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UK Housing Market – Reasons Why It Is Not Heading For A Crash

Unlike many other countries (for example the United States) the UK is actually a very small space geographically considering how many people live here. Space to build new housing, particularly in urban areas is extremely limited. This has the simple effect of limiting the supply of new housing that comes on to the market

With a growing population demand has never been higher. Many people cite the large numbers of immigrants moving to the United Kingdom from Eastern Europe as having a huge effect on the demand for housing. Even if these migrant workers do not buy, they still need to live somewhere, namely in rented or buy to let accommodation.

The net affect of this increase in demand and limited supply will obviously push prices higher. Obviously the higher property prices move, the less affordable housing is to those with low incomes. However prices have not fallen? The reason may be explained buy the recent boom in buy to let property purchases. Many individuals on relatively high incomes have entered the buy to let market and become landlords. More often than not their prospective tenants are those on low incomes that simply can’t afford to buy.

As can be seen there are many reasons why the housing market may not be destined for a crash. Although a slowing economy may have an effect the fundamental indicate that a crash may not be the certainty that some people feel is just around the corner.

Owning Residential Property in the UK

United Kingdom, and particularly London, property has for many years been a popular mode of investment for foreign investors and indeed, at one recent time, it was estimated that some 60% of London residential property was owned by offshore companies. London real estate has also performed well in investment terms. There are no restrictions on the ownership of real estate in the United Kingdom by non-residents and, other than the matters which influence the choice of the property itself, perhaps the most important factor to be taken into account is the impact of the various forms of taxation which will be encountered. These can be divided into direct and indirect taxes:

Stamp duty is levied on the purchase price at rates, which range from 1% for a property costing £125,000, to 4% where the purchase price exceeds £500,000.

Council tax is levied by the Local Authority. The rate is set annually and depends on the locality, the size of the property and its value.

The United Kingdom levies three main forms of direct taxation:

• Income tax – This tax will not apply to an owner occupier.

• Capital gains tax – Non –residents are exempt from capital gains tax in respect of property held only as an investment.

• Inheritance tax – For which any investor holding assets in the United Kingdom is potentially liable. Fortunately it is avoided easily by the purchaser who has a foreign domicile.

Where the value of chargeable assets passing on death exceeds £285,000 the excess over that figure is taxed at 40%. This threshold will increase to £300,000 for the year 2007/8, £312,000 for 2008/9 and £325,000 for 2009/10. Where the investor had a foreign domicile, only U.K. property is taken into account in the calculation and it may be necessary to take into account the value of gifts of U.K. assets in the seven years preceding death.

If the property is purchased in the name of the individual there can be no doubt that its value will be assessed for inheritance tax purposes on his death. If however it is purchased in the name of an offshore company, the investor does not own an asset in the U.K, but the shares in a foreign company, which, in his circumstances are not chargeable with inheritance tax. If the company is incorporated in a tax-free jurisdiction, such as the British Virgin Islands, the final result will be that the property passes tax free to the heirs.

Commercial Property in London See’s New Investment

Huge German investment has seen our commercial property market back on steady ground in recent weeks. The German investors clearly feel now is the right time to buy up our cut price property as is the emerging trend from many Middle Eastern investors. Many middle eastern investors have pounced on the low market and are investing in commercial property with long leases and good tenants. UK investors may be set to follow suite and snap up property bargains, before foreign funds gain a dominancy over the commercial property spectrum.

The UK has seen a sharp fall in property yields due to overvaluation and the availability of cheap debt. UK capital values have dropped by over 15% to date, according to Philip Ingram of financial management advisory company Merrill Lynch. For some of the best available London commercial property it is worth going through a reputable specialist who can help you find the best available deals. Property in London is a buoyant marketplace as interest does not tend to be as strongly affected as other area in the UK. Commercial property bargains can still be found on the market however, without the help of experts you will find it hard to locate the kind of property you want or on the rental side the kind of lease that is best suited to you. London based RIB combines 40 years of industry experience and specialist knowledge to seek out the hottest properties in the marketplace. Using their dedicated and experienced team of property professionals you can find your search for the right commercial property is as stress free as possible.

Cheap houses in UK- Real housing ladder

As more and more property owners are adding UK investment properties to their portfolios and it’s is getting very rare to find cheap houses easily in UK. As you know that in recent years, interest rates and stock market returns have been low. Property owners have started to notice that their home is their highest performing asset. Buying cheap houses are truly wonderful offers especially for a house dreamer like you. To buy cheap houses in UK search online! You will get a many UK property websites which have numerous UK investment properties. It will offer a path to build cheap house as a personal property with minimal risk and maximum outputs.

If you get cheap houses in UK without bargaining and can’t find any other reasons why the price is low, there may be some hidden problems. This is especially true in case if the property seller is a property investor, or seems knowledgeable about real estate. Search and identify the problems and, if they can be resolved, estimate the cost of cheap house to see if the house is still a good deal. Have inspection carefully if you are deciding to buy that types of cheap houses, and get those inspections done. Many good websites offering you cheap houses at an affordable rate in the form of a property investment. Property investors can consider looking into the market for cheap houses. There are property agents who can assist you to buy cheap houses from them. There are also magazines and listing that feature available cheap houses in UK as an investment properties. Some cheap houses are built up insanely steep driveways. Others are built halfway underground. If the unique features are in demand, these homes can sell for a healthy premium. If they aren’t they become cheap houses.

Real Estate Investment in UK

Our search begins in Liverpool where real estate investment properties are forecasted to see substantial returns over the next five years. As the European City of Culture in 2008, Liverpool has been undergoing regeneration over the past few years. Much work has gone in to revitalising the Duke Street area, resulting in a fashionable new shopping and arts district. Liverpool’s China Town has also seen serious development with many modern warehouse apartments. A thriving business centre with an international airport and an expanding University population, Liverpool has obvious benefits for rental income.

Leeds is another area under regeneration where real estate investment properties are expected to see significant price increases . Leeds is the UK’s second financial centre after London and has a large university population. Holbeck to the south of Leeds is the latest focus for regeneration where prices of attractive, traditional Victorian terraces are expected to appreciate dramatically over the next five years. Holbeck benefits from good transport links with a local train station and is walking distance from the city’s theatre district. Your Move is currently listing a five-bedroom terrace in the area for £149,995.