agreements, utility projects and CPO compensation claims. In addition, Rhona can undertake a range of rural valuations for a variety of purposes as a Registered Valuer. Rhona joined Bell Ingram in 2020 and has over 20 years’ experience in the sector. Interests: Rural Land Management, Valuations, Utilities, Renewable Energy, Agricultural Tenancy Advisor, MRICS Registered Valuer.

                  Get in touch

                  We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

                    Article posted on 12/09/2022

                    The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

                    Bell Ingram’s GIS team use 3-D visualisation to bringing maps to life

                    Bringing Maps to Life

                    By Mhairi Walker, GIS Technician

                    The world of GIS Mapping is changing and 3D visualisation is enhancing 2D capabilities – taking clients into another dimension.

                    Working alongside colleagues in forestry, Bell Ingram’s GIS team have begun work on 3D visualisations for new woodland creation schemes.

                    Over the years, GIS has made a significant impact in showcasing mapping as an essential tool to interpret spatial data. 3D GIS visualisation depict objects in greater detail by adding a third dimension that allows for real scale representation of real-life objects.

                    3D visualisation is nothing new, but traditionally these models would be laid out in physical form. Nowadays, with the help of more sophisticated technology, such as our ArcGIS based system, we can not only envisage and evaluate in one place, but also manage all the necessary facts and figures.

                    Visualising in 3D is becoming increasingly popular in the forestry sector because areas of woodland can be accurately interpreted and, crucially, visualised over their life span. Incorporating our 3D technology into GIS customises the whole experience for clients, making it more personal and enabling greater detail and visualisation.

                    This is particularly helpful when applying for grants and engaging with public consultations, as regulating bodies and neighbours can really get a sense for the impact the proposed forest will have on the landscape, helping to strengthen the public consultation process.

                    On top of this, we can accurately depict the forest over its entire life span, for example, showing the growth rate over a ten and 20 year period. There is also the ability to account for a mix of species and death rate, which is crucial when characterising new commercial and even non-commercial woodland schemes for the duration of their existence on the landscape.

                    This ability to accurately show the change on a landscape over time in 3D, clearly has benefits that reach beyond the forestry industry. Bell Ingram’s utilities department will also be benefit from the ability to contextualise renewable developments and infrastructure projects for all stakeholders.

                    3D visualisation is a natural evolution for GIS and the possibilities are truly endless. Introducing 3D to forestry and rural land management is an exciting development for the firm and I am delighted to be able to champion this progress.

                    If you are interested in 3D GIS visualisation, get in touch with our GIS technician, Mhairi Walker on mhairi.walker@bellingram.co.uk or 01738 621121 to discuss your needs. For more information on our GIS Mapping service visit bellingram.co.uk.

                    Copyright

                    Maxar, Microsoft | Source: USGS, NGA, NASA, CGIAR, GEBCO,N Robinson, NCEAS, NLS, OS, NMA, Geodatastyrelsen and the GIS User Community

                    Our people

                    Mhairi Walker

                    Mhairi Walker

                    GIS Analyst, BSc MSc
                    Utilities & Renewables, GIS Mapping, Forestry
                    Tel: 01738 621 121

                    About: Mhairi is responsible for providing spatial analysis, data management and cartography to clients in the renewable energy, utilities, rural land management and forestry sectors. She joined Bell Ingram in 2021 and is a graduate of the University of Edinburgh with a Masters in Geographical Information Science. Interests: Mapping, GIS Services.

                    Get in touch

                    We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

                      Article posted on 01/12/2022

                      The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

                      Legislation freezing rents and evictions is passed in Scotland

                      Legislation Freezing Rents & Evictions Passed in Scotland

                      The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 was been passed by the Scottish Parliament last week.

                      The Scottish Government says the Act temporarily:

                      • Restricts landlords from increasing the amount of rent they can charge private and social tenants, as well as for student accommodation.

                      • Places certain restrictions on enforcement of evictions from residential tenancies.

                      • Balances these restrictions with safeguards for those landlords who may be facing particular cost pressures or financial hardship.

                      The rent cap, which applies to in-tenancy rent increases, has initially been set at 0% from 6 September 2022 until at least 31 March 2023. Ministers have the power to vary the rent cap while it is in force.

                      Enforcement of eviction orders resulting from the cost crisis are prevented over the same period except in a number of specified circumstances, and damages for unlawful evictions have been increased to a maximum of 36 months’ worth of rent.

                      The measures can be extended over two further six-month periods.

                      You can view more information on the Act here

                      https://www.mygov.scot/rent-cap-landlords

                      https://www.mygov.scot/eviction-pause-landlords

                      If you are landlord speak to your Bell Ingram Land Manager about how the emergency legislation will affect you.

                      Article posted on 31/10/2022

                      sold-sign
                      The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

                      Carl Warden gives us the latest on markets and mortgages

                      Carl Warden gives us the latest on markets and mortgages

                      It was inevitable that the fall-out from the mini budget and its controversial tax cuts would manifest itself in the housing and mortgage markets because the cost and availability of credit is a significant driver of the market.

                      Therefore, it comes as no big surprise to see mortgage lenders suspend many rates and deals as they gather their breath before attempting to reprice the market.

                      It goes without saying that any big jump in the mortgage rate is a major concern for those who are buying houses at the moment. But, if you like the house, you can afford it and are confident you can continue to afford it, then there is no reason not to go ahead with your purchase.

                      What is fairly certain is that we can wave goodbye to the historically low interest rates that we have grown used to and brace ourselves for a return to the higher levels we last saw in 2012.

                      There’s also been much speculation that we could be facing a housing market crash. But while prices could fall over the longer term, there is no evidence that they will collapse like they did during the global financial crisis of 2007/8. The market in Scotland is still functioning well despite the uncertainty.  I am seeing a small number of buyers pulling out of deals as we wait for this immediate uncertainty to pass, but I don’t see this continuing and especially so at the top end of the market.

                      From a Scottish perspective, it will be interesting to see if the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Kate Forbes MSP, replicates Kwasi Kwarteng’s Stamp Duty cuts for the Land & Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) bands in Scotland.

                      On September 23, the UK Government announced a permanent cut to stamp duty in a bid to boost economic growth. The announcement means that in England no stamp duty will be paid on the first £250,000 of any property, up from £125,000 previously.

                      For first-time buyers in England the threshold is now £425,000, up from £300,000. The maximum value of a property on which first-time buyers’ relief can be claimed will also rise from £500,000 to £625,000.

                      While first-time buyers in Scotland do not pay LBTT on property purchases up to £175,000, a 2% LBTT rate is paid on property valued between £145,001 and £250,000.

                      It would be a big worry for the property sector should the Scottish Government not bring us more into line with the rest of the UK.  A reduction in LBTT would go a long way to giving the Scottish housing market a boost, particularly for the lower bands, as we navigate this period of economic uncertainty.

                      For advice on your house move, or for a free market appraisal contact Carl Warden, Head of Estate Agency on 01738 621121 or email carl.warden@bellingram.co.uk

                      Our people

                      Carl Warden

                      Carl Warden

                      Partner
                      Estate Agency
                      Tel: 01738 621 121

                      About: Carl heads up the Residential Estate Agency division for the company and has a proven track record within the Scottish property sector. He has been marketing property in the Perth and Kinross area for over 35 years and has vast and detailed practical experience and knowledge of selling prime residential property: from period homes to contemporary developments. Carl is well known in the local area, having developed excellent relationships with buyers and sellers. His wider role involves looking after and supporting our Agency teams and colleagues in Oban, Beauly, Ayr and Forfar. Interests: Estate Agency, Market Valuation, Negotiation.

                      Get in touch

                      We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

                        Article posted on 03/10/2022