Page 146 – Property118
Marijuana plants and irrigation system discovered in damaged rental property used for illegal cultivation

Tenant’s lies cause £10,000 damage after marijuana farm found in rental property

26th November 2024

A landlord uncovered £10,000 in damages to his rental property after discovering it had been used as a marijuana farm. Nick Lyons, CEO of inventory management service No Letting Go, said everything seemed normal until neighbours noticed the property’s windows were covered with blacked-out paper. Mr Lyons is urging landlords and letting agents to carry […]

Scottish housing minister discusses landlords’ role and investment rights

Landlords are working people, Scottish housing minister confirms

26th November 2024

Scotland’s landlords are ‘working people’ with the right to a ‘return’ on their investments, housing minister Paul McLennan has confirmed. The Minister made the comments during a question-and-answer session at the recent Scottish Association of Landlords’ (SAL) annual conference. Mr McLennan’s statement contrasts with that of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who recently said his government […]

Lady Justice statue with scales symbolizing law and fairness in eviction debate

Councils fail to prosecute criminal landlords

26th November 2024

Councils across England and Wales received nearly half a million complaints about landlord misconduct in five years, but they took fewer than 1,300 landlords to court. More than 100 councils admitted to not prosecuting a single landlord during this period. Data from Public Interest Lawyers shows that the average council now prosecutes just one landlord […]

Confused man surrounded by scattered papers, symbolizing misunderstanding of the letting industry

Why Southwark Council’s Attack on Letting Agents Is Misguided

25th November 2024

Southwark Council’s recent declaration that letting agents are “predatory and exploitative” is both misleading and counterproductive. While their concerns about affordability are valid, attributing the housing crisis solely to letting agents ignores the complexities of the rental market and the critical role these professionals play in ensuring its functionality. Let’s unpack the realities of the […]

Housing Minister criticised by NRLA over court system reform comments

NRLA blast Housing Minister’s court system remarks

25th November 2024

The NRLA and other industry bodies have slammed Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook, for claiming that “alarmist statements about the county court system” stem from opposition to abolishing Section 21. In a letter to Mr Pennycook, Propertymark, Leaders Roman Group and Goodlord, argue that the Minister is dismissing concerns about possession proceedings, which, for some landlords, […]

Wooden figure with sad face symbolising struggling landlords in the UK housing market.

Landlords feel unfairly treated as industry body warns of housing crisis

25th November 2024

Landlords feel they are being “unfairly penalised,” while tenants are being granted too many rights, according to the latest Propertymark Housing Insight Report. The report reveals the ongoing issue of demand outstripping supply, with many renters struggling with affordability. Propertymark is urging the government to introduce measures to attract investment in the private rented sector. […]

Scissors cutting percentage symbol beside energy efficiency chart, symbolizing lender rate adjustments for EPC targets

Lenders adjust rates in response to EPC C targets and market changes

25th November 2024

A lender has announced rate cuts on their products, with Fleet Mortgages relaunching five-year fixed-rate options for landlords buying or remortgaging properties with an EPC rating of A-C. Fleet Mortgages has also reduced rates on its two-year product transfer options for existing customers across standard, limited company, and HMO ranges. Meanwhile, the lender Together has […]

Rising rent and interest rate concept with house and percentage symbols at sunset

Generation Rent says rent hikes to market levels aren’t justified

25th November 2024

Generation Rent claims that “landlords raising rent to market levels is not a valid reason for a rent hike”, despite it being legal under current government policies. A survey by the tenant group reveals that 20% of renters have experienced rent increases driven by landlords adjusting rents to match market levels. However, Generation Rent does […]

Foxtons lettings director in business suit discussing London rental market trends

Record rental stock levels and flat rent rises in London

25th November 2024

London’s private rented sector (PRS) saw a big shift in October, with Foxtons’ latest lettings market index revealing record-high stock levels. This marks an 8% increase compared to the same period last year, making it the highest level of new stock in four years. Despite the increase in supply, tenant demand remained relatively strong, though […]

Red question mark standing out among a pile of grey question marks, symbolizing clarity of purpose.

Why Do You Really Want to Invest in Property?

22nd November 2024

When people think about getting started in property investing, the reasons they give often sound impressive: “to increase monthly income,” “achieve financial freedom,” “secure my future,” or “build generational wealth.” Maybe you’ve even thought, I’ve always wanted to. These reasons why sound ok but they’re way too vague. Here’s the uncomfortable truth: property investing isn’t […]

Air source heat pump outside a building symbolizing reduced energy costs for landlords

Why isn’t the government supporting landlords investing in heat pumps?

22nd November 2024

Due to the skyrocketing costs of energy, two years ago we started replacing existing gas-fired boilers with air source heat pumps, solar panels to generate electricity, and battery storage. It cost a lot, and with only a £5,000 grant (now £7,500), it was a big investment. The first house we did was a large Victorian […]

Allison Thompson of LRG discussing rising demand for accessible rental housing

Demand for accessible rental homes surges – LRG

22nd November 2024

Demand for accessible features in rental properties is on the rise with nearly 40% of tenants expressing a preference for features like lateral living layouts and step-free access. That’s according to a new report from Leaders Romans Group (LRG) which also says tenants would like to see non-slip flooring and wider doors. This growing demand […]

Business person pointing at a glowing question mark, symbolising uncertainty about leaseholder rights

Free landlord seminar will help avoid council enforcement fines

22nd November 2024

A free seminar for private landlords will help educate them about how they can protect themselves from potential fines and property bans. It’s being held in Leeds on Monday after the city council’s housing enforcement team began issuing enforcement actions daily. The team’s officers are conducting vigorous inspections, and the penalties include landlords facing orders […]

Operations director sharing insights on landlords expanding portfolios amid market pressures

Portfolio landlords buck the trend by expanding their portfolios

22nd November 2024

The UK’s private rented sector (PRS) landlords are defying growing economic pressures by expanding their property portfolios, according to a new analysis. The research from Inventory Base reveals that instead of downsizing, landlords are opting to acquire more, lower-value properties to boost their rental income. The analysis reveals that the average landlord’s portfolio size increased […]

EPC upgrade graphic showing energy efficiency ratings with 2030 deadline focus.

Landlords face potential £20bn bill to meet EPC C standards

22nd November 2024

Landlords in England could face a £20bn bill to upgrade their properties to meet EPC C standards by 2030. Although, there will be a general election between now and then. The claim by energy-efficiency platform epIMS, says currently more than half of properties in the private rented sector (50.1%) have an EPC rating below C. […]

Older couple viewing rental apartment with “For Rent” sign, reflecting retirement housing challenges

Renters expect to rent in retirement amid rising costs

22nd November 2024

Nearly 40% of renters believe they will still be renting in retirement, according to new data. The study by the Equity Release Council reveals that only a quarter (25%) of renters think they will be able to buy a home before they retire. The news follows figures from the Office for National Statistics showing rents […]

Black Friday sale promotion for property investing training with up to 95% off and bonus content.

Get Ready: My Black Friday Offer Is Coming Soon!

22nd November 2024

As Black Friday approaches, you’re probably already seeing a flood of emails about deals and offers. But this year, I have something truly special lined up for you – an exclusive Black Friday offer that I guarantee you won’t want to miss. Each year, my team and I at property investors network (pin) work hard […]

Chris Daniel discusses Section 21 delay and its impact on social housing versus private landlords.

Exclusive: Will the government delay Section 21 to social housing providers and not private landlords?

21st November 2024

Rumours are circulating that the Labour government could delay the abolition of Section 21 for social housing providers but NOT for private landlords. In an exclusive interview, Chris Daniel, a Private Sector Housing Consultant, eviction expert, and founder of Possession Friend, tells Property118 that the government is considering delaying the abolition of Section 21 for […]