A study last month by Moneyfacts.co.uk has shown that the number of mortgages on the market is greater than 3,000 for the first time in 15 months and 42 per cent more than were on the market last July.

Recent additions that investors are to note are the introduction of a new 75% LTV product by Aldermore to compete with the likes of Birmingham Midshires, Cheltenham & Gloucester & Natwest as well as the emergence of the first 80% LTV we have seen in a while by the Mortgage Works.

Nationwide also announced today that house prices are 9.5% below their 2007 peak with transaction volumes still relatively low despite a slow return of more sellers in recent months. It is likely that the announcement of anticipated capital gains increases may prompt some landlords with more than one property to sell before tax rates go up which will shift the demand-supply balance back in favour of buyers, halting house price rises.

Buying below market value today and locking away equity is still very wise when taking the medium to long term view, particularly if buying wisely for monthly cashflow as well as growth.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles and Housing Minister Grant Shapps today announced that with immediate effect, they are suspending the requirement for homeowners to provide a Home Information Pack when selling their homes.

Pickles today laid an Order suspending HIPs in England and Wales with immediate effect, pending primary legislation for a permanent abolition.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles and Housing Minister Grant Shapps today announced the suspension of the legal requirement for homeowners to provide a Home Information, or HIPS pack prior to selling their property. The suspension takes immediate effect across England and Wales as of today, May 20^th.

Today’s move is a key step taken by the Coalition Government to reduce the cost of selling in the current market, which finds itself in need of a boost.

Eric Pickles said:

“The expensive and unnecessary Home Information Pack has increased the cost and hassle of selling homes and is stifling a fragile housing market.

“That’s why I am taking emergency action to suspend the HIP, bringing down the cost of selling a home and removing unnecessary regulation from the home buying process.

“This swift and decisive action will send a strong message to the fragile housing market and prevent uncertainty for both home sellers and buyers.

“HIPs are history. This action will encourage sellers back into the market, and help the market as a whole and the economy recover.”

Energy Performance Certificates, or EPC’s as they are more commonly known are still a legal requirement for the time being as they are eco-friendly and are informative for potential buyers when considering future energy bills.

Housing Minister Grant Shapps said:

“This is a great example of how this new Government is getting straight down to work by cutting away pointless red-tape that is strangling the market. Rather than shelling out hundreds of pounds for nothing in return we’re stripping away bureaucracy and letting home owners sell their properties.

“But we’re also showing our commitment to a greener housing market by keeping Energy Performance Certificates and making them more relevant in helping buyers make informed decisions on the energy costs of their new home.”

Hopefully landlords across the UK will soon be hearing news of another positive step by the Coalition Government – that is, the abolition of direct payments to tenants on benefits, and a return to the old system which saw housing benefit payments going directly to landlords.

Watch this space!