Information fees on buy to let property to be scrapped

02 August 2010

Written by Steve Olejnik

People considering purchasing buy to let property will no longer be charged to gain information on houses, the government announced today.

The Department of Communities and Local Government suggested that the move fits with the leaders' drive to make activities funded by taxpayers more transparent and accessible to people online.

Housing minister Grant Shapps commented: "Freeing up public sector data and opening up the books can benefit the whole economy by cutting transaction costs and increasing competition."

Currently, there is a £22 fixed fee charged when people request information on restriction or issues that affect the property they wish to buy, such as conservation areas, protected plants and planning conditions.

Recently, Mr Shapps announced that he would scrap plans to introduce new regulations on landlords, instead urging councils to use the powers they already have over the private rented sector, such as forcing portfolio investors to repair hazards in their property.

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