Rent a room to earn income and save tax

It appears most countries across Europe now have a scheme whereby you can rent a room in your house and the income earned is tax-free up to a threshold.

This is certainly something worth considering as many countries charge a crippling tax rate for rental income or for many people the extra income pushes them in a higher income tax rate. Effectively this means they may be paying back almost half the extra income in tax. Continue reading Rent a room to earn income and save tax

Irish government affordable mortgage scheme

In the last few weeks the Irish Government launched a mortgage scheme to help low and middle income families (with salaries up to €75k per annum) get their first home.

The scheme offers very attractive lending rates (as low as 2% fixed for 25 years). Also, applicants do not need to adhere to the strict central banks rules for income.

The mortgage scheme will be open to new, second hand, and even self build homes.

Continue reading Irish government affordable mortgage scheme

Why Estate Agents are here to stay

Every so often there appears to be a push toward the ‘sell your house yourself’ movement with companies appearing who will send you a ‘for sale’ sign and a ‘sell it yourself’ explanation pack.

When all this first starting gaining traction a few years I was inclined to think it was a good idea. Now though I have changed my mind.

Whilst we all may feel that Estate Agents do very little I have come to appreciate what they do, let me explain why.

Continue reading Why Estate Agents are here to stay

The effect of transport links on your house value

Recently a new section of the LUAS tram was opened in Ireland’s capital city Dublin. It was noted that the effect on house prices within the areas now linked by the tramway to the city centre was significant. This shows that transport is linked to house prices.

What was also significant was that the effect on house prices was in fact felt about 2-3 years rather than at the time of the opening of the line. The reason for this was that the line was planned and as such people became aware that the areas would soon have the new city centre link. Continue reading The effect of transport links on your house value

Virtual viewing of homes is amazing

I’ve just spent some time looking at virtual viewing of homes for sale. (I was looking on daft.ie, but it is also available on UK sites such as Rightmove and Zoopla).

It is pretty amazing; such a useful tool for getting a good idea of a home before actually having to physically go and look at the property.

Continue reading Virtual viewing of homes is amazing

The return of the open house to Ireland (the weekends are saved!)

I live in Ireland and always buy at least 2 Sunday papers. From about 2010 to 2016 the property supplements of these newspapers either disappeared or was reduced to a half page in the lifestyle section. In the past 12 months thought the 8-12 page (and sometimes more) property supplements have again appeared. Along with this is the return of the open house phenomenon (usually detailed within the said property supplements). Continue reading The return of the open house to Ireland (the weekends are saved!)

Why an investor needs to steer clear of family buyers

I am a small time property investor.

As an investor I have bought my properties mainly at fire sale auctions (generally properties being sold by receivers or banks). These days it seems that auctions are moving to online platforms meaning you have no idea who you are bidding against. Continue reading Why an investor needs to steer clear of family buyers

Will brexit affect house prices in Ireland?

No one can doubt that house prices in Ireland are again rising.

It appears Ireland is up between 45-50% from its lowest point 5 years ago. It is also generally accepted that Dublin has seen the biggest increases whilst areas furthest from the capital have seen the smallest. Continue reading Will brexit affect house prices in Ireland?

The cheapest houses in the world – where & for how much?

Where are the cheapest houses in the world?

Buying a house is not the same as buying a new pair of shoes or a second hand car…or is it?

House prices are usually in the 6 figure range. For many of us buying a house is just an illusive dream. For those who can make it, this is likely going to be the biggest venture in life. Continue reading The cheapest houses in the world – where & for how much?

Will Brexit effect house prices in the UK?

It is generally agreed that Brexit will have little or no effect on house prices within most of the UK.

Demand for houses has remained high; there are simply not enough houses and this inevitably means prices will continue to rise because the laws of supply and demand demand it (if you get my meaning!). If people were moving as a result of Brexit the situation may be different but evidence suggests very few are doing this. Continue reading Will Brexit effect house prices in the UK?