Selective Licencing on its way to Great Yarmouth
From 1st April landlords in most of Great Yarmouth will have to apply for a licence to continue to rent their properties.
The licence fee is £694 for both the council and Home Safe Scheme contributions and is per property not per landlord. This will leave some landlords with hefty bills if they have multiple properties!
The scheme aims to drive up the standard of private let accommodation and follows on from a previous scheme that started in 2019 but covered the Nelson Ward only.
Critics point towards the fact amongst other things that some landlords may raise their rents to cover this extra cost
At present registrations are due to open from 1st April. There are some legal and other challenges still being discussed so watch this space for more updates.
If you are a landlord in Great Yarmouth and feel that having a managing agent may be right for you bearing in mind these changes call us today to discuss on 01493 849111 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
What will rising inflation mean for interest rates in 2026.
It has been announced that inflation rose to 3.4% in December up from 3.2% in November. A rise was expected due to seasonal pressure and slight rises in fuel costs but only to 3.3%.
As it is expected to be a seasonal blip it will be interesting to see how the Bank of England reacts at the next interest rate review. If inflation stays above the banks 2% target, they will be reluctant to cut interest rates as regularly and speedily as us in the housing market may hope!
New Legislation and taxation putting pressure on landlords.
Landlords will see a lot of changes over the next 18 months both nationally and in the area we operate.
The Renters Rights Bill becomes come in to force in May. This increases notice periods needed to regain possession, bans section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions and increases regulation on rent increases amongst other measures
Make Tax Digital will start to kick in from this April for landlords turning over more than £50,000 a year and will come in to force for landlords with smaller incomes in 2027 and 2028.
The 2% increase on income tax for landlords from their rental income that was announced in the budget kicks in from April 2027.
Finally, Selective Licencing of landlords hits the majority of Great Yarmouth from 1st April 2026.
If you are managing your own property or portfolio as a landlord there is a huge amount to learn and if you are finding it stressful or a burden we can help! We are actively taking over the management of many properties for landlords and help to steer them through the minefield.
If you are looking to place your property with a managing agent, call us today on 01493 849111 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we can talk you through your options!
Welcome to Mollie!
A big Aldreds welcome to Mollie Dawes who is our new trainee in Great Yarmouth office!
Mollie is local to the town and joins us after a career in dentistry.
We wish Mollie all the best for her career with us!
Aldreds Christmas Opening Hours
Tuesday 23rd December 9am to 12noon
Saturday 27th December 9am to 3pm (12noon rentals and 1pm Stalham)
Monday 29th December 9am to 4pm
Tuesday 30th December 9am to 4pm
Back to normal Friday 2nd January 2026!!!
Wishing all our clients and customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Welcome to Kelsie!
A big Aldreds welcome to Kelsie who is our new trainee in Lowestoft office!
Kelsie is a Lowestoft girl who has been keen to get into estate agency for some time!
We are excited to have her join us and wish her all the best in her exciting role!
December Housing Market
It is no secret that December is the quietest month in the housing market.
Having said that it is a time of year where house sales are still being agreed, properties come to the market and viewings are taking place….but just in slightly lower numbers.
However, if you are putting off your moving plans until 2026 there are some things you can do in readiness!
If you are selling why not get your property valued so that you have got the information you need to be ready to list it for sale in 2026. We as a firm are slightly quieter on with sales valuations in December so have plenty of capacity to come and see you.
If you are looking at buying why not call us to register with us and talk us through what you are looking to buy next year. We can provide information on properties we have for sale, talk to you about market trends and also make sure you are set up with us so we can keep in contact you regarding new properties coming to market in 2026.
Our offices are fully open and ready to deal with you through December and we look forward to hearing from you if we can be of assistance.
BUDGET NEWS!!
Rachel Reeves UK Budget and it was one of the most anticipated in living memory. Below is a summary of the two key points announced in today and a surprising announcement on stamp duty (SDLT)
HIGHER TAXES ON RENTAL INCOME
From April 2027, income tax rates on property income (i.e. from letting out property) will rise by 2 percentage points.
Basic, higher and additional tax rates for landlords will become 22%, 42% and 47% respectively.
NEW “MANSION TAX” / HIGH VALUE PROPERTY LEVY
The Budget confirmed the introduction of a new annual surcharge on properties valued over £2 million.
This surcharge will begin in April 2028, with a banded system: for example, homes valued between £2 m–£2.5 m face at least a £2,500 surcharge; the highest band (properties over £5 m) could pay as much as £7,500 per year.
The surcharge is on top of standard council tax. The basis for valuation will be new 2026 valuations — not original purchase price.
NO CHANGES TO STAMP DUTY!
Despite speculation ahead of the Budget, no changes were made to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) for property purchases.
1st May is Renters Rights Bill Day
Last week the government announced that their flagship Renters Rights Bill would become law 1st May 2026.
The threat of this bill has seen many landlords look to exit the market over the last 24 months reducing rental property stock and forcing up rents. This has exaggerated an acute lack of rental accommodation and coupled with higher interest rates, many landlords have opted to move their investment to the stock market, pensions or safer investments now giving higher tax free yields such as premium bonds.
However, there are causes to be optimistic for landlords with lots of quality tenants looking to rent, higher rents being achieved due to lack of availability and interest rates for buy to let borrowing gently falling.
The bill amongst other things will ban section 21 no fault evictions, extend the time tenants have to pay back arrears before being evicted and make it far easier for tenants to keep pets. Taking rent upfront and rent bidding over the asking price will also be outlawed.
If you are currently renting a property that you manage you manage yourself and are thinking of instructing an agent, give us a call today on 01493 849111. Or if you are looking to buy rental property call us today so we can advise you further.
WE ARE HIRING!!!
Due to our Lowestoft offices huge increase in business we are looking to add to the fantastic team!
We require full time and part time negotiators to join our team!
This role will involve dealing with enquiries in the office, booking viewings, dealing with property offers, carrying out viewings and dropping leaflets!
Experience not essential but an advantage. Training can be given. But you must be energetic, keen to learn and be part of a thriving and successful team.
Own car essential. Roles will include working every or alternate Saturdays 9am to 3pm
Interested? Email your CV to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
