Welcome

Jeremy Law
Head of Buy-to-Let
Mortgage Express

There’s no doubt that the seismic shifts in our economy and the fundamental changes to the way financial services work globally have had an impact on all of us. We will be writing to you individually about our move to public ownership and how it affects you. If you have any immediate concerns, visit www.mortgage-express.co.uk, where you will find answers to most of your questions.

I’d like to take this opportunity to reassure you that, while we aren’t offering any further mortgages, we are committed to providing you with the best possible support during these challenging times. We’re also working on a number of initiatives to help you manage your properties efficiently.

Part of our commitment involves keeping you up to date with what’s happening in the market and giving you relevant information that you can put to practical use. That’s why you’ll find that this issue of B2L has a clear focus on providing you with the tools you’ll need to make the most of your property investments at a time when we’re all feeling the effects of the credit crunch.

For some, the effects have been more profound than others — as landlords, many of you will be only too well aware of the increases in tenant demand, while others may be struggling to let their properties. So we’ve taken a look at void periods and how to prevent them. We also have some top tips on handling your finances during tough times, as well as expert advice on tax strategies, how to manage tenants who can’t pay the rent and how the new local housing allowance rules might affect you. We’ve also explored how Energy Performance Certificates might help you attract tenants.

I hope that this issue of B2L gives you what you need to meet your own challenges head on, but please remember to get in touch with us if you experience any kind of difficulty — whether it’s with payments, managing your properties or making decisions about the future of your portfolio. We have a team of experts ready to work with you — you’ll find their contact details at the back of the magazine.

Finally, I’d like to wish you a restful and restorative festive season, and let’s hope the base rate reduction at the beginning of November will mark the beginning of a return to easier times.