The volume of people wanting valuations this year has risen compared to early 2009. This can only be a positive sign that the housing market is beginning to move in the right direction.

Although the First Time Buyer may still need a helping hand with a deposit, the future is improving for them as many lenders are now bringing back products that can be tailored around the customer, making borrowing more affordable.

Read the full article on the RICS website

According to FindaProperty.com’s latest Rental Index, the rental market is dividing in two - the monthly changes in asking rents of flats and houses are starting to differ increasingly.

Nigel Lewis of Findaproperty.com, commented: ‘The consistent demand for flats is largely from those at the lower end of the sales market, who are unable to take that first step onto the property ladder, so continue to rent. While affordability for first-time buyers has improved slightly, the deposit required remains a significant sum and an obstacle for many hoping to move from the rental market.’

He went on to say that, in contrast, ‘many people renting houses have saved a deposit, riding out the recession, and are now buying, as houses have become more affordable and lenders have eased restrictions slightly’.

Andrew Sainsbury, Director at Go Property Services, commented that FindaProporperty.com’s Rental Index reflected the current lettings market in Leeds, with a higher demand currently being seen for flats, which we expect to see continue in the short term.

Click here to view full details of FindaProperty.com's Rental index

Do you dread all the administration involved in moving property? You call the utility companies only to be put on hold for 5 minutes whilst you’re put through to the wrong department. GO Lettings have teamed up with Money Angels to make this process quick and stress free for both tenants and landlords. Money Angels are a one stop shop for registering a new occupier of a property for gas, electric, water, and council tax. They can even set up broadband, home phone and digital TV, and find the cheapest suppliers for each. One short form and they take care of the rest.

Visit the MONEY ANGELS website for more information.

Lettings Agents are required to register all tenant's deposits with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.  This offers protection to tenants and prevents landlords from using the money however they see fit. There are potential costs to landlords if agents abuse the system.

Read the full article at Estate Agency Today

GO Lettings registers all their tenant’s deposits with The Dispute Service and we currently have no unresolved disputes!

Would you believe that an outdoor toilet can add value to a property?  Apparently if it is well maintained, and partnered by an indoor version, it can make your house more valuable than your neighbour’s…

Could be the next big craze - don't bother with a conservatory or loft conversion, just add an outdoor loo!

Read the full article on The Guardian website

Long term private renting is set to make a comeback among young adults as homeowners are looking to sell up and rent instead.  This information is from a survey by unbiased.co.uk.  The article looks at various scenarios and there are some quite heated comments at the bottom – well worth the read just to see what people think of tenants, landlords, and letting agents!

Just to let you know, GO Lettings is a member of ARLA as well as other governing bodies including The Property Ombudsman and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.

Read the full article and comments on The Guardian website

“Tenant defaults could soar over the next year amid reports that up to one million households have borrowed money on a credit card to pay their mortgage or rent over the past year…”

Read the full article on WiltshireBusinessOnline.co.uk

We offer Rental Guarantee insurance for our landlords to help soften the blow in these instances - more information can be found on our Landlord Information page.

The new government sponsored scrappage scheme that gives households in England £400 off the cost of a new boiler has now been launched and is open to landlords.

The boiler scrappage scheme was announced in the pre-Budget report in December and according to the government it will help households cut energy bills, reduce CO2 emissions and help support industry jobs. It is claimed that over 100,000 homes in England could benefit from the scheme.

There are about 3.5 million homes in England with working G rated boiler that may qualify for the scheme. Clients that have older boilers in their properties should contact us if they believe their boiler may qualify for the scrappage scheme and we can contact the Gas Safe installers that we work with who can provide quotations to replace if required.

For more details see the attached link http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8440557.stm

After several months and some very overly complicated legalities, several large unexpected bills, a wild goose chase trying to do our bit for the environment, and a frantic time getting our IT connected up - thanks Virgin Media, we'll recommend you to everyone, honest  - we've finally moved in to our new home.

2B - 4B Hucknall Road in Nottingham is our new address and you can't miss us if you're driving past. We're at the city end of Hucknall Road, next to the Nat West Bank as you turn off the Mansfield Road.

There's still work to be done, but nothing that's going to get in the way for the start of the new decade. Our thanks go out to our team of workmen who have grafted to get us moved in before Christmas; Dani in our office who has measured, planned, and generally made the move go ahead last weekend; and Jackie Pabla at Yates & Co who soldiered through the legal minefield to complete the purchase. Thanks do not go to Virgin Media who couldn't organise the proverbial and The Carbon Trust who led us on a merry dance and then didn't come up with a penny.

Cheers Everybody, here's to a prosperous 2010.