Landlords are being warned that there are big alterations to Universal Credit coming which will transform how rent payments are managed across the UK. Propertymark says that from April, the Fair Repayment Rate will drop from 25% to 15%. That’s the amount of Universal Credit that can be deducted from a household’s standard allowance payment […]

A Scottish Green MSP has tabled an amendment to the Housing (Scotland) Bill which would prevent tenants from being evicted in winter months – forever. Maggie Chapman says her proposal will eliminate the threat of evictions during the chilliest months, spanning November to March. That would, she says, mean no renter facing homelessness when the […]

Hi all, Can you advise me regarding ending my fully managed contract with my letting agent? I have read my terms of business and have given ample notice, 3 months. I have requested they confirm the transition and when will they walk away. The Agent’s response was that once the tenant returns the keys, an […]

Hi everyone, I was just wondering if someone could give me a bit of advice. I have a tenant who is on benefits and has been late with her rent on several occasions as her money has not come through. She always pays as soon as her money arrives. The rent for the property is […]

Hello, I have a block of flats currently managed by Block Managing Agents. Recently there was a leak in the building where damage was caused to a number of flats. The managing agents said that they had quotes in from two contractors but refused to disclose the quotes to the flat owners stating that it […]

There has been a big escalation in tenancy disputes with rent arrears now accounting for a fifth of all disagreements, research reveals. The firm behind the findings also fears that the Renters’ Rights Bill will worsen tenant-landlord relations and spark more disputes. FCC Paragon has analysed data from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, to […]

My tenant is a single mother with two children aged 8 and 2. She has been my tenant for the last 3 years. Her rent has always been below market. This year I suggested that when her annual tenancy expires on 20 April 2025 she pays the market rate (£1250 pcm) if she wants to […]

The Property Redress Scheme (PRS) says that the top three complaints about agents last year are the same as in 2023. They are issues with holding deposits, substandard service and oversight, and difficulties with tenancy fees and rent gathering. Its annual report reveals that complaint enquiries rose to 2,861, a rise of 20% compared to […]

Homeowners are reducing asking prices ahead of the forthcoming stamp duty change, particularly for properties under £250,000, research reveals. An analysis by GetAgent.co.uk reveals a surge in price drops as sellers attempt to offset the rising tax burden and attract buyers. The study examined property listings to find how many sellers have lowered their expectations […]

With a property business inspired by her last name, Olivia Hornby is certainly on track for success. Winning New Property Investor of the Year at the Property Investors Awards was an unexpected surprise, but it has given her a huge confidence boost and opened doors to exciting new opportunities in the industry with her OOO […]

A firm warns without investment in the civil courts and property tribunals, landlords could be left in limbo in trying to regain possession of their properties. Proptech firm Reapit says, despite the government’s funding boost for criminal courts, more funding is needed for civil courts to tackle the growing backlog. The Ministry of Justice have […]

Hi, I have a long term widowed tenant who went into a care home with dementia in August, for assessment. She has no children, and only a brother who is not our tenant. Her social worker has told me that she will be staying at the care home and not returning. They will be arranging […]

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 […]