Rising utility costs continue to be a pain for the average U.S. renter. Energy-efficient rental features that help lower these costs like LED lighting, good insulation, and smart thermostats are becoming a baseline for renters.
Our rental property ambition was based on a very different financial environment: one with more stable investment returns, lower borrowing costs and more affordable construction costs. The current climate, higher interest rates, inflationary pressures and a more cautious property market, means the model no longer meets our investment criteria.
Rontec, which operates 267 service stations across the UK, said rising costs, higher employer national insurance contributions and living wage obligations had squeezed margins. However, lower interest repayments, as borrowing costs eased over the year, helped boost profitability. The group described the period as "another successful year", extending a long track record of resilience. GMR has recorded losses only three times in the past three decades, with its most recent annual loss dating back to 2009.
Q Is it better to leave a pension in an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) in two years' time or put it in a "zero tax" property option that avoids the stock market? What are the pros and cons of each?
After years of focusing on buy-to-let investments, the idea of purchasing a holiday home reflects a desire to invest in personal experiences and memories.
