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Buy-to-let, Plastic plants, Will disputes

With more contested inheritances, is it worth fighting to change final wishes? Plus a look at whether scrapping buy-to-let tax relief could lead to more difficulties for tenants.

Buy to let mortgages are booming - research from the Council of Mortgage Lenders show there was a leap of almost 40% in the number given out last year. It seems would-be landlords aren't put off by the fact that from 2017 landlords won't be able claim as much tax relief on their mortgage payments. And existing landlords warn they are already putting up rents in anticipation.

New figures from the Ministry of Justice show a sharp rise in the number of contested wills being taken to court. Lawyers think it may be down to complex relationships with divorces and remarriages, but there is the suggestion that the rising value of property plays a role. What are last wishes worth if a court can overturn them?

And one of Royal Mail's most valuable resources is its database of postcodes and the names that go with them. They're highly sought after by marketing companies trying to sell us things. But should Royal Mail be allowed to sell this information? And how can you stop them sending it out?

Presenter: Winifred Robinson
Producer: Olive Clancy.

Available now

45 minutes

Last on

Thu 22 Oct 2015 12:15
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 FM

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Chapters

  • Better Banking

    Competition and Markets Authority says customers could save Β£70 a year by switching banks

    Duration: 03:04

  • Royal Mail Data

    Royal Mail sells data services. But what happens when their information is incorrect?

    Duration: 08:14

  • Contested Wills

    Disputed inheritances are on the rise - is it worth trying to overturn last wishes?

    Duration: 07:06

  • Plastic Flowers

    What is causing the resurgence in popularity of faux flowers?

    Duration: 06:17

  • Pressure on NHS beds

    Kings Fund says cuts to social care are putting pressure on hospitals to keep patients.

    Duration: 05:36

  • Buy to Let

    Could scrapping buy to let tax relief make life difficult for tenants?

    Duration: 07:00

Broadcast

  • Thu 22 Oct 2015 12:15
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 FM

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