In this milestone 500th episode of the Property Nomads podcast, Rob expresses gratitude to all past and present contributors, including guests, co-hosts, and the behind-the-scenes team, and then delves into the implications of Labour's vow to end no-fault evictions through the Renters' Right Bill, specifically focusing on the potential imbalance it may create between landlords and tenants. KEY TAKEAWAYS The proposed Renters' Right Bill by Labour aims to end no-fault evictions, which may benefit ...
Jul 31, 2024•12 min•Ep. 500
Rob discusses the issue of high rents and the proposed solution of implementing rent controls. He argues that rent controls do not work and uses examples from the USA and Scotland to support this claim, emphasising the importance of addressing the supply side of the housing market rather than implementing price controls. KEY TAKEAWAYS Rent controls do not work and have never worked in the past. Implementing price controls or rent controls can lead to a temporary suppression of issues, but they r...
Jul 28, 2024•9 min•Ep. 499
Rob discusses the challenges of housing supply in the UK, focusing on the reluctance to build new homes due to concerns about heritage and local impact. He highlights a specific case where a Labour MP objected to a 1,500 home project in his constituency, citing concerns about the impact on local heritage. Rob looks at the need to prioritise the supply side of housing economics, pointing out the various obstacles developers face, such as red tape, regulations, and public objections. KEY TAKEAWAYS...
Jul 24, 2024•11 min•Ep. 498
Rob discusses a surprising trend where tenants are requesting to be served with Section 21 notices by their landlords in order to access council housing. The episode highlights the reasons behind this trend, such as the rising rents in the private rental sector compared to council housing. Rob also delves into the implications of this trend on both tenants and landlords, emphasising the financial benefits for tenants seeking more affordable housing options. KEY TAKEAWAYS There is a surge in tena...
Jul 21, 2024•8 min•Ep. 497
Rob discusses a concerning situation in Edinburgh, Scotland, where residents in affordable homes have experienced a staggering 450% increase in their gas prices. The properties are part of the Harvester's Way Development, managed by Places for People Scotland, and are connected to a district heating system. This lack of control over gas prices has left residents feeling helpless and frustrated, especially as the properties were marketed as greener and more efficient. The episode highlights the i...
Jul 17, 2024•10 min•Ep. 496
Rob discusses a recent protest in Brighton by members of the Living Rent Campaign, who were protesting against rent exploitation. He highlights the ineffectiveness of rent controls, citing the example of Scotland where rent controls led to a supply and demand imbalance, causing rents to skyrocket. Rob also touches on the importance of increasing the supply of housing to tackle housing challenges, despite the challenges in funding such initiatives. KEY TAKEAWAYS Protests against rent exploitation...
Jul 14, 2024•8 min•Ep. 495
Rob discusses the recent election results, focusing on Labour's majority win and the potential implications for the future. He also touches on the surprising outcome of the French election and the implications of a potential hung parliament. KEY TAKEAWAYS Labour won the election with a majority of 412 seats, a significant increase from the previous election. France's election results surprised many, with a leftist coalition potentially winning and leading to a hung parliament. Labour's victory m...
Jul 10, 2024•9 min•Ep. 494
Rob discusses Ed Miliband's endorsement of the Future Homes Standard as a solution to the cost of living crisis. Miliband visited a zero bills new build site in Staffordshire, impressed by Octopus Energy's initiative guaranteeing zero energy bills for five years on homes equipped with solar panels, a home battery, and a heat pump. Rob raises critical questions about the sustainability and feasibility of the initiative, questioning how Octopus Energy can afford to provide zero bills and the envir...
Jul 07, 2024•11 min•Ep. 493
Rob looks at the current backlash against British tourists in Spain, particularly in popular tourist destinations like Majorca, Ibiza, and the Canary Islands. He reflects on the negative impact of mass tourism on local communities, citing examples from Brighton and Barcelona. The episode explores the tensions between the economic benefits of tourism and the strain it puts on housing markets and local businesses. KEY TAKEAWAYS British tourists in Spain are facing backlash from locals due to perce...
Jul 03, 2024•13 min•Ep. 492
Rob discusses the negative impact of rent controls on house building in Scotland, highlighting how rent controls imposed by the Scottish government have led to a significant decrease in the number of new homes being started and completed. The statistics show a drop in housing construction across the board, including private sector and council homes. The episode emphasises how rent controls restrict the free market, leading to skyrocketing rents and discouraging investors from putting capital int...
Jun 30, 2024•10 min•Ep. 491
Rob looks into the shocking statistic of 1.55 million abandoned homes in the UK. The episode explores the potential opportunities in bringing these empty homes back into use, highlighting the vast possibilities for property investors and developers. Rob discusses the challenges and benefits of tackling abandoned properties, emphasising the importance of maximising the efficiency of existing housing stock. KEY TAKEAWAYS There are approximately 1.55 million abandoned homes in the UK, worth over 50...
Jun 26, 2024•9 min•Ep. 490
Rob looks at the current housing crisis in the UK, focusing on the decline of social housing stock by over 250,000 units in the last decade. He focusses on the reasons behind this decrease, such as the selling off or demolition of social housing, challenges with planning permissions, and the high demand for housing exceeding supply. KEY TAKEAWAYS The number of social rent homes in England has fallen by about a quarter of a million in the last decade, contributing to the housing crisis. Issues wi...
Jun 23, 2024•10 min•Ep. 489
Rob looks into the Labour Party's manifesto and its potential impact on the property market and macroeconomic landscape. He analyses key points from the manifesto, including plans to shake up planning laws to deliver 1.5 million homes, restore mandatory housing targets, raise stamp duty surcharge on non-UK residents, introduce a mortgage guarantee scheme for first-time buyers, and abolish Section 21 evictions. KEY TAKEAWAYS Labour Party's manifesto includes plans to shake up planning laws to del...
Jun 19, 2024•14 min•Ep. 488
Rob delves into the key property-related points from the Conservative Party's manifesto for the general election. He highlights the proposed tax break for landlords, including a 100% relief on capital gains tax for landlords selling to existing tenants, and an increase in the stamp duty threshold for first-time buyers to £425,000. The episode also touches on the pledge to maintain the current level of corporation tax and the goal to reduce borrowing and debt. KEY TAKEAWAYS Tax break for landlord...
Jun 16, 2024•8 min•Ep. 487
Rob discusses the recent decrease in interest rates by the European Central Bank and the potential upcoming decision by the Bank of England to follow suit. He delves into the implications of lowering interest rates on inflation and the economy, and highlights the historical context of inflation, the impact on housing and portfolios, and the importance of understanding macroeconomics when making financial decisions. KEY TAKEAWAYS The European Central Bank and the Bank of England are likely to low...
Jun 12, 2024•9 min•Ep. 486
Rob discusses the concerning issue of poorly installed cavity wall insulation through government-backed schemes. He highlights the complaints received by the BBC from homeowners who have faced problems due to improper insulation, stressing the importance of reputation and aligning with trustworthy professionals in the property industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS There have been issues with insulation installations not being done properly under government schemes, leading to problems for homeowners and landl...
Jun 09, 2024•9 min•Ep. 485
Planning and obtaining planning permission can be a complex and ever-changing process in the property industry. In this episode, Rob delves into various aspects of planning, including permitted development, planning permission, Article 4 directives, and listed building consent. KEY TAKEAWAYS Planning and obtaining planning permission can be complex and ever-changing, so it is crucial to surround yourself with the right power team, including an architect and a planning consultant. Different scena...
Jun 05, 2024•15 min•Ep. 484
Rob looks at the upcoming general election in the UK and its potential impact on the property market, focussing on the issue of rising house prices outpacing wage increases, making it difficult for many to afford homes. He delves into the promises made by political parties regarding housing, such as building more homes and overhauling the planning system. However, the lack of concrete plans and the turnover of housing ministers in recent years raise concerns about the effectiveness of these prom...
Jun 02, 2024•9 min•Ep. 483
Rob discusses the impact of government interventions in the housing market, particularly focusing on second homes in Cornwall. He highlights how policies aimed at deterring second home buyers, such as increased stamp duty and council tax rates, may not be effective in addressing the housing issues in the region. KEY TAKEAWAYS Government interventions in the housing market, particularly targeting second homes, are negatively impacting areas like Cornwall. Despite efforts to deter second home buye...
May 29, 2024•13 min•Ep. 482
Rob looks into the ongoing British rental crisis, highlighting the decrease in listing times for rental properties and the high demand for homes. He delves into the reasons behind the lack of available properties, such as government tax changes affecting landlords and uncertainty in the market, emphasising the importance of understanding economic fundamentals in the property market and reiterates the need for sustainable housing policies to address the crisis. KEY TAKEAWAYS The British rental cr...
May 26, 2024•11 min•Ep. 481
Rob discusses the controversial topic of selective licensing, looking into the implications of selective licensing on landlords in certain areas of the UK, particularly in England. The episode highlights how selective licensing can be seen as a cash generator for councils, creating more bureaucracy and expenses for landlords. KEY TAKEAWAYS Selective licensing is a process where landlords in certain areas are required to obtain a license for each property, leading to additional costs and bureaucr...
May 22, 2024•11 min•Ep. 480
Rob discusses the Village Green Protection Law, dating back to 1857, and its impact on property development in the UK. The law allows certain areas to be designated as village greens, preventing any development or enclosure on the land. The episode highlights how residents are using this law to halt developers from building on specific plots of land, creating obstacles for increasing housing supply. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Village Green Protection Law, dating back to 1857, is being used by villagers a...
May 19, 2024•7 min•Ep. 479
Rob delves into the intricacies of leaseholds in this episode, focusing specifically on the importance of lease length when considering purchasing a leasehold property. Rob highlights the potential challenges that arise when a lease falls below 80 years, making it difficult to secure a mortgage and significantly increasing the cost of extending the lease. Listeners are advised to consult with a specialist solicitor and factor in the premium for extending the lease when evaluating the value of a ...
May 15, 2024•11 min•Ep. 478
Rob discusses five simple and cost-effective energy-saving measures that can be implemented in both homes and property portfolios. The measures include changing to LED lighting for energy efficiency, addressing air gaps around doors and windows, upgrading loft insulation to meet building regulations, maintaining radiators by bleeding them and adding reflective sheets, and insulating pipework to reduce energy consumption. Rob focusses on the importance of these measures in improving energy effici...
May 12, 2024•10 min•Ep. 477
Rob delves into the complexities and issues surrounding leasehold properties in England and Wales. He highlights the challenges faced by leaseholders, such as escalating ground rent and service charges, as well as the low threshold for repossession if payments are not made. Rob also touches on the proposed Leasehold Reform Bill, which aims to ban the creation of new leasehold houses and make it easier for leaseholders to buy their freeholds. KEY TAKEAWAYS The government is considering the Leaseh...
May 08, 2024•11 min•Ep. 476
Rob discusses the government's backtracking on the no-fault eviction ban, specifically focusing on Michael Gove's inability to guarantee its implementation before the next election. The episode delves into the complexities of the housing crisis, highlighting the perspectives of both landlords and tenants on the issue KEY TAKEAWAYS The government is backtracking on the no-fault eviction ban, with uncertainty about its implementation before the next election. There are two sides to the debate on n...
May 05, 2024•8 min•Ep. 475
Rob discusses a new property strategy that may be available for property investors to explore. With many councils facing financial struggles and looking to sell off assets to cover liabilities, there is a unique opportunity for property developers and investors to potentially acquire land or buildings at discounted rates. Rob encourages you to reach out to your local council, particularly those in financial distress, to explore potential opportunities for collaboration or investment. KEY TAKEAWA...
May 01, 2024•6 min•Ep. 474
Rob looks into the crucial topic of choosing the right lettings agent for managing rental properties. He discusses the two main ways to manage a property portfolio: self-management or working with a lettings agent. He also provides valuable insights on finding a local lettings agent with good knowledge and reputation, emphasising the importance of building a strong relationship with the agent. KEY TAKEAWAYS Choosing the right lettings agent involves deciding between self-management or working wi...
Apr 28, 2024•17 min•Ep. 473
Rob discusses the current favourable market conditions for landlords in the UK rental property sector. With 10 renters applying for every rental property on average, landlords are in a strong position to rent out their properties and potentially increase rents. Rob highlights the imbalance between housing demand and supply, attributing it to government policies and planning issues. KEY TAKEAWAYS Demand for rental properties is currently exceeding supply, with an average of 10 renters applying fo...
Apr 24, 2024•9 min•Ep. 472
Rob discusses the issue of households wasting money on energy bills due to poor insulation, with millions reportedly wasting £500 a year. He provides advice on how to lower energy bills by improving insulation in homes, covering areas such as wall cavity, loft, floor insulation, and double glazing KEY TAKEAWAYS Millions of households are wasting £500 a year on energy bills due to poor insulation. Ways to improve energy efficiency include checking wall cavity, loft, floor insulation, and double g...
Apr 21, 2024•14 min•Ep. 471
