David Carlisle

Congratulations on a great idea Mark. I can't imagine there are many people better placed to give advice on the subject.... Read More

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In Hull where I'm from you could buy 4 properties and still have some change for some renovations.

In Stoke Newington (North London) where I have just bought a flat you could probably only afford one property, namely a one-bed.

Now, the income for both situations would be fairly equal (£1500-£2000), but by buying in the North you need to take into account house value fluctuations. Since I bought my flat for £250,000 6 months ago it has increased £50,000 in value. In the mean time house prices in Hull have increased by 3% (if that).

When you also factor in that rental prices in London are only ever going to increase (bar any ridiculous capping system), and way ahead of inflation.

London - Less risk, less effort, more money.

That's where I stand anyway.... Read More

The social housing sector is undergoing a period of significant change. According to The housing cliff, a new report from Moat housing association, a combination of welfare reforms and changes to subsidy could seriously affect its ability to build new affordable homes from 2015.

Moat says the switch from capital to revenue subsidy under the Affordable Homes Programme, which creates a greater reliance on housing benefit to fund new developments, would be manageable as a standalone policy. However, when combined with welfare reforms such as the household benefits cap, overall welfare spending cap, social sector size criteria and the switch to direct payment under universal credit – all of which could reduce that rental income – it says the sector is entering a climate of increased risk that could unnerve investors and spell disaster for future affordable housing supply.

Read more on The Guardian website http://www.theguardian.com/housing-network/2013/oct/01/affordable-housing-cliff-2015... Read More

True enough, but I worry the government is manufacturing a bubble by not building enough new homes while watching demand increase (certainly in London) - pleasing property owners is a great election tactic, and there are rumours of Mr Cameron calling an early election. Those waiting for house prices to get back to their 2008 values may well see it happen, only for it them to drop again once a new government takes over.

I'm not sure I'd be worrying about interest rates just yet though.... Read More