Welcome to International Museum Day! Today is a day that not only celebrates history but one that celebrates culture, talent and scientific advances. Today a day that documents everything that we as the human being have strived for throughout our entire existence. All over the globe exists a dedication or memorial that reflects the beauty and history of a country, …
Police are warning owners of holiday lets to beware of sex workers using their properties as pop-up brothels. Devon and Cornwall police said that in Newquay alone they had discovered 14 such establishments and believed more had operated but had not been discovered. The issue is unlikely to be isolated to Newquay alone, it is almost certainly country wide in …
Always wanted to holiday like the rich and famous? Stay in the lap of luxury like your favourite stars? Well, now you can and you don’t need the celebrity bank balance! Here at Schofields we have collated the most luxurious celebrity holiday homes which are, or were once, owned by the stars and are now available to rent for your …
As announced in the July Budget, insurance premium tax will increase on 1 November 2015 from 6 per cent to 9.5 per cent. The previous increase was in January 2011 when it increased from 1% to 6%. Insurance premium tax (or IPT) is a tax on insurance set by the Government, which is added to insurance products such as car …
Here at Schofields we like to give people the best information about buying a holiday home in both the UK and abroad, and our team of researchers have been busy compiling the best destinations for a holiday home that will provide the best investments. Our research found that Catalonia in Spain proved to have the best return on investment, with …
We are coming to the end of Movember, a month-long event where men are encouraged to grow their moustache for a month to raise awareness for prostate cancer and other male illnesses. While it is expected that we see an increase in interesting facial hair and stick-on moustaches on women who are supporting the cause, we have also seen some …
The days of dull self-catering properties decorated with second hand furnishings are a thing of the past – such properties simply won’t succeed. Modern self catering holiday lets offer a boutique experience, which often supersede that of many luxury hotels. And behind these rentals are caring owners who put a great deal of effort into marketing their properties online. They …
Although finances are tight in many households, the outlook is positive for those in the travel industry as holidays are usually the last ‘luxury item’ to be cut. However, bookings can be harder to get as trends fluctuate e.g. an increase in last minute bookings, discount requests or shorter breaks. It’s important that as a holiday let owner you understand …
Savills International and HomeAway recently released some interesting research on the second home market abroad. As to be expected, France has replaced Spain as the favourite destination for second home owners to invest. Its perception of stability, resilient house prices and ease of access help make it a safe bet for UK buyers. Traditional property hotspots and established tourist destinations, …
It’s rare that reports are published on the holiday home and second home market, so it was interesting to read the recently published ‘Knight Frank 2011 new build second homes report’. It seems these days a large amount of articles and so called ‘reports’ on the holiday home market are pr spun advertorials that quote statistics without supporting evidence of …
Not again! As one of the busiest half term holidays on the travelling calendar approaches, thousands of travellers are facing disruptions as the ash cloud from Iceland’s Grimsvotn volcano approaches British airspace. With flights being cancelled, both holidaymakers and holiday home owners with changeovers in the coming days have concerns of whether travel plans will be fulfilled or cancelled. Compared …
Are you aware that from the 30th June 2011 your holiday let accommodation will need an Energy Performance Certificate if it’s rented out, short term, for a combined total of four months or more in any 12 month period? Although there has been little publication of the rules, The Department for Communities and Local Government has announced that from 30th …
As announced in the 2011 budget, the changes to the Furnished Holiday Lets (FHL) tax rules come into effect today – April 6. From April 6 it will only be possible to offset trading losses from a furnished holiday lettings business against certain income from that same FHL business. The previous rules allowed holiday let owners to offset losses against …
It’s time once again for our holiday home, property and travel news round-up, here’s what’s been happening… Earning an income from your holiday home isn’t easy. One of the best ways to increase your holiday lets rental potential is to target a niche – child friendly, boutique, walkers, bird watchers etc. and tailor your offering (furnishings, facilities, advertisements) to appeal …
It’s time once again for our holiday home and holiday letting news round-up, the format has changed but the content is as useful as always… The summer holidays are traditionally a period when overseas property sales increase, as those with dreams of owning their own place in the sun travel abroad. However, buying overseas can be problematic and those buying …
It’s time once again for our holiday home news round-up, here’s what’s been happening: how to add value to your holiday home, predicting holiday weather, tips for buying euros, France travel tips & domestic tourism set for a boost. How to add value to your holiday home He is one half of TV’s Location, Location, Location’s dynamic duo, property expert …
Recently announced proposals by the new Chancellor of the Exchequer to increase the rate at which capital gains tax (CGT) is to be applied (from 18% to 40% or even 50%) and bring it back in line with income tax rates, may have raised a few eyebrows. Not least from those who would not typically have expected this sort of …
It’s time once again for our holiday home news round up, here’s what’s been happening: Volcano travel insurance claims & your rights, how to value a holiday home, which airlines are worst for extra fees and how to avoid them. Iceland volcano: travel insurance claims & your rights – which.co.uk Following the volcano in Iceland which caused travel chaos this …
It’s time once again for our holiday home news round up, here’s what’s been happening: HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) targeting second home owners, who decides on holidays men or women? travellers warned of summer car hire shortages, how to invest £100,000 in property and HomeAway to list holiday home sales. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) targeting second home owners …
It’s time once again for our holiday home news round up, here’s what’s been happening: Holiday let crackdown in Paris, holiday home plunges 30ft down cliff, Conservatives would restore tax breaks for holiday lets, avoid title disputes abroad and BA strike advice. Holiday let crackdown in Paris Looking to buy a holiday let in Paris or already own one? Be …
Ownership of a holiday home by the sea or holiday cottage in the country is at an all time high according to research from Knight Frank. There are now 245,384 registered second homes in the UK. 6212 more second homes were bought last year, an increase of 2.6 per cent on 2008 when the recession and credit crunch saw growth …
Its time once again for our holiday home news round up, here’s what’s been happening: 16,000 burst pipe claims this winter, 10 property improvement mistakes, which are the most expensive ski resorts, beware of this property rental scam and some useful holiday rental statistics. Claims flood in for insurers – business.scotsman.com It’s been a bad winter for insurers. The Association …
It’s time once again for our holiday home news round up, here’s what’s been happening: 10 tips for buy-to-let success, non-disclosure insurance law may be changed, is it wise to invest in a holiday cottage? National Trust demands extra payment for cottage holidays and the Holiday Cottages Group promotes self catering holidays. 10 buy to let tips After two decades …
It’s time once again for our holiday home news round up, here’s what’s been happening: Spanish tax refund for Britons – dailymail.co.uk If you sold a holiday home in Spain in the past 12 years (from 1997 onwards) then you could be owed on average £13,500 by the Spanish tax authority. The European Court of Justice has opened the door …
It’s time once again for our holiday home news round up. Here’s what’s been happening: Unoccupied holiday homes in Wales targeted by arsonists – dailypost.co.uk Police in North Wales are investigating arson attacks on two unoccupied holiday homes which appear to be connected. Fire crews were sent to the houses in Ty Croes and a few miles away at Pencarnisiog. …
Spanish apartments due to be demolished advertised to UK buyers Apartments on a development in Marbella which was built illegally and has been condemned to demolition, are still being advertised on websites targeting UK buyers. Unfortunately, hundreds of existing owners at the development, many of them Britons, face their homes being demolished, with no compensation offered. The worrying thing is …
New swimming pool alarm rules in France – connexionfrance.com Holiday home and gite owners in France should take note that new regulations have been introduced for alarms in private swimming pools, because current laws are not being adequately obeyed or enforced. Since 2003, owners of submerged pools in France have been required to provide a system of security to prevent …
Spanish car rental shortage and price hikes If you or your holiday rental guests are expecting to pickup a car hire bargain this summer, think again. There may not even be any cars available. Holidaymakers visiting Spain and other parts of Europe have been warned of a shortage of rental cars, as hire firms are refused credit by banks to …
Overseas property dreams that turn into nightmares guardian Although investing in overseas property can be rewarding, there are also nightmare stories of investors losing thousands. It is reported that one in five foreign property investors runs into ‘significant difficulty’ – that’s 38,000 of us a year. Before committing to any overseas property investment, the clear advice from this story is …
Holiday homes in Spain escape demolition – timesonline Spanish home owners are relieved at news that thousands of homes on the Costa del Sol will not be demolished, despite being declared illegal. The Junta de Andalusia, the regional government, is due to make a final decision on the “illegal” homes later this year but is expected to announce that it …
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