The way EPCs are measured could change to multiple different metrics rather than the current single metric, which the government claims is “insufficient”. Under the current rules, EPCs are measured based on the amount of energy a property uses per square metre (e.g., for heating, lighting, etc.) and how much energy it loses (e.g., through […]

The tenant has rented the two-bedroom mid terrace house since 2009 and is now five months in rent arrears. A Section 21 has been served with all the correct documents checked by a legal firm. The Section 21 expires on 25th March. It took numerous visits, emails and telephone calls to arrange for the expired […]

Proposals in a government consultation could force landlords to update their EPCs every time a tenant renews their tenancy agreement, even if it’s with the same tenant. Under current rules, EPCs are valid for ten years, and when they expire, a new one isn’t needed unless you’re entering a new tenancy with new tenants or […]

Landlords in England and Wales’ private rented sector are looking at forking out £21.6 billion to meet new energy performance certificate (EPC) standards, research reveals. The government has announced a consultation on how EPCs are calculated and another one which would see all new tenancies needing an EPC certificate from 2028. All tenancies, under the […]

Three more buy to let lenders have joined the race this week to lower BTL mortgage rates after the Bank of England lowered its Base Rate. Paragon and Fleet have already cut their BTL mortgage rates and now Accord Mortgages has unveiled its second cut within a week. It is lowering rates on its BTL […]

Despite a slow start to the year, property prices are expected to surge, with first-time buyers driving the market when stamp duty changes come into effect in April. According to e.surv house price index, house prices grew by just 0.1% in January 2025. However, despite the slow growth, this marks the first time in four […]

Demand for rental property is ‘flat’ and the number of landlords offering properties is still in decline, RICS reveals. Its latest residential survey says that the shrinking supply, coupled with flat demand is exacerbating the imbalance between available homes and prospective tenants. The report states: “Unsurprisingly, a net balance of 23% believe that rents will […]

Flat owners in England and Wales face escalating costs as annual service charges surge to £2,300 – leaping by 11% last year, Hamptons reveals. This increase dwarfs the 2.5% rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), placing financial strain on leaseholders, the agency says. For the first time, average charges exceed £2,000 in every English […]

I have a property that has become vacant. I also have a guy/acquaintance who is a Landscaper and Handyman I’ve known on and off for 30 years who is down on his luck having split from his wife. He’s always been honest and reliable and has done good work for me in the past, albeit […]

England’s criminal landlords will face restrictions on benefit payments they receive for running substandard properties in supported housing, the government has announced. The plan was revealed alongside news of a £300m allocation for new affordable housing. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government funding will deliver 2,800 additional affordable homes within the next year. […]

The way energy performance certificates (EPCs) are measured could be changed as soon as 2026. The government has launched a consultation on proposed changes to the way EPCs are measured, which they claim will deliver a “more efficient and effective EPC system that works for landlords.” The consultation is currently open and will run until […]

As Peers prepare to discuss the Renters’ Rights Bill, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) says that Labour’s reforms are doomed to fail without proper enforcement. The landlords’ organisation is highlighting the huge burden the Bill places on local authorities since they will need to deal with substantial changes. Those changes include the Decent Homes […]

A Green Party politician claims the Mayor of London, “has no choice” but to introduce rent controls to solve the housing crisis. In a report, Zoë Garbett, London Assembly Member for the Green Party, claims London Mayor Sadiq Khan must show leadership and introduce rent controls to stop renters from being evicted from their homes. […]

The government’s strategy for boosting the energy performance certificate (EPC) ratings in the private rented sector has been met with cautious optimism by one organisation. The Property Institute (TPI) says that the proposals, which were announced last week, do not consider the hurdles faced by flat dwellers, particularly leaseholders, where upgrades are often restricted. TPI’s […]

The number of new rental agreements in England and Wales have reached their lowest point in eight years, according to a report by The Deposit Protection Service (The DPS).  Its Private Sector Rental Review, which analyses official data from government-approved deposit schemes, reveals a big drop in new tenancies. Between October 2016 and September 2017, […]

Most landlords are now open to tenants personalising their rented homes, signalling a shift in the rental landscape, research reveals. The study by OSB Group, which is home to Kent Reliance and Precise, shows that 73% of landlords welcome tenant customisation as the Renters’ Rights Bill is poised to reshape the private rented sector. The […]

Attention landlords and property investors! The property market is evolving, and staying informed is essential. In this video, Ranjan Bhattacharya breaks down the 7 key changes for landlords in 2025 you must know to safeguard your property investment strategy. From the abolition of Section 21 no-fault evictions to stricter EPC requirements and the upcoming stamp […]

Paragon Bank and Fleet Mortgages have both announced reductions to their buy to let (BTL) mortgage rates. Paragon has trimmed 30 basis points (bps) from its entire two-year fixed-rate range, bringing rates down to a low of 3.34% – the lowest seen since May 2022. This applies to purchase and remortgage products up to 75% […]

With landlords in England facing the prospect of not ‘unreasonably’ refusing a tenant the right to keep a pet under the Renters’ Rights Bill, research reveals that the UK’s dog population may have been underestimated by up to four million. A study by Dogs Trust, the University of Exeter and the University of Leeds found […]

There are more than 1.2 million individuals on social housing waiting lists and there’s an average wait time of nearly three years – but one region faces a wait of 25.75 years, research reveals. According to insurers Alan Boswell Group, which filed Freedom of Information requests, Greater London holds the unfortunate distinction of having the […]

Propertymark has voiced its support for updating the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, saying there’s a need to address contemporary issues. Those include Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards and better tenant safeguards against unjust maintenance claims in England and Wales. The organisation acknowledges the Act’s original intent to balance tenant security with landlord rights but suggests […]