First-time buyers can save 20% when they buy their first home rather than renting, research reveals. Zoopla says that first-time buyers in Great Britain face average monthly mortgage payments of £1,038 – which is 20% less than the typical rent of £1,248. The calculation assumes a 20% deposit, amounting to £50,740, on a standard starter […]

Hello, I would welcome any thoughts on this situation. An agreement was reached with a tenant applicant after he had viewed the flat. The applicant signed an AST agreement to commence a 6 month rental on 9th March. He had paid one weeks holding deposit and also paid a deposit of 5 weeks rent, which […]

Dear All, I own a leasehold flat (56yrs remaining, owned in my personal name) in a converted house with 2 other flats in the building. Both of the other flats have long leases (>900yrs at peppercorn). The freeholder wants to sell his interest and issued a Section 5 notice last December. This has now expired […]

Propertymark letting agents argue “overly restrictive regulations” will hurt supply and drive up rent prices. Propertymark members are warning members of the House of Lords that the Renters’ Rights Bill could make it difficult for people to find affordable housing and are urging Lords members to make sure the Bill “is fair and balanced for […]

We’ve said it before, and no doubt you’re experiencing it now: it’s a tough market for landlords. With increasing compliance costs, unreliable tenants, and a rapidly changing property landscape, you’d be forgiven for thinking that it’s time to throw in the towel and cash out before prices drop further. In fact, you’re not alone, it’s […]

It’s not even law yet but the dreaded Renters’ Rights Bill has spread its tentacles from landlords and tenants to letting agents. That might come as a surprise to lots of readers, but it appears that smaller agencies are taking their cue to leave the PRS now. According to Spicerhaart, small letting firms are scrambling […]

The average UK house price dipped in February by 0.1% to £298,602, though year-on-year prices rose by 2.9% – unchanged from January. Northern Ireland saw the highest yearly growth of 5.9% growth, with average prices at £205,784, and Scotland’s prices grew by 3.8%. Welsh properties saw a 2.8% increase, averaging £226,811, while Yorkshire and Humberside […]

A tenant survey is overturning gloomy clichés about landlords to reveal a largely upbeat relationship with 55% of renters commending their landlords for delivering decent homes. The survey by Leaders Romans Group (LRG) shows that just 12% of tenants have an unfavourable opinion about their landlord. The figures in the January 2025 Lettings Report chimes […]

Landlords are increasingly utilising bridging finance to invest in buy to let properties and Shawbrook says that 63% of their residential bridging loan transactions were for purchases. Its internal statistics also a pattern which appears to have continued into this year. The lender says it is the adaptability of bridging loans which is enabling property […]

Some parents I know recently purchased a 3 bed detached bungalow for their severely disabled daughter to live in, and due to the need for 24hr care, she qualifies for the “2-bed HB rate” (one bedroom for her, and one for her carer). Her father charged her rent equal to the HB rate she is […]

If you’re a property investor looking to replace your income, then focusing on high cash-flow properties is essential. But how do you do it in a way that accelerates your results and maximises your profits? You might be wondering—is that even possible? Yes, it absolutely is! But only if you follow a proven strategy. The […]

More buy to let mortgage providers have announced reductions in their buy to let rates. Kent Reliance for Intermediaries (KRFI), part of the OSB Group, has revealed lower rates across its range, including limited edition and standard products. Two-year fixed deals now begin at 3.69%, while five-year fixed options start at 4.39%. The reductions extend […]

A Welsh council has launched a programme to lease properties from PRS landlords so they can offer affordable homes to local people. Newport City Council says that landlords are leaving the sector ‘for different reasons’ and wants them to remain. To do that, it is offering landlords a range of initiatives through the Leasing Scheme […]

I have been renting a flat to a tenant who has occupied my property for 11 years. Over this period, I have only increased the rent twice, and each time I have done so, the tenant has responded with a series of disrepair complaints. The latest rent increase took effect in June 2024. In July […]

Despite the UK Climate Change Committee saying half of homes will need a heat pump by 2040 to meet net zero targets, an industry expert warns heat pumps are still “too expensive and not viable for many households.” According to epIMS, an energy-efficiency platform for landlords, 17.1 million heat pumps need to be installed in […]

In answer to a written question, Labour’s Treasury Minister Emma Reynolds has highlighted the pressures driving up rents – a lack of housing. Addressing a query from Bell Ribeiro-Addy who asked if the Chancellor of the Exchequer had assessed the potential impact on economic growth of rising rents. Ms Reynolds stated: “Rental prices are ultimately determined […]

Paragon Bank has launched an innovative buy to let mortgage application system, offering brokers a quicker, smarter and more adaptable service. It says the bespoke digital tool, which is now accessible to all intermediaries partnering with the lender, promises a top-tier experience through its clever design and seamless functionality. The nationwide rollout follows a trial […]

The Welsh government has rolled out its Final Budget and confirmation of the 1% rise in residential Land Transaction Tax (LTT) rates for additional property purchases. That rise took place in November and Propertymark has voiced its disappointment with the confirmation saying the tax rise could shrink the pool of homes in the private rented […]

Landlords are showing resilience in the face of recent stamp duty increases on additional investment homes, according to Landbay. Its research shows that despite the rise which was introduced in the last Budget, 27% of landlords expressed their intent to snap up more properties over the next year. The study highlights an even divide among […]

First-time buyers face tough market conditions as mortgage payments surge, according to new data. Research by Rightmove reveals first-time buyers are paying £350 more each month compared to five years ago. The average monthly mortgage payment on a typical first-time buyer property, a two-bedroom or fewer home, is now £940 compared to £590 in 2020, […]

Property values across Scotland have surged dramatically, climbing more than a quarter since 2020, research reveals. DJ Alexander Ltd, the nation’s largest lettings firm, reveals that there was a leap in average house prices from £147,731 in January 2020 to £188,807 in December 2024. That’s a rise of £41,076 or 27.8%. While that’s an average, […]