If there’s one area of the economy that has defied the effect of the coronavirus pandemic, it’s property.
And despite the UK this week entering another lockdown, the housing market remains buoyant and open for business.
Housing market rules during lockdown
The new restrictions confirmed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on January 4 are likely to remain in place until at least the middle of February.
During that time:
- Estate agents can still operate
- Property purchases and sales can continue to go through
- Property viewings can take place with social distancing and hygiene measures in place
- Tradespeople and removals firms can still operate inside homes with safety measures in place
The property market vs Covid-19
When it comes to just how well the property market has stood up against the coronavirus and all the economic upheaval it’s caused, the proof really is in the statistics:
- Property prices grew 7.3% in 2020, according to Nationwide
- More than 100,000 mortgage applications were approved in November – the highest number since 2007
- More than 715,000 mortgages were approved between January and November of 2020 – despite the housing market being shut between the end of March and the middle of May
- Rightmove estimates there are currently 650,000 property transactions going through nationally during the first quarter of 2021
- The property portal also predicts property price growth of 4% in 2021 – which would mean a 10% rise in two years, despite the pandemic
With that kind of projected growth on the horizon, now is a great time to invest in property.
Why is now a great time to invest?
Because:
- Savings of up to £15,000 can be made thanks to the stamp duty holiday, which is scheduled to end in March – but you’ll need to move quickly to beat the deadline
- Interest rates remain at a record low 0.1%, meaning borrowing is hugely affordable for property investors
What investors can save in stamp duty
Landlords and buyers of second homes pay a 3% stamp duty surcharge on top of standard residential property rates.
However, until March 31, the first £500,000 of any property’s purchase price in England is exempt from stamp duty.
That means investors will pay only the 3% surcharge on that amount, which could mean savings of up to £15,000.
Here’s what you could save compared with the previous stamp duty rates:
Purchase price |
Old stamp duty bill |
New stamp duty bill |
Saving |
£200,000 |
£7,500 |
£6,000 |
£1,500 |
£300,000 |
£14,000 |
£9,000 |
£5,000 |
£400,000 |
£22,000 |
£12,000 |
£10,000 |
£500,000 |
£30,000 |
£15,000 |
£15,000 |
Stamp duty rates are set to revert to pre-Covid levels from April 1, so the race is on if you’re keen to invest and want to make those kinds of savings.
Why HMOs?
The demand for good quality, affordable rental homes is here to stay as we move towards a life post-pandemic.
And as renters’ priorities shift in the wake of Covid-19, shared living Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are once again coming to the fore as the perfect solution to:
- Combatting feelings of isolation sparked by lockdowns and restrictions
- Finding good quality, affordable and sociable living accommodation
For investors, HMOs can provide incredibly lucrative returns, too.
Just look at our Franchise Partners, who earn, on average, between £50,000 and £150,000 a year from their HMO investments.
Find out more…
The demand for quality shared living is growing and our Franchise Partners are generating those incredible returns, as well as providing amazing homes for brilliant working people.
HMOs are complex, but by investing through a franchise, you can lower your risk and maximise your return on investment.
Want to know more?
Join us for a Discovery Webinar and we’ll explain how HMO investment with Platinum could change your life…
