A fresh brand dedicated to buy to let financing and empowering property investors across the UK has been launched by OSB Group called Rely. The firm says the new offering will strengthen the private rented sector by combining industry know-how, enthusiasm and adaptability to assist landlords. Rely will be helping novice landlords with a single […]

A city is claiming that its selective licensing scheme has led to ‘significant improvements’ in its private rented sector in the 15 months since it was launched. And another council has unveiled a new selective licence scheme in its borough for private landlords. Peterborough City Council says it processed more than 7,000 licence applications and […]

A shocking 474% increase in complaints about substandard living conditions in social housing has sparked urgent calls for a stronger private rented sector. Industry body Propertymark points to the alarming figure in the Housing Ombudsman’s ‘Spotlight Report: Repairing Trust’, which compares data from 2024/25 to 2019/20 to expose deep-rooted issues in the maintenance of social […]

We’re pleased to announce that FG Connect, a respected market research company, has engaged Property118 to assist in their latest market research project. They’re looking to speak with UK-based commercial landlords who own retail or office premises. This is a great opportunity to share your experience, shape future property insurance services, and get £200 compensation […]

Are there any other landlords who are fed up with the narrative that we are swimming in wealth, ready to splash out thousands on energy performance certificate (EPC) upgrades? This is a tired trope that needs debunking especially since tenant advocacy groups like Generation Rent claim landlords can ‘easily afford’ the costly upgrades required to […]

Nottingham City Council claims it has spent more than £2.4 million on damp and mould repairs to its social homes, but there are still questions about how the council can afford other repairs ahead of new legislation. A news report by the Nottingham Post reveals that councillors are questioning whether the council has enough funds […]

WHATEVER your politics, the option of letting your rental property to a government agency or charity to house asylum seekers is now front and centre in the news. Briefly, the background to this is news stories about the government and its agencies looking to move asylum seekers from hotels to rental properties. They are reportedly […]

Students face lower financial penalties at the end of their tenancies compared to other private renters – though the cleaning bill is higher, research reveals. Data from Reposit shows that in 2024, the average cost for students was £788, which is much less than the £1,131 paid by tenants in the wider private rented sector […]

Several organisations have united in raising serious concerns about the Renters’ Rights Bill, branding the proposed reforms to the PRS as unworkable without clearer government guidance. As the House of Lords gears up to review the legislation from 1 July, groups representing private landlords, build-to-rent providers and letting agents are pressing ministers for answers to […]

Rents across Britain have rocketed by as much as 17.4% in some regions since the Labour government introduced its Renters’ Rights Bill, research reveals. The Bill looks set to become law this summer following its House of Lords’ Report Stage on July 1st. Now, London-based lettings and estate agents Benham and Reeves has examined data […]

The Scottish Housing Secretary was left looking clueless after admitting she didn’t know how many people are stuck on social housing waiting lists in Scotland. Despite Màiri McAllan becoming Housing Secretary following the SNP reshuffle last week, she failed to say how many people are currently waiting for a social home and had to be […]

The Bank of England has decided to keep interest rates at 4.25% in a move anticipated by financial experts due to ongoing economic challenges. With inflation holding at 3.4%, significantly above the target of 2%, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) opted for caution, despite earlier hints of potential rate cuts following a reduction in May. […]

A councillor has criticised selective licensing schemes, describing them as a “supplementary tax” on landlords. Speaking at a Wirral Council meeting of the Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee, Councillor Tony Cox argued that many landlords are unable to avoid the financial burden imposed by the schemes. Cllr Cox also warned of the number of landlords […]

A combination of costs, legislation and a lack of confidence are driving a huge amount of landlords away from the private rented sector, claims a new report. Propertymark’s latest Housing Insight report raises serious concerns about the housing crisis and its impact, not just on landlords and tenants, but also on those trying to enter […]

The controversial Renters’ Rights Bill may inadvertently exclude some of the rented sector’s most vulnerable tenants, one firm reveals. According to Leaders Romans Group (LRG), the Bill’s restriction on limiting advance rent payments to one month could hinder access to housing for vulnerable groups of people. These include overseas applicants, self-employed people and those lacking […]

The Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) is pressing the Scottish Government to temporarily suspend the Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) to stimulate investment in the private rented sector (PRS). By doing so, that will help combat the nation’s housing shortage. John Blackwood, SAL’s chief executive, made the plea during a session with Holyrood’s Social Justice and […]

London’s rental sector experienced a robust resurgence in May, driven by a sharp increase in tenant interest and a steady rise in available properties, research reveals. According to Foxtons’ latest market index, the capital saw a dynamic market, with heightened activity signalling a strong seasonal boost as summer approaches. Tenant registrations soared by 35% from […]

The average monthly private rent in the UK grew by 7% in the year to May, reaching £1,339, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). While this marks a significant rise, the annual growth rate has eased from 7.4% in the 12 months to April, reflecting a gradual slowdown in rental inflation. Also, ONS […]

It’s easier for London Mayor Sadiq Khan to paint a picture of greedy landlords than to solve London’s housing crisis, claims a member of the London Assembly. In an exclusive video interview with Property118, deputy leader of the City Hall Conservatives and London Assembly Member, Emma Best, argues that Mr Khan promotes rent controls because […]

Foundation Home Loans has introduced five new limited edition buy to let mortgage products tailored for landlords seeking larger loans. These offerings focus on expat landlords, houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), and multi-unit freehold blocks (MUFBs), featuring fixed fee structures and competitive rates. The new range includes: F1 products: Aimed at landlords with near-pristine credit […]

Tenants seeking a modern home in England face a substantial rent premium of up to 18%, with monthly rents for these properties averaging £1,578, compared to £1,419 for standard rentals. That’s according to FCC Paragon’s latest findings which found the £159 difference represents an 11.2% premium, with some regions seeing hikes as high as 17.7%. […]