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 July 2013 - Comments: 97
2:55 PM, 14th July 2025, About 9 months ago
Perhaps Mark Alexander could start off by sharing his take on things, I have followed his good advice for years.
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3508 - Articles: 5
2:56 PM, 14th July 2025, About 9 months ago
of course it is.
The only issue is NOONE is listening…the government, the tenants, the charities, the councils, the advisors…
We are public enemy number one, remember. It’s all our fault.
We are the ones that evict people onto the street for absolutely no reason at all and bag ££££££’s from UC/HB payments.
We are the ones that allow council tenants to buy state accommodation at reduced rates then spend the receipts on anything but replacement accommodation.
We are the ones that let in anyone and promise to house them for free!
We are the ones that desperately want SL, which in turn reduce the occupancy levels of existing properties.
We are the ones that let more out of prison earlier who then need accommodation..
it goes on and on…
Member Since February 2015 - Comments: 29
3:06 PM, 14th July 2025, About 9 months ago
I think the articles reflect the mood and concerns of the landlords making up the PRS. Difficult times will lead to some negative stories. We shouldn’t be sugarcoating things.
Member Since January 2011 - Comments: 12193 - Articles: 1395
3:25 PM, 14th July 2025, About 9 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Jack Craven at 14/07/2025 – 14:55
Thank you for the compliment.
I am Mark Alexander and I wrote the article you have commented on.
I’ve sold a lot of my properties because I want to retire. Those I’ve kept all have long term tenants. I’m now thinking more about legacy and planning to build another ultra low maintenance portfolio letting to a health care provider. That will be in a structured Family Investment Company, the shares for which will sit in a Discretionary Trust for the benefit of my bloodline.
What I’m really interested in though is what the successful Millenials are doing, because that’s the future for my kids and grandchildren.
In my opinion the good old days of BTL as we knew it in the 90’s through to the credit crunch, using high gearing strategies and letting directly to private individuals could soon be a dead duck. However, the exodus of landlords who built their businesses at the same time as me is also leaving a huge gap in the market. I have no faith in large corporations or Housing Associations filling that gap, so there are bound to be other niches that I’ve not yet considered, hence this article.
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2188 - Articles: 2
4:04 PM, 14th July 2025, About 9 months ago
Perhaps we could start by listing all the positive things about the RRB. Perhaps a list of positives for the tenants, one for the landlords and a third which benefits both tenants and landlords. I would start this process, but I cannot think of anything to put in any of the three categories, others may be more perceptive.
Member Since January 2017 - Comments: 40
4:36 PM, 14th July 2025, About 9 months ago
Reply to the comment left by northern landlord at 14/07/2025 – 10:38
Absolutely…100% I used to think that all the articles on here were meant to be honest and unbiased. But time and again I feel duped when I get to the end of the article to discover its not really someone sharing information for everyone’s benefit. Its just sales patter.
Member Since January 2024 - Comments: 341
5:17 PM, 14th July 2025, About 9 months ago
I believe it is called advertorial – I normally check who has written the article first, before bothering to read it!
Member Since April 2024 - Comments: 8
9:35 PM, 14th July 2025, About 9 months ago
I appreciate the concerns and the stories but I am a reader as I am interested in possible solutions. I read a few other blogs and some are far more solution focused. I want to stay in the game and be ahead of the curve so I am always interested in ways to adapt
Member Since December 2024 - Comments: 62
10:03 PM, 14th July 2025, About 9 months ago
There needs to be an organised campaign that pushes back against the war on landlords that was started by the previous government.
The last thing that anyone should do is give politicians encouragement by voting for them. They will only tie people in knots with ever more laws and regulations. Brexit did not set anyone free. Far from it, the average Briton is the most caged mammal on earth. Cameras everywhere, pay machines at the beach car park, you name it, we’re shackled by something in everyday life.
In property, the pendulum has swung so far in the wrong direction that the political narrative is such that tenants can live in your property free of charge and nobody is coming to help you. Not the government and certainly not the courts service.
Politics in this country has for too long been dominated by the left wing narrative and unless this changes democracy itself is under threat.
I would strongly argue that the future editorial direction of this platform should be focused against government itself. Housing is but a microcosm of a much bigger and deeper malaise that gnaws away at the fibres which bind us and make us question our very sanity.
Member Since February 2019 - Comments: 16
10:12 PM, 14th July 2025, About 9 months ago
I have loved reading the articles and have learnt a lot over the years.
But I think your right, everything needs to develop in response to a changing environment.
Given the impact of the Renters Rights Bill, I would like to hear from other landlords on their thoughts on how we can mitigate losing a lot of control of our properties.
Perhaps 118 could pose a question a week and given the massive amount of experience we have collectively, I think we could help each other take back control of “our” businesses.