Sometimes, it can feel like property prices change with the wind. Areas that were a sound investment a year ago are now falling. But, annoyingly, that area that no one wanted to invest in is suddenly seeing a spike in property prices. It can all seem a little mystifying.

However, by taking into account certain factors and changes in an area, it can become clearer to see which neighbourhoods are primed for an uptick. With that in mind, let’s look over some of the best ways to identify potential property hotspots.

From Undesirable to Gentrified

Every city has those areas that were once no-go zones, but are now the hippest, most expensive part of town. There are a few key indicators to look out for trying to scope out a gentrified, up-and-coming hotspot.

Go through the property prices of the area you’re looking and track the trends they show. Undesirable areas that have showed rising house prices for two or three years are primed for gentrification and, thus, further rises in property values. Team this with any information on demographics you can find. What is the average age of people buying and renting homes in the area? If there is a prevalence of young people, the area is most likely due for an uptick in trend. And that means higher property prices to come.

Also take note of the treatment of current housing stock in the area. If many properties are undergoing refurbishment or if there are new builds going up, this is another very encouraging sign.

The Wider Effect

It may be that you noticed an area getting better and house prices rising, but just missed the boat. If that’s the case, look at the areas surrounding this. Gentrification and rises in house prices are very organic and areas nearby may be due the same rise in hipness and attendant house price increases.

Take an almost scientific approach to this. Look at how much house prices have gone up in a specific area and come up with an average. The apply that to surrounding areas and see how much their properties have increased in value – if it’s over the 5 percent mark, the chances are you’re looking at a future hotspot.

Look for Infrastructure and Transport Links

Finding out where new and future infrastructure and transport projects are going to be is a great way to diagnose future hotspots. This has two benefits. The area itself will become more prized because of better infrastructure and, resultingly, house prices will rise. On the second count, these types of big-scale projects will bring more workers and families to the area, increasing demand for housing and, again, pushing up house prices.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to sizing up property hotspots, but there are a number of key indicators to use as a guide, as we’ve seen. Work by these rules of thumb, and you should develop a keen eye for the next booming property area.

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Landlords have been receiving some fairly unfavorable press recently. The housing crisis, particularly in London, is deepening, and more and more millennials and renters are being left in difficult scenarios, with many struggling to make ends meet.

Because of the vulnerable position many are finding themselves in, a number of ‘rouge landlords’ have been offering rooms up to cash poor individuals in exchange for sexual favours and close company. It’s scandalous, shameful and is telling of just how far this crisis has gone.

While the majority of landlords are noble and are offering a transparent service to renters, it’s still vitally important that they adhere to certain rules and regulations. So, what does a landlord need to do in order to stay on the right side of the law?

Gas safety

It is imperative that any property that has gas appliances undergoes the appropriate annual gas safety checks. These will need to be conducted by a gas fitter or engineer who is and the check must have been carried out within the 12 months before the new tenant takes up occupation.

Licensable HMOs

If a landlord owns a property that is part of a multiple occupation e.g. bedsits, shared houses or a shared flat, it may be necessary for a HMO license to be obtained from the local authority. It is important that landlords make contact with local authorities to check which licensing requirements are applicable to them and their property.

Electrical inspections

Properties that are in a house of multiple occupation of any kind will need a five year electrical safety check to be carried out by a component electrician, even in circumstances where a license is not required. Properties that this covers includes shared houses, flats in multiple occupation, bedsits, hostels and certain converted blocks of flats.

Prescribed information to tenants in England

It is now the law that tenancy landlords are required to provide a timely copy of How to rent: a checklist for renting in England. If a landlord fails to do this, they will not be able to serve a valid section 21 notice in England.

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