The Inside Edge receives a make-over!

Those of you who are regular readers will notice a big change in our design today as we’ve re-branded The Inside Edge property blog to match our corporate website design over at www.thebigpropertylist.co.uk

Things may continue to move a round a bit as we take off the bubble wrap and play with it and your comments and feedback are most welcome.

The main site will launch very soon now and this is the last stage before we release the property search and property upload features. Many of the links won’t work until the rest of the site is live so please be patient!

For those of you who are a bit techy, we are using the latest version of WordPress (3.0) which in our opinion is the ultimate blogging platform and allows us to use cool features like dynamic menus that make our lives easier – horaah!

 
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North-west faces possible hosepipe ban

BBC news this week reported that one water company, United Utilities, is already contemplating a hosepipe ban after ‘an unprecedented period of dry weather since December 2009′.

The company, which covers north-west england, said that unless there is significant rainfall before the end of the month then a hosepipe ban will be necessary to conserve supplies.

Spokesman for United Utilities, said: “It’s been an unprecedented period of dry weather since December 2009, and we need to take action now so we can tap into available water resources if the dry weather continues.”

Gardeners in Wales, South West and Central England will be watching the skies no doubt as, according to the Environment Agency, there is also a risk to the environment if below average rainfall and hot, dry conditions continue and hosepipe bans may be implemented in these areas.

For the rest of England, the risk of drought remains low, but this could change if the weather remains dry.

There are currently no hosepipe and sprinker bans in place in the UK.

Sources: Hosepipe ban UK, Environment Agency

 
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2010 Budget Implications for UK property

The UK government today announced their 2010 emergency budget to the house of commons and it makes significant changes to the taxation concerning income and capital gains from property.

The Headlines:
- Income tax threshold raised by £1000 to £7475
- UK Economy growth forecasts reduced to 1.2 percent this year and 2.3% in 2011
- Capital Gains tax raised from 18% to 28% for higher rate income tax payers from midnight tonight
- Capital Gains Tax remains at 18% for low and middle-income savers
- Council Tax frozen for 12 months from April 2011
- Corporation tax to be cut progressively over the next few years
- VAT to rise from 17.5% to 20% from January2011

The rise in Capital Gains Tax (CGT) was expected by most to rise to the same level as income tax (40% for higher rate) – so this announcement will not come as a shock but maybe some small relief to those expecting a greater hike. Lower income bracket earners wil be relieved that the tax payable on the sale of property (other than a principle dwelling) will remain at 18%

Private landlords will also, no doubt, be calculating the impact on the rental sector that the changes to income tax and housing allowance may produce.

The effect on inflation, trade and unemployment will also have a bearing on inflation, affordability and access to finance – all of which will have a bearing on house prices over the next two years.

Have your say, leave your comments below.

Sources: BBC, Reuters, Sky News

 
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