By Sarah Gill
13th Jan 2023
13th Jan 2023
Your speedy summary of today's must-read stories.
SCSI survey
The Society of Chartered Surveyors have predicted that landlords will continue to exit the rental market in large numbers this year. The SCSI had previously estimated that 40% of properties being put on the market for sale were landlords selling investment property. John O’Sullivan, chair of SCSI’s practice and policy committee said, “Although the trend of second-hand buy-to-let properties coming on the market was in evidence throughout 2022, it appears to have ramped up in the last quarter of the year. While this may have helped to increase the number of properties available for sale — 66 per cent of agents reported low stock levels this year as opposed to 85 per cent last year – the lack of supply remains the dominant issue in the market.”
Man charged with murder Elle Edwards
A 22-year-old man named Connor Chapman has been charged with the murder of 26-year-old Elle Edwards, who was shot dead at a pub in Wirral, Merseyside, on Christmas Eve. He has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, three counts of unlawful and malicious wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of ammunition with intent to endanger life, and handling stolen goods, namely a Mercedes A Class.
Lisa Marie Presley
Lisa Marie Presley, singer and the only child of music legend Elvis, has passed away at the age of 54. Her mother, Priscilla Presley, said, “It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us.” In her statement, Priscilla said, “She was the most passionate, strong and loving woman I have ever known.” May she rest in peace.
COVID-19
According to Professor of Experimental Immunology at Trinity College Dublin Kingston Mills, a new, highly transmissible variant of coronavirus is likely to become the dominant strain in Ireland. XBB.1.5 — or ‘Kraken’ — is said to be “quite different from Omicron”, but is a variant of interest, rather than concern. All those who have not yet been vaccinated are being urged to do so.
Housing Assistance Payment
Only 41 properties were available to rent across the country by people reliant on the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme in December. Of these properties, 40 fell within discretionary HAP limits and only one property was available to rent under a standard HAP rate.
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