Buy to let landlords are increasingly seeking mortgage brokers with expertise in tax and regulatory matters, a survey reveals. The findings from Butterfield Mortgages found that 38% of landlords did so – highlighting worries over the Labour Budget’s impact on the PRS. Those wants are followed by access to a wide range of flexible financial […]

The Housing Ombudsman has published a scathing report criticising Hyde Housing Association for repeated failings in repairs, complaint handling and service charge enquiries. The investigation, prompted by a high rate of maladministration, uncovered a pattern of unreasonable delays, poor communication and inadequate redress. The report highlights several specific cases where residents suffered due to the […]

There has been a big increase in the conversion of commercial properties into residential units across England, research reveals. The findings from Direct Line landlord insurance reveal a 63% surge in change of use applications between 2021 and 2023. The rising trend is driven by factors such as the shift to remote work and the […]

A survey of England’s private landlords has unveiled a complex landscape marked by increasing costs and shifting landlord strategies. The English Private Landlord Survey found that nearly half of all landlords owned a single rental property, accounting for 21% of tenancies. However, a significant portion of the market was dominated by larger landlords, with 17% […]

The Scottish Liberal Democrats have accused the SNP of a “massive failure” to tackle the housing crisis. A Freedom of Information request by the party revealed that more than 28,000 homes are sitting empty while homelessness in Scotland reaches record levels. The news comes after the Scottish government declared a housing emergency along with12 other […]

The Autumn Budget has introduced a major shake-up in inheritance tax (IHT) rules for pensions. These changes could significantly impact how you plan to pass on your wealth.  The question is: are you prepared to protect your family’s financial security?  WealthBuilders are hosting an exclusive live webinar on Tuesday 10th December, where I, the Founder […]

In a blow to Scotland’s landlords, the Scottish Budget has raised the Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) from 6% to 8%. The ADS, introduced in April 2016, applies to transactions involving the purchase of an additional residential dwelling over £40,000, including buy-to-let investments and second homes. The Scottish government also made a U-turn by increasing funding […]

Hi, I’m about to complete on a property that comes with a tenant-in-situ who has a periodic tenancy with the existing owner. His current rent is significantly under market rate and as part of my offer on the property, the current tenant agreed for the rent to be immediately increased to market rate. Am I […]

Hi, I purchased a property earlier this year through an auction with a tenant in situ. I changed the name of the landlord on the tenancy and myself and the tenant signed it. I am now trying to evict him via Section 21. However, I’ve recently found out when he moved into the property in […]

Hello, I have a house in NW London let to a well known housing association since 2020. It is now very underlet relative to private market rents which is particularly painful as my mortgage cost has tripled since the lease commenced. The initial contract was for a term of 3 years which expired in November […]

The Property Redress Scheme, a leading independent redress provider for the UK property industry, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a refreshed brand identity and a new website. It is now called Property Redress and since its inception in 2014, it has grown significantly to represent more than 20,000 member offices. The company has consistently […]

Pets cause less financial damage than tenants, according to new research. A report by the University of Huddersfield reveals that while pets can cause damage, the cost is more than 50% lower than the damage typically caused by tenants. Inventory Base is calling on landlords to take in pets after research finds only 7% of […]

Our letting agents sent us a letter last week announcing an increase in the percentage rates they would be charging because of the National Insurance rates going up. We responded pointed out that the contract we had signed with them (some years ago, as we have a very long-term tenant) specified the percentage rates, so […]

Paul Shamplina, Founder of Landlord Action and a leading voice in the UK’s property sector, has been awarded ‘Seminar Speaker of the Year’ at the National Landlord Investment Show Awards 2024. This milestone win marks the fourth time Shamplina has received the honour, having previously won in 2019, 2022, and 2023. The award, voted for by landlords attending the National Landlord […]

Landlords in the UK face a range of challenges when managing tenancy agreements and ensuring the financial stability of their property investments. One financial tool that can help landlords navigate these challenges is bridge lending. Bridging loans can be an effective solution for landlords dealing with vacant periods, property improvements, or quick purchases. Let’s explore […]

Despite the Labour government’s view that tenants face insecurity due to no-fault evictions, the English Housing survey reveals that renters are staying in their homes for longer. According to the 2023-24 English Housing Survey, private renters now spend an average of 4.6 years in their current home. This marks an increase from 4.4 years in […]

Hello, When the Renters’ Rights Bill attains Royal Assent next year, and every application for Section 13 annual rent increase qualifies to be referred to the tribunal by your tenant for adjudication, what factors will judges determine a “Market Rate” to be (six months later)? Will they conduct a survey via Rightmove, use local housing […]

The UK’s buy to let mortgage market is heating up, with several leading lenders introducing new products. First up is The Mortgage Lender (TML) which has expanded its BTL range with two new two-year fixed rate 75% LTV products and a new five-year fixed 75% LTV multi-loan product. The lender’s chief commercial officer, Steve Griffiths, […]

The UK’s house prices have continued their upward trajectory, marking the third consecutive quarter of growth in 2024, one property market index reveals. The research from Benham and Reeves reveals a 0.9% increase in house prices during Q3 of this year. The index, which combines data from Halifax, Nationwide, Rightmove and the UK House Price […]

Student campaigners have slammed “the landlord lobby” for putting “people over profit” in the Scottish Housing Bill. The Scottish Housing Bill has passed the first stage but the National Union of Students Scotland claims MSPs “must close loopholes in the Bill which disadvantages students”. The Bill will allow renters to request permission to keep a […]

Landlords across the UK have expressed disappointment with the recent Budget and are now taking a longer view of the private rented sector (PRS), one survey reveals. Landlords say they are disappointed with the increased stamp duty on second homes and investment properties. The research from buy to let lender Landbay reveals that 72% of […]