News & Blog
The latest property news & information from a trusted source.
Explore our property blogs, select a category from below
Legislation
New legislation: Landlords required to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
New legislation: Landlords required to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms Housing Minister Brandon Lewis announced new measures in March to protect tenants. Regulations for landlords in England were to be brought into line with building regulations for new builds in the UK, and will require the installation of working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms […]
Legislation
Changes to Scottish Repairing Standard statutory regulations
Changes to Scottish Repairing Standard statutory regulations Over the next two years, beginning on December 1st this year, new mandatory electrical checks come into force for all privately rented properties. New regulations from the Scottish Government mean that all electrical items in a rented property must be either Electrical Installation Condition Report or Portable Appliance […]
HMO Properties
Student accommodation: Why Cairn are HMO licensing specialists
Student accommodation: Why Cairn are HMO licensing specialists The term HMO is used frequently in the property investment market. As experts on HMO development we want to explain what HMO is, and understand why such a highly regulated sector continues to be popular for investors. Since 2000 in Scotland HMO properties have required an HMO […]
Investment, Legislation
How to invest in property for your children, and pay no Capital Gains Tax
How to invest in property for your children, and pay no Capital Gains Tax If you are interested in buying property for your child, but are concerned about the expense, there are ways to reduce costs. There is an opportunity to invest your money through a trust, rather than buying privately, which means you won’t be […]
Legislation
Working From Home: What Should You Know?
Working From Home: What Should You Know? Businesses seeking to reduce overheads and flexible working mean more staff are choosing to work some or all of their week from home. Combined with rising self employment the number of people working from home has risen considerably in recent years. The advantages of home working, both for […]
General
General Election Ahead – Key Housing Policies Explained
General Election Ahead – Key Housing Policies Explained With the general election less than one hundred days away, MP’s proposals to tackle the housing crisis in the UK will be a key area of debate. Part of their proposals will be what they plan to do to build more homes, which will of course mean more […]
Investment
How to invest in property – Early Bird Gets The Worm: With a referendum looming and changes to tax is it better to move quickly in 2015, or wait?
How to invest in property – Early Bird Gets The Worm: With a referendum looming and changes to tax is it better to move quickly in 2015, or wait? Early 2015 reports suggest a flurry of activity in the property market. The wet and dark days of January traditionally mean slower results in the property […]
HMO Properties, Investment
How to invest in property – Make Your Pension Work For You With Help From Cairn
How to invest in property – Make Your Pension Work For You With Help From Cairn Changes to the pension structure from April 2015 mean that pension holders will be free to access their pension pot. This allows greater flexibility for individuals and opens up a range investment opportunities including BTL investment. Mistoria Group research […]
Legislation
Landlord services and Eviction – What you should know
Landlord services and Eviction – What you should know As every landlord understands the ideal relationship with tenants includes clear communication and timeous action on both sides to maintain the satisfaction of all parties. However, should one party deviate, that relationship can become strained. Fortunately both parties are protected by legislation designed to ensure that […]