The government’s promised roll-out of Gigabit broadband is underway…

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The lack of a good internet service today – a good copper wire service, or preferably fibre and right up to gigabit fibre connectivity – means that the value of a property or a location is negatively affected.

Last year, the government said that at the present rate of roll-out around 10% of UK premises, largely in rural and remote areas, would be unlikely to receive gigabit-capable connections commercially by 2033.

To tackle this problem and as part of its election promises the government said it will make sure that rural areas are not disadvantaged in the race for full fibre broadband. The “Rural Gigabit Connectivity” programme is designed to tackle this problem and the first steps of this approach are already starting.

By deploying ultra-fast fibre broadband at scale, local businesses will be able to optimise their outputs and remain competitive amongst their counterparts in today’s digital landscape, as well as maintaining business continuity and resilience.

One company that’s heavily involved in the broadband connectivity roll-out is Glide, specialists in delivering super-fast and reliable solutions for students, residential developers and businesses, three sectors were the need is greatest.

Where companies are in need of enhanced internet service provision, Glide will apply for government funding to offset the cost of installation. One example is Glide’s announcement last week that it is providing gigabit fibre connectivity to two business parks in Rainham, Essex. The work will be conducted as part of the new project under the Rural Gigabit Connectivity (RGC) Programme.

Glide has already been active in Essex, providing both copper and fibre services. The company says its philosophy of “bringing ultrafast, reliable broadband to underserved markets makes this the perfect opportunity to connect local businesses with multi-site infrastructure and high capacity circuits with the Glide National Network.”

By deploying ultra-fast fibre broadband at scale businesses are enabled to remain competitive in today’s digital landscape. It means that rural businesses can move faster and deliver services through channels that were previously inaccessible, ultimately boosting local economies.

Glide forecast that the dependency on fast, reliable, pervasive and high-speed Wi-Fi will only increase as businesses require higher bandwidth. Forecasts indicate that 8K streaming will become mainstream by 2023 and with more and more applications moving to the cloud, bandwidth requirements for companies, particularly in creative and media industries, are set to increase significantly.

Glide’s CTO, Richard Jeffares, commented:

“Implemented correctly, this level of fibre connectivity has the ability to help rural businesses eliminate previously unreliable broadband networks, with increased productivity, security and resilience at the very heart of these efforts. Companies that have previously struggled to remain connected due to their geo-location have the power to assess their current approach to connectivity and utilise modern fibre networks to keep operating effectively, both now and in the future.“

Glide says its national network has grown significantly over the last few years as the company continues to “do the complex things that the giants cannot, operating in areas that are difficult to access and difficult to service while enabling devices, buildings and cities to become smarter.” The network is expanding as the company invests heavily, tripling the size and delivering a 10x speed boost to key exchanges, which means more connectivity in more locations.

©1999 – Present | Parkmatic Publications Ltd. All rights reserved | LandlordZONE® – The government’s promised roll-out of Gigabit broadband is underway… | LandlordZONE.

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NRLA signs historic deal with Scots landlords’ association

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Landlords with properties in England, Wales and Scotland can now get cheaper joint membership of associations both north and south of the border.

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) and Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) are partnering up to let these landlords pay a small top-up fee to become members of both organisations.

NRLA chief executive Ben Beadle says that while the housing framework is very different across the UK, all landlords face increasing challenges as they get to grips with mounting regulation – no matter where they operate.

“We are very much better together to ensure the needs of landlords are properly taken into account,” says Beadle.

“The NRLA represents and advises landlords in England and Wales, but it’s clear that with such different legislative landscapes, landlords with properties in Scotland need specialist support.”

SAL chief executive John Blackwood adds: “In these difficult times, now more than ever before, landlords throughout the United Kingdom need to work together to ensure that our voice is heard.

“Our partnership with the NRLA is great news for every landlord operating across Scotland, England and Wales looking for support in their letting business.”

Landlords who become a joint member of SAL and NRLA will be able to access a wider range of specialist services for a lower membership fee. For full details of the scheme and fees visit: www.nrla.org.uk/join/sal or scottishlandlords.com/join-us/

©1999 – Present | Parkmatic Publications Ltd. All rights reserved | LandlordZONE® – NRLA signs historic deal with Scots landlords’ association | LandlordZONE.

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Tenant demand is highest for homes that come unfurnished

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The latest research by Howsy, has revealed that across the UK’s major cities, tenant demand is highest for homes that come unfurnished.

Howsy compared the level of stock already snapped up by tenants as a proportion of all stock listed to see which was most in-demand when it came to furnishings and whether it’s worthwhile for landlords to kit out their property before putting it on the market.

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CEO of ROSICNA Mortgages?

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Has anyone details of the CEO of ROSICNA Mortgages ( bought MX mortgage book).

I have checked companies House no listing for this role.

Many thanks James

Editors note from Rosinca about us page >>

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More details of Green Homes Grant scheme revealed

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The government has finally revealed more details of its Green Homes Grant scheme, which will give landlords and home owners significant public funds to improve their properties.

Announced on 9^th July by Chancellor Rishi Sunak, the £2 billion scheme will fund up to two-thirds of the cost of home improvements for some 600,000 properties with a cap of £5,000.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has now revealed how the scheme will work, and what sort of improvements are included within it.

It says tradespeople must register for TrustMark accreditation to take part in the scheme, which will cover green home improvements ranging from insulation of walls, floors and roofs, to the installation of low-carbon heating, like heat pumps or solar thermal.

MHCLG says these measures could help landlords save up to £600 a year on their energy bills.

Households on low income will receive vouchers covering 100% of the cost of the improvements, up to a maximum of £10,000.

“Green home improvements will save people money on their energy bills, help to cut carbon emissions, and create new work for many thousands of builders, plumbers and other tradespeople,” says Business and Energy Secretary Rt Hon Alok Sharma.

“Our TrustMark scheme will guarantee that building work is completed to a high standard by accredited tradespeople, ensuring consumers are fully protected.”

The scheme has its critics. Generation Rent says: “Landlords have been allowed to get away with letting out poorly insulated homes and as a result too many private renters cannot afford to heat their homes properly.

“The Green Homes Grant is a huge opportunity to rectify this, but nothing will happen unless the government makes it easy for renters to benefit and tells them about it.

“If renters are shut out of the process we’ll miss this chance to improve the quality of rented homes and reduce renters’ bills.”

The MHCLG announcement was made today within details of a new £1.3 billion infrastructure scheme to build 45,000 homes and create up to 85,000 jobs including for ‘shovel ready’ schemes and new homes on brownfield sites.

©1999 – Present | Parkmatic Publications Ltd. All rights reserved | LandlordZONE® – More details of Green Homes Grant scheme revealed | LandlordZONE.

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Student landlords: Don’t write off this year yet… as market enjoys last minute surge

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The student accommodation market is still a mixed picture following dire warnings earlier this summer that students might not sign tenancy agreements next term.

Many landlords feared youngsters would spurn their accommodation due to coronavirus, but student accommodation search engine accommodationforstudents.com reports a late surge of those looking for homes, with 25% more online searches in June versus the same month last year, and searches up 12% in July compared with the previous year.

It also reports that 24% of its searches have been made by international students so far this year, compared with 28% last year.

Director Simon Thompson says there’s been a rush of activity in the last six weeks. “Students are now eagerly making plans to return to university,” he says.

“Although it’s likely that more lectures will be carried out virtually, students still want to maintain that freedom and sense of independence they get from living away from home and would prefer to be living with friends as opposed to their parents and siblings.”

However, Owen Cosslett, lettings manager at Oak Student Letts in Nottingham, tells LandlordZONE that some sectors of the market are struggling, particularly the high-end studios favoured by international students.

“They rely on these students who don’t want a shared experience – but many are vacant and will need to drop their prices quickly,” he says.

His office expects to see increased movement through clearing when universities look set to accept more domestic students, to make up for any downturn in international admissions.

Adds Cosslett: “A lot of people have written off this year but I’m hopeful that it’s just a blip and that next year we’ll be back to near normal. As purpose-built providers are being hit harder it’s possible that they might decide to reduce rents next year, then everybody else will have to adjust theirs – but it’s unlikely.”

Read more about student accommodation.

©1999 – Present | Parkmatic Publications Ltd. All rights reserved | LandlordZONE® – Student landlords: Don’t write off this year yet… as market enjoys last minute surge | LandlordZONE.

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Another licensing scheme delayed ‘due to Covid’

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Weymouth’s proposed selective licensing scheme has fallen victim to COVID-19 and still hasn’t been approved more than a year after its public consultation ended.

More than 500 people had commented on the seaside town’s proposals by the end of last April and since then, Dorset Council has held meetings with the police, landlords and agents, but admits that dealing with the pandemic has held things up.

The scheme, planned for part of the Melcombe Regis ward, would cover more than 900 properties and cost up to £625 for a five-year licence; it’s in the 10% most deprived neighbourhoods in the country, with 46% of properties privately let.

The council hopes licensing would raise management standards there and ensure proper tenancy arrangements are in place, while tackling anti-social behaviour and deprivation. Its consultation revealed that 60% of people thought that the scheme would positively improve the area.

Councillor Jon Orrell says: “It is frustrating that progress has stalled. Good standards of housing are key to improving the lives of many people. Now the council reorganisation is settled and coronavirus has temporarily abated the Melcombe board is due to resume with a new chairman. I hope to see improvements in the most deprived streets of Dorset.”

The council received representations from the Weymouth Landlords Association, Dorset Police and the National Residential Landlords Association. A spokesman adds: “We have also considered alternatives such as targeted enforcement of rental properties, improving relationships with landlords and agents and by providing training.”

Its executive advisory panel is set to meet on Wednesday when it’s due to recommend the next step.

Read more about selective licensing.

©1999 – Present | Parkmatic Publications Ltd. All rights reserved | LandlordZONE® – Another licensing scheme delayed ‘due to Covid’ | LandlordZONE.

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LATEST: Liverpool reveals latest licensing plans after rejection

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Liverpool City Council has opened its politically-sensitive consultation on a new Selective Licensing scheme for 16 wards within northern and western parts of the city, half the number its previous city-wide scheme covered.

The revised scheme will run for five years from 2021 and will cost landlords between £300 and £570 per property depending on whether they take up an early bird offer and which type of licence they choose.

Landlords have until 26^th October to have their views heard alongside those of letting agents, industry associations, residents and resident’s groups, private tenants, charities, advice agencies, registered housing providers, councillors and businesses.

The new scheme is the latest salvo from the council in its ongoing battle with Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick to re-introduce selective licensing for rented properties.

In January Jenrick rejected its bid to renew the council’s existing city-wide scheme, citing insufficient evidence of low demand for homes within the city.

Liverpool City Council then said it planned to launch a judicial review of the decision but this was shelved in favour of a new application. After the consultation ends, the council will make a fresh application to government in December.

“This will cover council wards where there are high levels of private sector rented properties, and acute problems with complaints and hazards,” the council says.

“Owners will be required to licence their properties and comply with conditions. By doing this we can tackle poor management and condition of properties. There are several options for this. Views are welcome on these alongside proposed fees and draft licence conditions.”

Read the consultation documents in full.

©1999 – Present | Parkmatic Publications Ltd. All rights reserved | LandlordZONE® – LATEST: Liverpool reveals latest licensing plans after rejection | LandlordZONE.

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BREAKING: People can move home within North West lockdown, government confirms

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The government has updated its guidance on the regional lockdown in the North West today to clarify that people can continue to move home.

This will be a huge relief for landlords and letting agents in the affected areas, as many other activities have been curtailed.

This includes a ban on visiting gyms and swimming pools and restrictions on weddings, funerals, travelling by car, visiting friends at home, going on holiday and visiting people in care homes.

A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said the guidance update has been included following questions from those working within the housing market following the regional lockdown, which includes Greater Manchester, five areas of Lancashire (Blackburn (pictured), Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle and Rossendale) as well as three areas of West Yorkshire (Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees).

This new lockdown, which was announced over the weekend following spikes in Covid infections within these areas, enables both sales and letting agents to go about their business along with removals firms.

Also, landlords and their contractors can continue to attend to repair and maintenance issues at properties, and those planning to move home can still attend viewings.

Two other regional lockdowns have been implemented so far. These are in Luton, which ended on 1st August, and in Leicester, where restrictions continue albeit in a smaller area.

Read the guidance in full.

©1999 – Present | Parkmatic Publications Ltd. All rights reserved | LandlordZONE® – BREAKING: People can move home within North West lockdown, government confirms | LandlordZONE.

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Tenant demanding deposit back unfairly?

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We have a prospective tenant that failed the referencing due to a CCJ they apparently didn’t know about (we refunded their holding deposit). We liked them and tried to work with them and offer an olive branch through them finding a suitable guarantor.

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