Rent price growth in Scotland’s private rented sector (PRS) has started to ease, reaching its lowest level since November 2022, research reveals. According to DJ Alexander Ltd, the Scotland’s largest lettings and estate agency, the average annual rent rise dropped to 5.1% in April 2025 – that’s 2.3% below the UK average. Regional differences highlight […]

This is how you can create equity from thin air, using specialist knowledge. In this week’s episode of the Property Magic Podcast, I share one of the advanced strategies which I normally only teach with delegates on my three-day residential Mastermind Accelerator workshop. The principle is based on the fact that often the sum of […]

The commercial property market sees a boost outside of London as investment continues to grow. Research by Together reveals Manchester is a key hotspot and achieves high yields for BTL landlords. The property lender also reveals there is a growing appetite for student housing in UK cities. Rental yields rise in Manchester A report by […]

We have a conversion property with full planning permission for three two-bedroomed flats. Now, because of being forced to obtain a Licence to let the flats have been downgraded to one-bedroom flats ie. Only two people are allowed to live in each flat. We have a proposed new tenant wanting to move in with his […]

Buy to let lenders are adapting to meet proposed energy performance certificate (EPC) regulations by focusing on properties that already have higher energy efficiency ratings. Representatives from lenders and valuation firms at a recent industry event cautioned that competition for EPC band A, B and C properties could intensify within a year or two, potentially […]

Landlords face “death by a thousand clipboard checks” over new EPC rules that have come into force. The government announced the biggest changes in the way Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are assessed in more than a decade, with the introduction of the Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure (RdSAP) However, experts warn the new updated system […]

A councillor has raised the alarm over the proliferation of houses of multiple occupation (HMOs), warning they could unravel the city’s community bonds. The council’s cabinet member for housing, told the BBC that in some areas, nearly 50% of properties are HMOs, where unrelated individuals share living spaces. Councillor Paul Drake-Davis sits on Hull City […]

Many property investors and BTL landlords have had to negotiate costly reviews over the last few years, and we have worked with many property business owners who are pursuing other rental strategies to maximise their asset growth, viability and profitability. This has included that in recent times, we have advised on many new mortgage deals […]

Hi there, Does anyone have any advice on the legality of a tenancy agreement being signed in advance of the tenancy starting? I have a new tenancy scheduled to begin on Saturday but the guarantor will not be present to sign at the time as they are abroad so a Docusign will have to be set […]

New Scottish government environmental regulations will exacerbate the ongoing housing shortage in Scotland and prolong stays in emergency homeless accommodation for tenants. The warning is being made by the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) which points to the proposed minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) for some properties by 2028. All private rented homes will be […]

The Renters’ Rights Bill (RRB) only applies to assured and assured shorthold ASTs. If the contract type is not one of these, it won’t apply. Of the list of tenancy agreements types that are not assured or assured shortholds is for example, one where rent is less than £250 per year (£1000 in Central London) […]

Between May and October 2024, Property Redress removed 48 letting and estate agents from its scheme due to persistent non-compliance. The expulsions stemmed from unresolved consumer grievances, unpaid compensation awards and failure to cooperate with its complaints procedure. Although 12 agents were later reinstated after meeting requirements, many remain excluded for ongoing breaches. The government-approved […]

First-time buyers, capitalising on relaxed lending rules and more affordable mortgages, have driven a 7.1% annual increase in the cost of first homes, according to Land Registry figures. In March, these buyers paid an average of £231,000 for their properties, a £15,350 jump compared to the previous year. From January to March, the average amount […]

Nearly a third (30%) of tenants searching for a home to rent describe their experience as average or worse, with some labelling it as poor or very poor, a survey reveals. The research by Dwelly of more than 1,000 tenants found that prolonged timelines is a major issue. It found that 44% of respondents say […]

Labour says that more private landlords will need to play a bigger role in housing migrants, the Daily Telegraph reports. The move will help meet Labour’s pledge to phase out migrant hotels, saving taxpayers an estimated £1 billion annually, as stated during last week’s Spending Review. The decision to shift away from hotels, which currently […]

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is calling for extra funding to help landlords install heat pumps. Responding to the government consultation on the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, the NRLA says landlords need long-term support and funding to meet energy-efficiency targets. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers financial grants to landlords and homeowners to replace gas […]

The government has handed councils new powers to crack down on long-term empty commercial properties. Under new powers, councils can now take action against commercial landlords by auctioning leases of shops or offices left empty for more than 12 months through the High Street Rental Auctions scheme. Bassetlaw District Council warns on their website that […]

The world of property law is no stranger to reform, but Awaab’s Law is different. The legislation marks a turning point in how landlords are expected to respond to damp, mould, and housing health hazards. Prompted by the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in a social housing flat in Rochdale, this legislation doesn’t just […]

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) have become devalued by landlords and are not an effective tool for decarbonising homes, claims new report. The Energy Security and Net Zero Committee (ESNZC) report reveals EPCs are deterring people from making the switch to low-carbon heating. The report also reveals the UK is far off track for meeting its […]

The average asking price for homes entering the market has fallen by 0.3% (£1,277) this month, reaching £378,240, according to Rightmove. This unexpected June decline, contrasting with a typical 0.4% rise for the month over the past decade, reflects sellers adapting to a highly competitive environment and recent stamp duty increases in England. The drop […]

Bradford has claimed the title of England’s top location for House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) yields, with six-bedroom properties delivering an impressive 15.2% return, research reveals. According to COHO, an HMO management platform, its analysis highlights that larger HMOs consistently outperform their smaller counterparts, despite requiring greater initial investment. COHO’s research shows that three-bedroom HMOs […]