Page 135 – Property118
Rental agreement with house keys and calendar representing tenancy terms

Tenants and landlords push for longer tenancies amid plans to abolish fixed-term tenancies

30th December 2024

Tenants and landlords want longer tenancies despite the Labour government planning to abolish fixed-term tenancies. According to a survey Leaders Romans Group, both landlords and tenants are seeking security in an unpredictable private rented sector, with some landlords even willing to reduce rents to retain long-term tenants. The Renters’ Rights Bill proposes abolishing fixed-term tenancies […]

Lightbulb on chalkboard inside a thought bubble representing new ideas and innovation.

Don’t ask Rachel?

30th December 2024

“Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, the chancellor and business secretary have written to the UK’s main regulators asking them to come up with ideas for reform that could boost economic growth.” The regulators that received the letters included the Financial Conduct Authority, Ofgem, Ofwat and the Competition and Markets Authority. Why doesn’t he ask Landlords? […]

Hands protecting a glowing house icon, symbolizing landlord insurance support.

What type of landlord insurance do I need?

30th December 2024

As a landlord, you may be thinking about adding extra cover for your landlord insurance. Standard landlord insurance covers risks against your property usually including building insurance which covers the basic structure of your property, including pipes, windows, cables and doors. However, if you want to add optional extras such as contents insurance, accidental damage […]

Property Answers Christmas Special with John Howard and Ranjan Bhattacharya discussing 2025 property outlook

Property Answers: What’s Next For 2025?

27th December 2024

Property Answers end of year round-up and what is next for 2025? John Howard and I provide Property Answers to your Property Questions. Click on the video below: You can also join us at the next Baker Street Property Meet Tues 30th April: Network with 300+ property investors at the UK’s No 1 Property Networking Event Book your […]

Corporate landlords entering rental market as private buy to let landlords exit in 2025

Corporate landlords replacing private buy to let landlords

27th December 2024

More corporate landlords will enter the private rented sector in 2025, as they are less impacted by new rules and regulations, while buy to let landlords will leave the sector, claims Leaders Romans Group. According to the lettings and sales agency, the Renters’ Rights Bill will have a huge impact on the private rented sector […]

Homeless man sleeping outside in winter with eviction notice crossed out

Scottish Greens urge landlords to stop evictions during winter

27th December 2024

The Scottish Greens are demanding that ALL landlords halt evictions during the winter months to show “compassion and kindness.” The party, which was in a coalition with the SNP, previously supported an eviction ban that lasted until March this year, pausing evictions for six months. The Scottish Green Party claims that the end of this […]

First-time buyer crossing finish line symbolizing stamp duty deadline 2025

First-time buyers rush to beat stamp duty changes before April 2025

27th December 2024

First-time buyers (FTBs) faced a challenging property market in 2024, but next year could see a surge of buyers before the stamp duty deadline in April. According to Moneybox, 34% of first-time buyers are planning to become homeowners in 2025. Moneybox also reveals that 71% of aspiring FTBs plan to buy in the next two […]

Westminster and Big Ben with busy London traffic and pedestrians at sunset

Londoners staying put as fewer move to areas outside the capital

27th December 2024

Fewer Londoners are leaving the capital as purchases outside London hit their lowest in a decade, according to Hamptons. A report by the estate agents reveals that Londoners bought 5.7% of all homes sold outside the capital in 2024, the lowest proportion since 2013, down from a high of 8.2% in 2022. First-time buyers also […]

Confused accountant comparing calculators and an abacus while managing paperwork

How Good Is Your Accountant? Essential Questions for Landlords

25th December 2024

I highly recommend that all landlords ask their accountant one very simple question. The answer will reveal whether your accountant truly understands the nuances of rental property business accounting or whether they might inadvertently cost you money—or even land you in hot water with HMRC. The question is this: Do you keep a balance sheet […]

Prime Minister criticised by NRLA over landlord blame in housing crisis debate

NRLA slams Prime Minister for criticising landlords amid housing crisis

24th December 2024

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has hit back at the Prime Minister for blaming landlords for rising rents. The NRLA says Keir Starmer needs to recognise the important role landlords play in the housing sector, rather than focusing on rent levels, which are dictated by the market. Labour has pledged to abolish Section 21 […]

Commercial property investment strategy insights for 2025 with market trends and opportunities

Why 2025 Is the Perfect Storm for Commercial Property Profits

24th December 2024

Discover five hidden gems in commercial property for 2025! We’ll explore market trends, regional variations, and strategies for maximising returns in this ever-changing landscape. Learn about: The resurgence of office spaces and retail demand in specific areas – How to conduct thorough local research for successful investments – The potential impact of upcoming planning reforms […]

Halifax predicts continued UK house price growth in 2025 amid mortgage affordability challenges.

House prices reach record high in 2024 with further growth expected in 2025

24th December 2024

House prices hit record highs this year, with further price rises expected in 2025, according to Halifax. The bank reports that property prices rose to £298,083 following annual growth of +4.8%, with transaction volumes returning to pre-pandemic levels. Halifax also predicts that mortgage affordability will remain a challenge in the New Year, as the Bank […]

Miniature house, calculator, and Worcester City Council logo highlighting shared housing scheme

Council considers extending HMO licensing scheme to improve housing standards

24th December 2024

Worcester City Council says, despite the “majority of HMO landlords”, following the rules an additional licensing scheme could be introduced. Worcester landlords are being asked for their views on whether a licensing scheme designed to improve standards in shared rented housing should continue for another five years, as the current scheme is due to end […]

Man in Santa hat shocked by empty wallet in front of Christmas tree

Tenants tighten their belts this Christmas amid rising costs

24th December 2024

More than 73% of tenants claim to feel more financial strain during Christmas, as they struggle with the cost-of-living crisis. According to Zero Deposit, expectations to spend more during Christmas and New Year on outgoings such as social occasions and leisure activities mean many tenants are tightening their belts. However, Zero Deposit claims more investment […]

Home energy efficiency rating chart showing EPC scale from A to G

Small minority of landlords aware of EPC points system

24th December 2024

Only 5% of landlords know about the numerical points system when it comes to EPC ratings, according to epIMS. An EPC rating is graded alphabetically from A to G. However, a point system determines the rating. For example, a score of 92-100 SAP points gives a rating of A, 81-91 points gives a rating of […]

Row of colourful London terraced houses with city skyscrapers in the background, reflecting rental market trends

London rents stabilise as tenant budgets rise

24th December 2024

London’s private rented sector has shown signs of cooling in recent months, despite increased tenant budgets, Foxtons reveals. While tenants have been willing to spend more, the anticipated surge in competition and shortage of rental properties has not materialised. The agency says that average rents in November were £541 per week, a 5% drop compared […]

Businessman protecting house model with umbrella, symbolizing landlord insurance coverage.

Why choose The Home Insurer for landlord insurance?

23rd December 2024

With thousands of insurance providers to choose from it can be tricky to decide which one to go with.   While many insurance providers may offer cheap prices, they may not offer the best service and may have essential add-on policies missing. Here at Property118, we’ve teamed up with The Home Insurer which helps provide […]

House for sale with mortgage paperwork and cash stack symbolizing mortgage options for property investors

The Different Types of Mortgages Available to Property Investors

23rd December 2024

If you’re planning on growing an investment property portfolio, understanding your mortgage options is essential. Choosing the right product can significantly impact your profitability and overall investment strategy. So, what are the common types of mortgages available to property investors? Let’s break them down. Buy-to-Let Mortgages This is the go-to option for most landlords and […]

Man running with briefcase spilling money, symbolizing selective licensing costs.

Licensing expert slams government’s selective licensing rules as cash grab

23rd December 2024

A licensing expert has slammed the government’s new selective licensing rules as “not improving standards but lining councils’ coffers.” Phil Turtle, a director of Landlord Licensing & Defence, says the new selective licensing the new rules will ultimately hurt tenants as landlords raise rents to cover the costs of licensing fees. From today, all councils […]