Landlord Voice Magazine June 2015 - Bristol | Page 2

LANDLORDVOICE CONTENTS Landlord News • News Roundup W hen Italian mariner John Cabot set sail from Bristol in 1497 it is doubtful he would have realised the impact his famed voyage to North America would have. Likewise, assemblers of the supersonic trans-Atlantic Concorde at the city’s Filton factory may not have guessed that the plane would be only one of two ever to enter commercial airspace and become an icon of aviation design. • Mark Alexander Interview P8 • Bristol In Focus A report by government-backed Tech City UK has cited Bristol not just as second-only to London for its high-tech and creative digital industry but as having global significance. From seafaring to high-tech hub. Page 11 • Bristol Through The Years Like most places in the UK Bristol housing is in short supply – but it is far from cheap. However, with figures showing rental yields increasing by 7.4 per cent between 2013-14, we take a look at the options on a tour of Bristol’s residential areas with a local lettings agent. P6 Meanwhile if you’re looking for inspiration, this month Mark Alexander - co-founder of landlord blog Property118 – tells us how he went about building a property portfolio and going on to create one of the private rental sector’s most respected online resources. A look at the current property market. Page 12 • Bristol In Numbers Bristol yields up 7 per cent last year. Page 14 Expert Opinion Our columnist, National Landlords Association representative Carl Agar, offers a word of warning to landlords over selective licensing and increasing regulation, while our news and tips sections features the latest from Bristol City Council on its energy-efficiency funding for landlords and a guide to rent guarantee insurance. • Expert Corner | Carl Agar Lastly, you can get in touch with your thoughts by emailing me at ben.mcvay@ ryandirectgroup.co.uk. P2 | June 2015 | Landlord Voice A tour with lettings agent Peter Ellis. Page 8 • Green Deal Bristol The city employs 61,653 people in what is known as a ‘digital cluster’ working in everything from computer games development to cyber-security. Landlord Voice editor. The evolution of Property118. Page 6 Bristol in Focus But now it seems this city, located in the South West of England, is yet again making waves throughout the world. Ben McVay The latest landlord news and regulations. Page 4 P17 Selective licensing: landlords should, pick up their game. Page 17 • Landlord Lessons Decorating for a hassle-free life. Page 18