The Property Nomads Podcast

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 instal...

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 y...

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 th...

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...

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...

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 certa...

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 suppl...

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 sp...

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 re...

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 ea...

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 u...

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...

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.  KE...

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...

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....

Rob delves into the topic of leasehold properties and whether leasehold is a dying concept in the real estate market. He talks about the issues surrounding leasehold properties, such as escalating service charges, ground rent fees, and unscrupulous developer practices, emphasising the importance of thorough research and due diligence when considering purchasing a leasehold property, and highlighti...

Rob looks into the topic of garage conversions and whether or not planning permission is required for such projects. He explains the concept of integral garages and how they are integrated into the dwelling, and highlights the importance of checking with local councils, planning consultants, and architects to determine if planning permission is needed based on factors like covenants, Article 4 res...

Rob discusses recent proposals by the SNP in Scotland that could potentially impact landlords and tenants. He delves into the idea of giving tenants the legal right to keep pets and redecorate their rented homes, however, he strongly criticises the SNP's plan to ban landlords from hiking rents, citing historical evidence and economic principles that suggest such interventions are ineffective.  KEY...

Rob discusses the return of 99% loan-to-value mortgages, specifically focusing on a fee-free deal offered by Yorkshire Building Society for first-time buyers. While this may seem like a great opportunity, Rob stresses the importance of understanding the potential risks and economic factors involved in high loan-to-value mortgages.  KEY TAKEAWAYS 99% loan-to-value mortgages are back, but it's cruci...

Rob delves into the topic of solar panel installations and explores why 16% of homeowners with solar panels claim that the technology isn't saving them money on their energy bills. He highlights key factors to consider when installing solar panels, such as roof space, compass position, shading, equipment placement, cabling, and living habits, emphasising the importance of proper installation and u...

Rob discusses the impact of the Tory planning reforms in the UK housing market. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has removed mandatory house building targets and reduced the land supply councils need to allocate for housing. This has led to a decrease in planning permissions and an increase in rejected applications, ultimately exacerbating the housing crisis. The episode highlights th...

Rob discusses the council cladding chaos in the countryside, highlighting the challenges faced in balancing heritage and sustainability in property development. He focuses on a case study of a homeowner in Wiltshire who was ordered to remove £32,000 worth of cladding due to its unsympathetic appearance in a conservation area. The homeowner had installed the cladding to combat black mold and improv...

Rob discusses the government's plans to double council tax for empty homes in an effort to bring more properties into use and address housing shortages. The Department for Levelling Up is proposing to reduce the time before charging double council tax from two years to one year for empty properties. However, inherited properties will be exempt from this increase for up to 12 months to support grie...

Rob discusses the impact of government policies on the cost of boilers and heat pumps for homeowners, landlords, and tenants. The government's Clean Heat Market Mechanism, aimed at promoting heat pumps and reducing carbon emissions, has led to fines for boiler manufacturers if heat pump installation targets are not met. In response, boiler companies have increased their prices, passing on the cost...

Roib discusses the cavity wall insulation claims scandal that has been affecting homeowners, particularly in Halifax. The episode delves into how unscrupulous companies have taken advantage of government incentives for cavity wall insulation, leading to poorly done installations and negative impacts on homes. Rob highlights the importance of doing thorough research before agreeing to any cavity wa...