Is It Time to Change the Narrative?
At Property118, we have always aimed to present a truthful and unflinching view of the challenges faced by landlords. For over a decade, we have addressed some of the most difficult topics in our sector. From Section 24 and the erosion of finance cost relief, to regulatory upheaval and legal complexity, we have never shied away from difficult conversations.
However, recent feedback has prompted some deeper reflection. A long-standing reader recently said to me, “The news on Property118 is getting a bit depressing.” That comment stayed with me. On reviewing our recent output, I could see how someone might reach that conclusion.
There is no doubt that landlords have faced a challenging environment. Yet the overall picture is not entirely bleak. Thousands of new landlord companies are being formed each year. Rents are strong in many areas. The private rented sector continues to grow and evolve. Many landlords are adapting successfully and finding opportunity where others have stepped back.
These stories matter just as much as the problems we highlight. In fact, they may matter more if we want to help landlords remain confident, resilient, and forward-looking.
This article serves two purposes. First, we would like to ask for your help in shaping our future editorial direction. Should Property118 place more emphasis on balance? Would you like to see more articles focused on what is working, and why some landlords are thriving despite the wider media narrative?
If so, we would be very grateful if you would scroll down and leave a comment below this article. Our editorial team will be reading every reply, and your collective views will influence their thinking far more effectively than anything I could say on my own.
Second, we would like to hear about what you are doing. If you have found ways to grow, adapt, or simply hold steady in the current climate, please consider sharing your experience with the wider community. Whether it relates to tenant selection, regional strategy, portfolio structure, mindset, or management systems, we would love to hear about it in your own words.
You can submit a short article or question using the link below:
👉 Share your story or question here
You are also warmly encouraged to join the discussion below this article. Whether you agree with this proposed shift in tone or not, your perspective is welcome. We are particularly keen to hear from those who feel that balance is important, as well as from those who prefer us to remain strictly focused on highlighting challenges.
The strength of Property118 has always come from its readership. If we are to evolve, that evolution should be shaped by you.
We look forward to reading your thoughts and experiences.
Kind regards,
Mark Alexander
Founder, Property118.com
Comments
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Member Since February 2022 - Comments: 203
7:25 PM, 13th July 2025, About 9 months ago
I’m a radio listener and listening to one station all the time gives a skewed view. I listen to Talk radio a lot which is right wing dubbed the “house of common sense” however I’m more recently switching to a more balanced station like Times Radio. It’s depressing listening to the same ureteric that the country is on the way down the pan blah blah blah. I’m starting to feel the same with this site, its click bait headlines and the article comments including my own are focusing on the doom and gloom elements of being a landlord. I would support a more balanced view. I enjoyed the Articles from Denzel however there were only a few. Landlord crusader articles are good but I often read them as a pinch of salt and since they are every Friday it’s ok for a doom and gloom once a week. But I find myself less and less using this site as a source of quality information and more so a venting ground. Hope you do change course but only a bit.
Member Since December 2023 - Comments: 1575
10:37 PM, 13th July 2025, About 9 months ago
It is depressing, and rightfully so.
However, I still believe that owning land and property is a good thing. It needs to be the right property (modern, dry, safe) or the right land in areas that are ripe for development. Brownfield sites seem an obvious area for investment (struggling pubs, high street shops).
But I’m too old to be bothered. Time for me to sell up and enjoy retirement.
Member Since March 2022 - Comments: 363
10:38 AM, 14th July 2025, About 9 months ago
What doesn’t help are the constant advertorial horror stories by 118 about what is going to happen in the PRS that finish off with an avoid all this, sell up now strapline and a landlord sales agency contact form.
Member Since January 2025 - Comments: 2
10:46 AM, 14th July 2025, About 9 months ago
A more balanced view would help me
Member Since March 2022 - Comments: 13
10:58 AM, 14th July 2025, About 9 months ago
Personally i think the content is fine. Better than people believing being a landlord is a bed of roses. We are fortunate that are not currently pulling income, but are overpaying one of the mortgages to get in a better financial position when we need to start using the income.
Member Since January 2024 - Comments: 341
11:10 AM, 14th July 2025, About 9 months ago
As long as it is a fairly balanced view it is fine. Landlords will probably make a higher return, due to a lot of BTL sales resulting from RRB and EPC changes, etc., but at increased risk.
I am in Cider Drinker’s boat (or possibly Ark) – my wife and I are at retirement age and it is easier for me to do estate planning. etc if I sell up. So in a couple of years I will be past caring!
Member Since March 2020 - Comments: 6
11:30 AM, 14th July 2025, About 9 months ago
Appreciate the need to reflect reality but your content is extremely negative – I tend to avoid reading it as it’s depressing. We know there are loads of issues and more to come – why not focus more on what we can do about it?
Having a stronger lobby voice would be a start btw.
Member Since February 2020 - Comments: 360
11:41 AM, 14th July 2025, About 9 months ago
I just want to read relevant and useful stuff.
The slant on positive or negative is not important.
Member Since March 2018 - Comments: 7
11:45 AM, 14th July 2025, About 9 months ago
The negativity – i love it when people share a problem they have. Sometimes they have been cute in how they have got over it and that makes me take a screenshot. Other articles of negativity i find amusing where they are doom mongers that talk the market down and then offer to buy your property. They are glorified ambulance chasers, saying they is a catastrophic accident about to happen. I just giggle at it. Enjoy the day.
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2188 - Articles: 2
12:09 PM, 14th July 2025, About 9 months ago
Whilst I agree with the sentiment, I can see nothing positive for either tenants or Landlords in the RRB.