To think that if people were limited to the amout of propery they could earn, the cost of housing wouldn't be such a problem...?

[MsSpentYoof]

This is my theory!

People with lots of money buy lots of properties to rent out, which is of course great for them because they are getting income from it, but not good for people like me because it pushes the price of housing up.

What do you think?

I agree with your theory, I don't get your title dear though. Sorry.

that is capitalism.

whaddya want - the rich people to say "oh that;s not fair on poor people, i shall forfeit becoming richer"?

Ugh, sorry, I should probably be in bed already

There is probably no way to change it though (the property prices)

We are all doomed...

Yup, if you look back in history it's always been like this though, the rich getting richer off the backs of the poor. Take the mills or the sugar plantations and slavery for example. The whole country is built on slavery, capitalism and greed.

I don't really know.

Something needs to be done, otherwise people aren't ever going to be able to afford their own house...

"otherwise people aren't ever going to be able to afford their own house... "

it's always been like that though in this country (and indeed around the world).

it's not near me is it mrsjammi - I pay my rent on time and in full (Admittedly from HB) - and need somewhere

oh that is shite

I'm probably going to end up going to an agency (purely because most of the "to rent" without an agent round here seem to be single rooms in houses lol) - thankfully most of them now seem to "consider" people on HB as long as they have deposit and 1 months rent up front, and a guarantor.

FWIW, I have been an excellent tenant, I have been redecorating the place (with their consent) have completely landscaped the gardens (they were over-run with weeds) keep the place tidy and clean and treat it with respect.

And in return they give me rotting windows, rotten floorboards, shower that doesn't work properly, no insulation, single glazed windows (that desperately need to be painted) miss fitting doors

Talk about frustrating

But I can't afford to move

mrsjammi - don't think our council have a bond scheme but I'll check anyhow. I don't mind finding a guarantor and getting the months rent in advance sorted out, will check the local paper closer to the time as well thanks.

ou're right - those bad HB tenants do give the rest of them a bad name. My vicar owns a house that she rents out - so is also a landlady as well as a Vicar. Her tenants were on HB and left her £3000 out of pocket

I would like to see owners of second (and more) homes charged at least full council tax and possibly more, to help compensate for the fact that they are removing from circulation a home that might have housed a family with children who'd have gone to the local school, a family that would have used the local shop and pub (if they're still there) at times other than the weekend, that might have manned the local fire station, and so on.

"I would like to see owners of second (and more) homes charged at least full council tax and possibly more, "

but if they're renting it out surely that means that the council would be getting 2 lots of council tax for it? As the tenant would be paying, and then the home owner again?

I'm thinking of second homeowners, rather than landlords. Wassailing.

YANBU - no-one should own more than one home and when I rule the world I'll make sure they don't.

MrsJammi, we are in a similar position. Our last tenant was in huge arrears, lied to the Council about when he actually returned the keys and left; left a whole load of stuff behind which had to be removed (including a beat-up old piano with no strings!). The Council tried to get the 'overpayment' back from us, but somehow or other dh got them to drop that. We are still owed over £2000 though.

I hate having a tenant; it is always touch and go. We went through an agency this time and we are being stung for rent insurance now. The new tenant was fine for 6 months, but the last two months payments have been 2 weeks late each time which means we incur bank charges. The insurance is meant to ensure we get the rent in on time (or so the agency said), but they haven't done it. We are 'talking' to them now, but get passed from person to person. No one will take responsibility. And yet, they make huge demands on us - none of it unreasonable really, but all costly. We are not breaking even atm. I would get rid of the flat, but it's our basement.

I don't think people that own more than one property are rich, I certainly am not. I just got on, off and back on the ladder at the right time. DP and I also have a large amount of mortgage debt. We make very little each year after expenses but this is a long term investment.