LI Magazine 73rd Edition

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LANDLORD | PROPERTY | INVESTMENT

73RD EDITION | 2023

N AV I G A T I N G 2024 & BEYOND S E E

P A G E

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A warm welcome to the 73 Edition of Landlord Investor Magazine.

RD

As the temperature plummets outside, I find myself looking up from an overheating laptop and thinking that the boiler needs servicing. However, I end up staring blankly at an (as yet) undecorated Christmas Tree and wondering where on earth last 12 months went. Again. 2023 was quite a year for the LIS stable, with 6 major shows and our 4th LIS Awards in November (see page 10). It's also been a significant year

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for the landlord and property investment community. The specter of radical reform that loomed large in 2022 appeared to stall in 2023, and it feels a bit like Groundhog Day as I notice the Renters' Reform Bill still hasn't passed into law. A delay in its early stages slowed the bill's progress through Parliament, but we've been relaibly informed it's now at the Committee Stage in the House of Commons. There's still a way to go, and some estimates have suggested October

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1st as the date it'll be enshrined in law, while others predict

Show Update Navigating 2024 & beyond

Show Update A dazzling celebration of excellence & achievement.

Investment The road ahead

Investment higher for longer: how the current interest rate regime can affect the property market in 2024.

it will be passed as early as the Spring of 2024. Either way, it's happening, so it's time to focus and seek connections that can help with whatever we need to prepare. With connections in mind, it's been another frenetic year for

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Investment New year, new property investment?

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Insurance Spotlight BCH / Endsleigh

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Strategic Spotlight Titlesplit.com

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Developer Spotlight The SDDE Smith Group

the National Landlord Investment Show. As alluded to above, we had 4 events in London, plus Birmingham and Manchester. Our 2024 dates have been announced (see Show Review on P6 for details), which include a return to Olympia in March, followed by Birmingham in May, then back to Old Billingsgate in June, Bristol in September, and finally Manchester and London in October. This issue of LI Mag is fairly concise compared to recent issues, but I'm sure you'll still find plenty of useful content. Enjoy the festive season, and all the very best for 2024.

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LANDLORD INVESTOR MAGAZINE

Editor Tracey Hanbury Design Marc Riley Photography Aneesa Dawoojee Printing IOP Marketing

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PLEASE NOTE: Statements and opinions expressed in articles, reviews and other materials herein are those of the authors and not the editors and publishers of LI Magazine. The content of this publication does not under any circumstances constitute investment or legal advice. While every care has been taken in the compilation of this publication and every attempt made to present up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. LIS Media, Tenants History Limited and our contributors will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any information within these pages or any information accessed through the promoted links. Published by LIS Media, 27 Stafford Road, Croydon CR0 4NG. www.landlordinvestmentshow.co.uk

Meet the team TRACEY HANBURY CO-FOUNDER / DIRECTOR

Team: Donegal GAA Song: Galway Girl, Steve Earle Film: Dirty Dancing Food: Indian Likes: A busy show - can’t beat it Dislikes: Rudeness Fave thing about LIS: Building client relationships

KIERAN MCCORMACK SALES DIRECTOR

Team: Manchester United Song: Bonkers, Dizze Rascal Film: American Gangster Food: Indian Likes: Family time, Man Utd, golf (not necessarily in that order) Dislikes: Tinned sweetcorn Fave thing about LIS: No day is the same (hence the song choice)

CHARLOTTE DYE HEAD OF CLIENT RELATIONS & OPERATIONS Team: Spurs Song: The view from the afternoon, Arctic Monkeys Film: E.T Food: Chinese Likes: Anything four legged and furry Dislikes: Clowns and Spiders Fave thing about LIS: Office cuddles with Ollie

STEVE HANBURY CO-FOUNDER / DIRECTOR

Team: Crystal Palace Song: Plastic Dreams, Jaydee (Original) Film: Goodfellas Food: Indian Likes: Team meetings in the pub Dislikes: Bad manners Fave thing about LIS: Show day (as anything can happen)

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MARC RILEY CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Team: Letterkenny Gaels Song: What’s going on, Marvin Gaye Film: Anything by the Coen Brothers Food: Sea Likes: Clean typography Dislikes: Paywalls and clickbait Fave thing about LIS: The website

BEN PAYNE SALES EXECUTIVE

Team: Manchester United Song: Brown eyed girl, Van Morrison Film: Meet the Parents Food: Italian Likes: Hitting a nice drive on the fairway (not!)

Dislikes: Salad Fave thing about LIS: Meeting new clients and building rapport

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WRITTEN BY INDUSTRY EXPERTS COVERING ALL ASPECTS OF BUY-TO-LET

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63 ND EDITION | 2021

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ALICIA CELA HEAD OF ACCOUNTS

Team: Barcelona FC Song: Hotel California, The Eagles Film: Shawshank Redemption Food: Anything Spanish (I'm very biased lol) Likes: Cooking great food Dislikes: Liars. Oh, and liver (can't stand it) Fave thing about LIS: Socialising with the whole team WILL LIDDY SALES EXECUTIVE

Team: Millwall Song: Never too much, Luther Vandross Film: Carlito’s way Food: Italian Likes: Friends and family, also the pub Dislikes: People who wear shorts in winter Fave thing about LIS: Socializing with the Team and clients

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JACOB HANBURY SALES EXECUTIVE

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[ D I G I TA L] B R E A C H BUT ARE LIVE EVENTS NOW BACK ON THE HORIZON? SEE PAGE 6

Team: Crystal Palace Song: Michael Bibi - Got the Fire Film: Step Brothers Food: Sunday roast Likes: Skiing, Gym, Crystal Palace Dislikes: Dirty finger nails Fave thing about LIS: Great atmosphere at the shows

OLLIE HANBURY ENTERTAINMENT & SECURITY MANAGER Team: Crystal Palace Song: Who let the dogs out Film: 101 Dalmatians Food: Roast Dinners Likes: Walkies Dislikes: Poo in bags left on branches Fave thing about LIS: Getting all the attention

LANDLORD SURVIVAL GUIDE III

IN THIS ISSUE...

Two sides of the same coin

Opportunity Knocks

Once more unto the (digital) breach

Why landlords should let to families on benefits

Buy-to-let vs Build-

Locked Down, But Not Quite Closed Down

Let technology take the strain

Covid-19 triggered opportunity

Advice for landlords during the pandemic

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What do I do if I'm a student landlord?

Coronavirus & Taxation Landlords Voice

The UK’s Number One Landlord & Property Investment Show.

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London 6 March

Find everything you need to boost your property investment journey.

Birmingham 15 May London 3 July Bristol 25 September Manchester 15 October London 30 October

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S H O W U P D AT E

T R AC E Y H A N B U R Y E D I TO R & S H O W F O U N D E R

N AV IG AT ING 2024 & BE YOND

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LANDLORD INVESTOR 73RD EDITION

S H O W U P D AT E

As we head into the winter months it's time to take stock and prepare for the challenges of the coming year.

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s mentioned in my welcome note, it's been quite a year for the landlord investor community, and with the delay in the Renters' Reform Bill it would be easy to feel a false sense of security.

The cause of the delays are no doubt myriad, and I'm not going to start speculating here, other than saying that the wheels of legislation turn slowly by definition. Suffice to say it's happening for certain in 2024, so I'm going to quickly recap on what we already know.

The primary objective of the bill is to bolster the rights of tenants with provisions for increased security of tenure, a limit to rent increases, ensure a standard of living conditions, and offer additional safeguards against what may be considered unfair eviction.

Providing tenants with a more stable and predictable living arrangement is obviously a positive move, and for landlords already running a tight ship it'll certainly be an easier transition.

The reality is that it's happening regardless, and as a community we have to view it as a positive change, and one which will hopefully serve to route out some of the less reputable players in the market. As I've said countless times before, change is inevitable in any business sector and our ability to adapt will be crucial if we still wish to thrive.

A less considered aspect is the broader impact of renters reform bills as it extends on the UK housing market as a whole. Changes in regulation will likely influence property investment trends, and affect supply and demand.

The domestic rentals sector in the UK is estimated to be worth in excess of £1 trillion. That's a major chunk of the UK economy and we have to trust that policymakers have given due consideration to the potential consequences in order to avoid unintended disruptions.

help guide you throughout the year.

Our 2024 show dates and locations are below, keep an eye on www. landlordinvestmentshow.co.uk as registration will open in January. Based on 2023 attendance we're expecting a bit of a deluge, so be sure to be quick.

I'll finish by wishing you all the very best for the festive season, wherever you are, and however you celebrate, I hope you enjoy. All the very best of luck on your property investor journey in 2024.

An interesting reflection of the anticipated changes was the composition of exhibitors and speakers at our 2023 shows. The number of specialist services providers definitely increased and all events were packed with property people looking for guidance on very specific issues.

The mood was more focused and less speculative than it had been in previous years, and many of the guests I spoke to were keen to get a handle on preparation as understanding the potential consequences of this bill is crucial. See overleaf for some great pics of our 2023 shows.

As we head into 2024 and focus upon getting our literal houses in order I'm just going to remind you dear reader of how important next year's Landlord Investment Show events will be. We don't take our position lightly here and our team is busily putting together events, discussions and workshops to

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The domestic rentals sector in the UK is estimated to be worth in excess of £1 trillion.

That's a major chunk of the UK economy and we have to trust that policymakers have given due consideration to the potential consequences.

S H O W S

6 MARCH

15 MAY

3 J U LY

25 SEPT

15 OC T

30 OC T

LONDON

BIRMINGHAM

LONDON

BRISTOL

MANCHESTER

LONDON

OLYM PIA

VILL A PARK

OLD BILLINGSGATE

ASHTON GATE

OLD TR AFFORD

OLD BILLINGSGATE

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T R AC E Y H A N B U R Y E D I TO R & S H O W F O U N D E R

A DA Z ZLING CELEBR ATION OF EXCELLENCE & A C HIE V E ME N T. 10

LANDLORD INVESTOR 73RD EDITION

S H O W U P D AT E

Honouring the shining stars of the landlord and property investment sector, the National LIS Awards made a triumphant return to London on November 22, hosting a dazzling celebration of excellence within our industry.

W

ow, what can I say?

The return of the National LIS Awards on November 22nd at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms was nothing short of stunning. The opulent art-deco hall brimmed with professionals from every corner of the property and investment sector, uniting to celebrate our industry's achievements, commendable efforts, and, above all, the people who make it all happen.

Ian Collins expertly guided the evening as the host, while the comedic brilliance of Stephen K Amos had the entire room in ratures of laughter - a heartfelt thank you to Mr. Amos for making our winners feel so special. Repeating the success of the 2022 awards, the cabaret injected a fabulous twist, dispelling any notion that award shows need be dull affairs.

It showcased that as a sector, we know how to let out hair down.

Each category was hard-fought and we were indundated with excellent

LANDLORD INVESTOR 73RD EDITION

submissions and every single name of the shortlist was well deserved.

We received an unprecedented number of applications and we'd like to thank everyone who took the time to enter. Competition was fierce so if you did not win your category please don't be too disheartened.

There's always next year.

A huge thank you to Veronica Blacklace and performers for adding such a flourish and memorable colour to the night. I could go on, but the pictures overleaf really do say it all.

Finally, and most importantly, we'd like to congratulate our winners and offer our most sincere thanks to all this year's nominees, sponsors, judges, entertainers, guests and staff for a truly spectacular evening.

Once again, thank you. A full list of winners and some fabulous pics of the evening can be seen overleaf.

We’ll be back in 2024, so watch this space.

We received an unprecedented number of applications and we'd like to thank everyone who took the time to enter. Competition was fierce so if you did not win your category please don't be too disheartened. There's always next year.

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S H O W U P D AT E

W E ' D L I K E T O C O N G R AT U L AT E O U R 2 0 2 3 L I S AWA R D S W I N N E R S

Best Accounting and Tax Services for Landlords Sponsored by LOFT

Best Property Education Provider Sponsored by Pillow Partners

Peplows

NRLA

Best Landlord Insurance Provider Sponsored by NRLA

Proptech Company of the Year Sponsored by My Deposits

Alan Boswell Group

Best Landlord Legal Services Provider Sponsored by Rockstar Property Partners

Best Product for Landlords Sponsored by Churchill NRLA

Woodstock Legal Services

Best Short-Term Letting Agent Sponsored by Woodstock

Property Developer of the Year Sponsored by Roma Finance

Pillow Partners

HJ Collection

Best Alternative Property Investment Provider Sponsored by Aria Finance

Best Lettings Agency Sponsored by TDS Leaders Roman Group

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Hammock

Hunter Jones Group

Outstanding Contribution to the Private Rented Sector Sponsored by Total Landlord Insurance Mortgages for Business

Best HMO Services Provider Sponsored by Your Freedom Empire HMO Premier

Best Property Management Provider Sponsored by Safe2 Hello Neighbour

Best Buy-to-Let and Commercial Lender Sponsored by HJ Collection Roma Finance

Best Development of the Year Sponsored by George Ellis Property Services Star Property Group

Best Online Agency Sponsored by Strike CS

Best Property Investment Provider Sponsored by Quantum Mortgages

Best Seminar Speaker of 2023 Sponsored by Lebern

Mr Investa

Horizon

Paul Shamplina

Specialist Finance Provider of the Year Sponsored by Alan Boswell Group

Best Buy-to-Let Mortgage Broker Sponsored by HJ Collection

Industry Hero 2023 Sponsored by National Landlord Investment Show

SDKA

Aria Finance

Ben Beadle, NRLA

LANDLORD INVESTOR 73RD EDITION

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T H A N K YO U TO O U R 2 02 3 L I S AWA R D S S P O N S O R S

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INVESTMENT | HJ COLLECTION

REECE MENNIE FOU N DER & CEO, HJ COLLEC TION

THE ROAD AHEAD

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LANDLORD INVESTOR 73RD EDITION

INVESTMENT | HJ COLLECTION

Our 2024 predictions for buy-to-let landlords and alternative investment opportunities.

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t’s fair to say that 2023 has been an eventful year for the UK’s buyto-let landlords. Following the chaos unleashed by Liz Truss’s now infamous mini budget just over a year ago, mortgage markets have settled somewhat in recent months and prices have held up better than expected, according to a report from Savills.

However, inflation remains stubbornly higher than the long-term average at 4.6%, which is continuing to drive up interest rates and therefore mortgage costs for the buy-to-let market. As such, this has undoubtedly been a challenging period for landlords, some of whom have gone so far as to sell up amid diminishing returns.

Brighter days ahead?

Despite the adversity that landlords have experienced this year, some are forecasting that 2024 will deliver greater returns to them. For example, Zoopla data suggests that rents will grow by 9% next year, amid heightened demand from renters unable to buy due to inaccessible mortgage rates. As such, this might give pause for thought to any landlords looking to sell up, with those who hold out a little longer likely to benefit from strong yields as the market gathers pace in the coming months.

However, other industry commentators believe that the year ahead will continue to be difficult for landlords, there is no clear consensus on what 2024 will bring, and this is understandably creating uncertainty among investors. As such, many are exploring alternative forms of investment, such as property bonds, which are increasingly being seen as the ‘new normal’ due to the instability of the buy-to-let market.

LANDLORD INVESTOR 73RD EDITION

The growth of BTR and officeto-residential conversions Given the hardships many buy-toleft landlords are currently facing, we expect to see far more discovering the benefits of property bonds this year.

In turn, this will help the build-to-rent [BTR] market to grow considerably.

While BTR units have become increasingly common across the UK in recent years, 2024 is set to be the year that this segment of the property market truly takes off. With green initiatives continuing to ramp up as calls for more environmentally friendly housing grow among tenants, BTR is set to play a pivotal role in securing the UK’s sustainable future.

On the subject of sustainability, another area of alternative investment likely to attract plenty of attention next year is the office-to-residential conversion market. With working from home having been normalised by the pandemic, and more than half of businesses planning to downsize their premises – according to the Institute of Chartered Accountants – vacancies on the office property market are on the rise. This presents a unique opportunity to address the nation’s housing shortage by converting disused office spaces for residential use. As such, investing in office conversions isn’t merely a sound investment, but a socially responsible one that represents a net positive for the economy, investors, and tenants alike.

Get in touch Clearly, 2024 looks set to be a very exciting year for the UK’s property market, throwing off the doom and gloom that 2023 has brought for investors.

With so many opportunities out there, however, we appreciate that understanding which investments are right for you and your needs can be challenging. At HJ Collection, we have been working within the property industry for years, gaining invaluable expertise, experience, and contacts in the process. This puts us in the perfect position to maximise the full potential of the property market, while ensuring that our clients receive the very best possible investment advice.

If you would like to discuss investment options with our team, please email info@hjcollection.co.uk or give us a call on 0207 117 2583.

Zoopla data suggests that rents will grow by 9% next year, amid heightened demand from renters unable to buy due to inaccessible mortgage rates. As such, this might give pause for thought to any landlords looking to sell up.

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INVESTM ENT | NOV Y Y

ASHISH SARAFF FOUNDER & CEO, NOVYY TECHNOLOGIES LTD

HIGHER FOR LONGER: HOW THE CURRENT INTEREST RATE REGIME CAN AFFECT THE PROPERTY MARKET IN 2024.

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LANDLORD INVESTOR 73RD EDITION

INVESTM ENT | NOV Y Y

I

n a recent exclusive interview with Ashish Saraff, the CEO of Novyy Technologies, he shared his insights on the state of the UK property market in the wake of significant interest rate hikes. A seasoned industry expert, Saraff voiced his worries about the mounting difficulties the real estate sector is expected to encounter in the upcoming year. "The property market has survived well over the last couple of years despite interest rate challenges, but the rates are scheduled to remain at the current levels for longer which put the market at risk" says Ashish Saraff.

The UK real estate market has performed exceedingly well for over ten years, enduring the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit, and constant political challenges. The average UK home has appreciated by more than a fifth since mid-2020 as a result of the recent spike in housing values. But the BoE's decision to raise interest rates by 0.50 percentage points twice this year— taking the rate to 5.25%, a level last seen prior to the 2008 financial crisis— is what really changes the course of this story. Citing the BoE's main justification for these strong actions, Saraff reiterated the worries of other experts, saying, "The central bank's decision is based on the fear of "skyrocketing inflation." In addition, they have not been timid about proposing more rate hikes. Markets expect that rates could go up to 6% next year."

The pressing question that now looms large is how these recent interest rate adjustments will impact the property market. The housing market is bound to experience repercussions when borrowing costs increase in tandem with increased interest rates. During our conversation, Saraff gave us insightful explanations of the intricacies of the current interest rate regime and its possible effects on real estate values in 2024. Will the current moves by the BoE turn out to be the turning point that causes property values to plummet?

As we approach 2024, the UK property market finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with economic uncertainties and the consequences of multiple interest rate hikes by the Bank of England (BoE). During our conversation with Ashish Saraff, we explored the evolving landscape and how it's affecting both current homeowners and prospective buyers. Here's what we've found out!

LANDLORD INVESTOR 73RD EDITION

Resilience Amidst Uncertainty The last few years have seen the UK real estate market shine like a beacon of resilience. The average price of a house in the UK increased from £213,000 in 2016 to £281,000 in 2022. This increase occurred despite events such as the Brexit vote in 2016, which many predicted would lower property values. A resilient housing market indeed, defying expectations through turmoil.

Indicators of Cooling But there are signs that the real estate market is cooling off; therefore, the atmosphere seems to be changing. House prices had a minor 0.1% decline in June and July, according to Halifax statistics, capping a 12-month run of increases.

Experts speculate that rather than being a passing anomaly, this might be the start of a pattern. Over the next two years, Capital Economics has projected a possible 5% reduction in UK house prices, with even more dire predictions pointing to a 15% decline. This however could be too pessimistic given the structural shortfall of housing in the country.

Rising Interest Rates Interest rates have been making headlines, with the BoE raising the base rate seven times since December, bringing it to 5.25%.

This adds to the burden on households already facing a cost of living issue. The recent rate increase is part of a global trend of increased interest rates, following the US Federal Reserve's similar efforts to rein in inflation.

The crucial question still stands: will the UK real estate market burst or will it just level off? Other regions of the world's housing markets are beginning to exhibit signs of fragility; slowdowns have already occurred in the US and Australia. But the UK is not about to experience a crash. The most likely scenario is a plateau in pricing.

The anticipation of future interest rate increases and a long-term commitment to homeownership are two important considerations when making the decision to enter the real estate market. If a property meets your needs and you can manage the repayments comfortably, the prospect of a market correction is unlikely to deter you.

Ashish Saraff added, as he always does, "As with any investment, consulting a professional is highly recommended. A mortgage expert can help you through the complicated process if you're worried

about how rate increases may affect your mortgage or if you're a first-time buyer unsure about affordability."

He further stated that "there are many different forecasts for the UK property market's future. Over the following two years, the Office for Budget Responsibility projects a 10% decline in home prices. A "soft landing," with modest price decreases through 2023 and little increase in 2024, is what others anticipate. Some worry that more increases in interest rates could soon cause home prices to drop even more sharply."

Although the future is unpredictable, most experts predict that by the end of 2024, home values will have decreased by roughly 10%, wiping off half of the profits gained by homeowners since the pandemic began. However, the rise in prices during the pandemic were driven largely by SDLT waiver and were not a fundamental price gain. A number of factors, including prospective interest rate reductions, could impact the likelihood of a rebound.

The Bank of England's base rate may rise even more, according to market projections, possibly reaching 5.5% by the end of 2024. This high, while less than the previous estimates of 6%, nevertheless illustrates the general feeling of uncertainty.

Examine the Mortgage Environment The average 2-year fixed-rate mortgage currently stands at 6.48%, indicating that mortgage rates have also been impacted.

Mortgage costs will increase if the BOE keeps raising rates, which will affect both present and potential homeowners.

During its meeting on December 14th, the Bank of England (BOE) declared a decision to maintain the rates at the existing 5.25%, consistent with the rates established in November. The voting pattern mirrored the previous month, with a 6-3 split. Notably, three members advocated for an increase in the bank rate by 0.25 percentage points, proposing an adjustment to 5.5%.

In Summary The UK real estate market is going through a time of instability and transition brought on by rising interest rates, inflation, and the careful balancing act between supply and demand. Even if forecasting the future is still difficult, homeowners and potential purchasers need to be alert and flexible in the face of these changing circumstances.

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I NVE STM E NT | M O RTGAG E S FO R B U S I N E S S

J E N I B R O W N E , S A L E S D I R E C TO R M O R TG AG E S F O R B U S I N E S S

NEW YEAR, NEW PROPERT Y INVESTMENT?

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LANDLORD INVESTOR 73RD EDITION

I NVE STM E NT | M O RTGAG E S FO R B U S I N E S S

Following a year of market changes, it's fair to say that landlords are overdue for a period of stability. With the new year approaching, what are your landlord peers planning for 2024, and how can you set yourself up for a year of prosperity?

J

ust this time last year, we were in the economic fallout of the mini-budget, scrambling to secure clients' mortgage rates and watching as pricing soared to unprecedented levels.

Seven Bank of England Base Rate (BBR) rises later, with the streak of increases finally over, we now expect mortgage interest rates to come down throughout the new year.

I'm always surprised by how landlords remain such a resilient group, but thankfully, this period of mortgage market madness has ended. Now, we can finally look ahead with a positive outlook. Perhaps it’s time to take inspiration from what your landlord peers have planned.

Landlords gearing up to invest in 2024 The current backdrop presents a unique opportunity for landlords, so many are preparing to expand their property portfolios in the new year.

The housing market is adjusting to higher mortgage interest rates through lower sales rather than a drop in prices, showing a positive outlook for 2024.

The reality is that higher mortgage rates mean many would-be home movers are staying put. As a result, house price growth has seen a rapid slowdown, from 9.2% last year to -1.1% now.

As well as lower house prices, Fleet Mortgages' latest Rental Barometer shows average yields for Q3 are now 6.9%, up from 6.3% in Q2 and 1% higher than last year. Some regions are performing exceptionally well, with landlords in the Northeast earning

LANDLORD INVESTOR 73RD EDITION

a whopping 9.1%. As the supply and demand barrier continues to drive up rents, landlords can earn a healthy profit to more than cover increased costs.

Furthermore, with BBR now stabilised, we're expecting mortgage interest rates to start to ease. Of course, rates never come down as quickly as they go up, however, industry experts expect the Base Rate to decrease as soon as summer next year, and October's inflation data has already seen 5-year SWAP rates drop to 4.1%.

So, house prices are lower, rental yields are rising, and mortgage rates are set to come down. This creates the perfect landscape for landlords to secure their next property investment.

Property portfolio review With this in mind, it's time to complete a property portfolio review, whether you're ready to invest again or just

simply looking to refinance your existing properties. For those of you on fixed rates, you can secure a new product up to six months in advance, taking advantage of today's low pricing and mitigating any unexpected changes in the market. Many lenders will let you switch to a cheaper product if one becomes available, so either way, you've got the added financial security.

If you're on a tracker, review whether you could save with a fixed rate.

Although now stable, the Base Rate has risen significantly over the year, so your mortgage repayments could be much higher than necessary.

It’s so important to make well-informed property finance decisions. I may be biased, but, speaking to an expert broker is the best way to set yourself up for a successful 2024. Landlords have had it tougher than most recently, but I'm confident that the new year heralds a positive, and profitable year for us all.

The housing market is adjusting to higher mortgage interest rates through lower sales rather than a drop in prices, showing a positive outlook for 2024. The reality is that higher mortgage rates mean many would-be home movers are staying put.

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CONTACT US www.caridongroup.co.uk 0203 307 0555 info@caridon.co.uk

THE CARIDON GROUP ABOUT US Caridon Group provides exceptional, end-to-end residential property solutions throughout the UK. We are focussed on delivering added value on investment and excellent service, while retaining a deep-rooted commitment to the communities we operate in. The Group is a unique, multidisciplinary, independent property specialist with the expertise and capability to deliver a diverse portfolio of services through our subsidiaries; Caridon Property, Caridon Young Living, Caridon Eco, Caridon Landlord Solutions and our not-for-profit arm, Caridon Foundation.

Founded in 2009 Caridon Group is a key leader in the UK residential property sector. We pride ourselves on offering an award-winning service to both landlords and tenants via our extensive rental and management services, guaranteed rent and acquisition. Our goal is to maximise return on investment, whilst helping to ease the housing crisis with bespoke, affordable, modern accommodation for those with challenging requirements. Our vast range of managed properties and socially responsible services come together within a growing investment portfolio.

OUR VISION

OUR MISSION

To challenge the conventional beliefs around what is possible in housing and be the leading provider of innovative, creative, full service home solutions

Breaking the mould in social housing, providing homes for people in real need.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN HOUSING

@CaridonProperty

I N S U R AN C E S P OTLIG HT | BC H / E N DS LEIG H

INSUR ANCE SPOTLIGHT

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LANDLORD INVESTOR 73RD EDITION

I N S U R AN C E S P OTLIG HT | BC H / E N DS LEIG H

Buildings Insurance Valuation, Reinstatement Valuation, Reinstatement Cost Assessment and Rebuild Valuation.

J

ust some of the names used to describe the process of calculating a building's Declared Value. This Declared Value is the cost to replace all structures within the property boundary. The main property, any attached structures, like carports and garages, any outbuildings such as sheds and summer houses, and all externals, such as hardstanding parking areas, paving and boundary markers such as walls.

The Declared Value forms the basis from which an insurance premium is calculated. Set too high, and you could be overpaying for your buildings insurance. Too low, and you might not be fully covered in the event of a claim.

Were you found to be underinsured following a loss, the insurer could apply a proportional settlement to your claim. For example, if you insured your tenanted property for £200,000 and experienced a loss totalling £100,000 and the properties Reinstatement Value should have been £300,000, you will be underinsured by 50%. This means that the insurer would only be responsible to cover 50% of the claim, leaving you with a £50,000 short fall that you would be responsible for funding to reinstate the property to the condition it was in prior to the loss occurring.

Compounding economic factors have seen insurance premiums rise, alongside significant increases to the cost of construction. Labour market and supply chain issues have driven constructions costs up, increasing the risk that an existing buildings Declared Value is inaccurate.

LANDLORD INVESTOR 73RD EDITION

BCH have been a specialist Reinstatement Valuation provider since 2006. A preferred supplier to many of the UKs leading Insurers and Insurance Brokers, BCH are RICS regulated and a CIOB Chartered Building Consultancy, BCH conduct Reinstatement Valuations on buildings ranging from small single bedroom houses to large mixed-use developments.

Partnering with BCH, Endsleigh can offer their customers BCH Reinstatement Valuations at a discounted price.

“Endsleigh Insurance want to ensure they are providing property owners and not-for-profit organisations with the most comprehensive insurance available to adequately protect their buildings and businesses. As such, we have partnered with BCH to offer discounted Benchmark e-Valuations to all our customers. We are taking as many steps as we can to offer the best protection to landlords, an accurate buildings valuation is the first step to provide the best cover,” said Tom Stead Head of Renewals and Servicing.

To further discuss your landlord building insurance requirements please contact Endsleigh Insurance on 0333 234 1447. For more information from BCH regarding accurate Reinstatement Valuations, please call 01455 293510 or email on info@bch.uk.com.

BCH Benchmark eValuations are suitable for single buildings with a listing no greater than Grade II and a Current Sum Insured of £2m for individual houses and £5m for commercial buildings including blocks of flats.

A preferred supplier to many of the UKs leading Insurers and Insurance Brokers, BCH are RICS regulated and a CIOB Chartered Building Consultancy, BCH conduct Reinstatement Valuations on buildings ranging from small single bedroom houses to large mixed-use developments.

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Do you need a rebuild valuation for your buildings insurance?

A Reinstatement Value is what it would cost to entirely replace your property in a total loss scenario. This figure forms the basis from which your insurance premium is calculated.

Without an accurate Reinstatement Valuation, your entire buildings insurance may be inaccurate. Set it too high and you could be overpaying on your insurance premium. Too low and your insurer may not fully cover the cost of a claim in the event of a loss.

How we can help BCH have been supporting landlords to accurately insure their investment properties since 2006. RICS regulated, BCH are experts in this field.

Getting a valuation needn’t be costly or time-consuming; our remote solution, Benchmark by BCH is an eValuation service that promptly and accurately provides a Reinstatement Valuation.

Get your eValuation today Only £125 + VAT To instruct a Benchmark eValuation of a property today, simply scan the QR code or visit bch.uk.com.

Benchmark by BCH is suitable for single buildings with a maximum current sum insured of £5m and a maximum listing of Grade II. For all instructions outside these parameters we recommend an attended Reinstatement Cost Assessment.

We'd like to say thank you to all our readers.

Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for our 2024 events.

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Find us on...

LANDLORD INVESTOR 73RD EDITION

Lay the foundations for your next property investment. propertydata.co.uk

S T R AT E G I C S P O T L I G H T | T I T L E S P L I T. C O M

S T R AT E G I C S P O T L I G H T

TTITLESPLIT.COM

Rachel Knight, Property Developer since 2005, and Title Splitting Expert.

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LANDLORD INVESTOR 73RD EDITION

S T R AT E G I C S P O T L I G H T | T I T L E S P L I T. C O M

Unleash an Impressive 25-35% Capital Uplift!

L

ooking to add 25-35% capital uplift to your property deals?

Want to implement an HMO in an article 4 area? The opportunity you’re seeking might already be within your reach!!!

Whether you’re a seasoned Landlord, a Professional Investor, or a Property Developer looking to create serious cash flow and equity, TitleSplit.com is your key to unlocking unparalleled potential in the property market as it stands today.

Why is Title Splitting so profitable?

1. You generate high cash-flow, just like an HMO, from multiple tenants in the same building. All tenants live in 2 bed apartments.

2. You create individually saleable units

by Title Splitting.

3. You have the option for tenants to pay their own bills, saving you money.

4. Large HMO’s and Freehold Blocks are valued commercially. Individual Leasehold apartments are valued either commercially or as bricks and mortar.

This is the Split Value. In many instances this is worth 25-35% of additional equity.

Would you like that additional equity?

5. Title Split units (Split Value) then grow in line with capital growth. Easy when you know how!

6. It’s hard to cash flow single lets due to mortgage interest rate rises. It’s easy to cash flow Title Splits because we can keep some and sell some to lower LTV. 7. You can buy one unit and create many units in one go. This grows your cash flow and equity position faster.

8. This strategy is perfect for holiday lets.

Why has this strategy been underutilised for decades?

Everyone can Title Split when they sell units off plan, however very few property investors landlords, developers and solicitors know how to Title Split to increase capital growth during ownership. We are the market leaders and specialists in this lucrative, game-changing strategy. You can either wait until everyone else takes advantage of this amazing opportunity to lower portfolio LTV’s and increase capital growth by Title Splitting blocks, or alternatively you can be a thought leader and help us change the game in this strategy. Are you ready to adopt a much higher capital growth position in your portfolio whilst maintaining your cash flow and over achieving your objectives?

If so, contact TiteSplit.com.

Who is TitleSplit.com?

Rachel Knight, Property Developer since 2005, and Title Splitting Expert, has been proving that Title Splits make huge profit for portfolio landlords, since 2017. Today, Rachel shares her knowledge and skills with fellow property investors, simplifying this strategy and supporting clients, step by step.

TitleSplit.com was formed so that other developers can learn how to diversify their portfolios, increasing capital asset strategies as well as current cash flow strategies.

Rachel Knight, Property Developer since 2005, and Title Splitting Expert, has been proving that Title Splits make huge profit for portfolio landlords, since 2017. Today, Rachel shares her knowledge and skills with fellow property investors, simplifying this strategy and supporting clients, step by step.

PLEASE NOTE: The National Landlord Investment Show, LIS Media and Landlord Investor Magazine are content aggregators only. The views and opinions expressed by our authors, exhibitors and third-party contributors are not our own and do not constitute investment advice. We do not undertake to advise individuals or organisations upon investment strategy. Buying Investments can involve risk. The value of your Investments and the income from them can go down as well as up and is not guaranteed at any time. You may not get back the full amount you invested. Information on past performance is not a reliable indicator for future performance. All investments should be approached with caution under professional guidance.

LANDLORD INVESTOR 73RD EDITION

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D E VE LO P E R S P OTLIG HT | TH E S D D E S M ITH G RO U P

DEVELOPER SPOTLIGHT

THE SDDE SMITH GROUP 34

LANDLORD INVESTOR 73RD EDITION

D E VE LO P E R S P OTLIG HT | TH E S D D E S M ITH G RO U P

The SDDE Smith Group soars as the 5th Fastest Growing Company in the North East in 2023.

I

n an impressive feat of entrepreneurial excellence, The SDDE Smith Group has been recognised as the 5th fastestgrowing company in the North East in 2023, by the UK Fast Growth 50 Index. At the forefront of this success is Host & Stay, the leading brand within the group, boasting a portfolio of 1,000 properties and an all-encompassing holiday home and serviced accommodation property management service.

Host & Stay's journey began in December 2018, with just nine holiday homes, they now manage over 1,000 properties across the UK. This is a reflection of the leadership of Dale Smith, the CEO of The SDDE Smith Group, and the dedicated workforce that makes up the Host & Stay brand. The brand's end-toend holiday property management service has revolutionised the holiday home sector, with an industry leading 10% + VAT management fee, Host & Stay provide clients with a seamless experience from property acquisition to bookings, housekeeping and maintenance, interior design, and more.

The recent expansion into Liverpool, following the strategic acquisition of Host So Simple, added 150 holiday lets to Host & Stay's impressive portfolio. This move not only widened their geographical reach but also solidified their unrivalled client service in a new city.

Additionally, the acquisition of Blue Fox Rentals facilitated Host & Stay's expansion into Kent, marking another milestone in the group's growth trajectory.

Another standout entity within The SDDE Smith Group, Resicentral. As part of the group, it is set to reshape and revolutionise Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and Multi-Dwelling Units (MDU).

Resicentral streamlines operations

LANDLORD INVESTOR 73RD EDITION

for building owners, operators, and asset managers by providing a comprehensive suite of features, including energy management, SMART automation, security, access control, and video entry.

The platform not only enhances efficiency and convenience, but also prioritises sustainability, safety, and social well-being.

Resicentral's commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles sets it apart, with initiatives such as tree planting for carbon offsetting and support for renewable energy integration. Its success lies not just in cutting-edge technology but in a holistic approach that aligns with the values of users, investors, and industry stakeholders. With ongoing projects in London and Manchester, Resicentral is already reshaping the landscape of property technology.

Dale Smith, the driving force behind the group's success, expressed his delight at being awarded the 5th fastest growing company in the North East. In a statement, he said, "We are honoured to receive this recognition, and it's a testament to

the dedication and hard work of our talented team. As we celebrate this achievement, we are gearing up for the new year with a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation."

Smith further emphasised the group's ambitious goals, stating, "Looking ahead, our focus remains on driving the business forward. We are actively implementing changes and initiatives to propel us towards our target of managing 5000 holiday homes by 2025. The new year brings new opportunities, and we are excited to embrace them as we continue to push boundaries and create better places to live, work, and stay."

The SDDE Smith Group's strategic acquisitions, innovative services, and commitment to excellence have positioned it as a beacon of success in the North East. As they celebrate the success of being the 5th fastestgrowing company, the group's trajectory suggests that this is just the beginning of a journey marked by sustained growth, innovation, and a commitment to their clients and communities.

The recent expansion into Liverpool, following the strategic acquisition of Host So Simple, added 150 holiday lets to Host & Stay's impressive portfolio. This move not only widened their geographical reach but also solidified their unrivalled client service in a new city.

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Statements and opinions expressed in articles, reviews and other materials herein are those of the authors and not the editors and publishers of LI Magazine. The content of this publication does not under any circumstances constitute investment or legal advice.

While every care has been taken in the compilation of this publication and every attempt made to present up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. LIS Media, Tenants History Limited and our contributors will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any information within these pages or any information accessed through the promoted links. Published by LIS Media, 27 Stafford Road, Croydon CR0 4NG.

www.landlordinvestmentshow.co.uk

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