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 […]

Hi, my partner and I purchased a property in August 2024, it came with a freehold of the maisonette which is part of the same building. The maisonette will have been unoccupied for 8 years by March 2025, after the previous occupant passed away. Last week we had a company break into the property without […]

My son is heading to University in September and we’re looking at helping him buy a HMO in his own name. We’re looking at options for a five-bedroom HMO. He will take one room, rent out the others (around £80 a week each), and likely claim the rent-a-room allowance. We are currently trying to make […]

Hi, I have a number of ex local authority flats in London. I am having an increasing amount of complaints from tenants about the forming of mould on walls and ceilings. I’m of the belief that this is all lifestyle related. I accept however, that it is possible that there could be underlying issues. That […]

Seven in 10 landlords planning to expand their portfolios this year intend to buy new buy to let properties through a limited company, research reveals. A survey conducted for Paragon Bank reveals that 69% of these landlords will opt for this structure, the second highest figure recorded. Only a quarter of landlords will purchase in […]

From meeting at university to building a property business together — all while managing life with their one-year-old! Jake Colwill and Lucy Davies’s journey into the property world has seen them tackle tricky renovations and investment risks. Their hard work has now earned them HMO Property Investor of the Year at the Property Investors Awards. […]

Research reveals that 2.58 million homes in the private rented sector will need upgrading to meet an EPC C requirement. The findings from epIMS come after the government announced its EPC consultation which could see new tenancies having to meet the C Rating from 2028. For all tenancies, the deadline is 2030. However, the government […]

Bad Policy Example: From 2028, it is suggested that all new tenancies must have an EPC rating of ‘C’ or above, with all existing tenancies required to meet this target by 2030. Why is this bad Policy? 1. Millions of houses are below ‘C’ and won’t be a ‘C’ for 2028. These properties will then […]

Are you ready to discover how to build long-term wealth with commercial property even if you’re just starting out? WealthBuilders are hosting a free live webinar that will reveal practical strategies to help you find, fund, and grow a profitable commercial property portfolio no matter your level of experience. Whether you’re thinking about transitioning from […]

Rent increases in Scotland have accelerated since the introduction of rent controls in September 2022, rising faster and higher than before the legislation. That’s according to an analysis from DJ Alexander Ltd, Scotland’s largest letting agency, which reveals that between 2010 and 2022, one-bedroom flat rents rose by £138 (31.2%). In the two years following […]

Incentivising, rather than penalising good landlords, is the key to beating supply and demand issues, says Propertymark. According to Propertymark’s Housing Insight report, demand continues to outstrip supply with the average number of applicants per member branch still hitting around seven people for each available property. Propertymark members also told the report legislative changes are […]

Protected deposits in England and Wales have surged to £5.2 billion, a 6% rise, while Scotland’s total reached £203.6 million, a 7% increase, an annual report from TDS Group reveals. Despite a 1.3% dip in the number of protected deposits in England and Wales – now standing at 4,624,079 – the average deposit hit a […]

Hi, I’m having a terrible time with our tenant and we have issued a Section 21.  The tenant has been denying access to the house for some time hence S21. They recently (after S21) contacted the letting agent (LA) to say there are many repairs to be done, including electrical. The LA responded immediately, requesting […]

Our enquiry concerns a Lease Extension for a block of 6 flats in the centre of Aldershot with 84 years (of the original 125 years) remaining on all 6 leases. The 6 leasees each own an equal share of the freehold interest of the block. There is a Management Company Ltd which has been set […]