Councils in England are neglecting to enforce energy performance certificate (EPC) regulations in the private rented sector (PRS) which is undermining government efforts to improve energy efficiency, research reveals. Tech provider Reapit sent Freedom of Information (FoI) requests to several major councils, including Liverpool, Manchester, Brighton, Birmingham, Leeds and Bristol, asking for data on the […]

House prices in Stoke-on-Trent rocketed by 17.2% in the year to September, according to the latest Halifax data, solidifying its position as the UK’s leading area for house price growth. Slough followed closely with a 14.9% increase, and Oldham saw a 14.6% rise in home costs. The Halifax research previously revealed that more than 73% […]

When it comes to property investing, one of the most common questions is: why do so many investors choose interest-only mortgages over repayment mortgages? The answer lies in the flexibility and financial benefits that interest-only mortgages provide, especially when it comes to building a portfolio. What Is an Interest-Only Mortgage? An interest-only mortgage allows you […]

The consultation (Reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings regime) is scheduled to last for 12 weeks from 4 December 2024 to 26 February 2025. Best get replying everyone to tell then what we REALLY think! Click Here You may respond by completing an online survey on Citizen Space “This consultation seeks views on the […]

The Renters’ Rights Bill will return to the House of Commons on January 14, 2025. The government has confirmed that the Bill will be brought back after the parliamentary recess for the report stage and third reading. The Bill will abolish Section 21 no-fault evictions and apply Awaab’s law to the private rented sector. Bill […]

Tenants and landlords want longer tenancies despite the Labour government planning to abolish fixed-term tenancies. According to a survey Leaders Romans Group, both landlords and tenants are seeking security in an unpredictable private rented sector, with some landlords even willing to reduce rents to retain long-term tenants. The Renters’ Rights Bill proposes abolishing fixed-term tenancies […]

“Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, the chancellor and business secretary have written to the UK’s main regulators asking them to come up with ideas for reform that could boost economic growth.” The regulators that received the letters included the Financial Conduct Authority, Ofgem, Ofwat and the Competition and Markets Authority. Why doesn’t he ask Landlords? […]

As a landlord, you may be thinking about adding extra cover for your landlord insurance. Standard landlord insurance covers risks against your property usually including building insurance which covers the basic structure of your property, including pipes, windows, cables and doors. However, if you want to add optional extras such as contents insurance, accidental damage […]

The property market in 2024 saw huge uncertainty due to the general election and the Budget but stamp duty changes and potential interest rate cuts could provide some relief next year. Leaders Roman Group say the first half of 2025 will be busy as buyers rush to complete before stamp duty changes. The estate and […]

Property Answers end of year round-up and what is next for 2025? John Howard and I provide Property Answers to your Property Questions. Click on the video below: You can also join us at the next Baker Street Property Meet Tues 30th April: Network with 300+ property investors at the UK’s No 1 Property Networking Event Book your […]

More corporate landlords will enter the private rented sector in 2025, as they are less impacted by new rules and regulations, while buy to let landlords will leave the sector, claims Leaders Romans Group. According to the lettings and sales agency, the Renters’ Rights Bill will have a huge impact on the private rented sector […]

The Scottish Greens are demanding that ALL landlords halt evictions during the winter months to show “compassion and kindness.” The party, which was in a coalition with the SNP, previously supported an eviction ban that lasted until March this year, pausing evictions for six months. The Scottish Green Party claims that the end of this […]

First-time buyers (FTBs) faced a challenging property market in 2024, but next year could see a surge of buyers before the stamp duty deadline in April. According to Moneybox, 34% of first-time buyers are planning to become homeowners in 2025. Moneybox also reveals that 71% of aspiring FTBs plan to buy in the next two […]

Fewer Londoners are leaving the capital as purchases outside London hit their lowest in a decade, according to Hamptons. A report by the estate agents reveals that Londoners bought 5.7% of all homes sold outside the capital in 2024, the lowest proportion since 2013, down from a high of 8.2% in 2022. First-time buyers also […]

I highly recommend that all landlords ask their accountant one very simple question. The answer will reveal whether your accountant truly understands the nuances of rental property business accounting or whether they might inadvertently cost you money—or even land you in hot water with HMRC. The question is this: Do you keep a balance sheet […]

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has hit back at the Prime Minister for blaming landlords for rising rents. The NRLA says Keir Starmer needs to recognise the important role landlords play in the housing sector, rather than focusing on rent levels, which are dictated by the market. Labour has pledged to abolish Section 21 […]

Discover five hidden gems in commercial property for 2025! We’ll explore market trends, regional variations, and strategies for maximising returns in this ever-changing landscape. Learn about: The resurgence of office spaces and retail demand in specific areas – How to conduct thorough local research for successful investments – The potential impact of upcoming planning reforms […]

House prices hit record highs this year, with further price rises expected in 2025, according to Halifax. The bank reports that property prices rose to £298,083 following annual growth of +4.8%, with transaction volumes returning to pre-pandemic levels. Halifax also predicts that mortgage affordability will remain a challenge in the New Year, as the Bank […]

Worcester City Council says, despite the “majority of HMO landlords”, following the rules an additional licensing scheme could be introduced. Worcester landlords are being asked for their views on whether a licensing scheme designed to improve standards in shared rented housing should continue for another five years, as the current scheme is due to end […]

More than 73% of tenants claim to feel more financial strain during Christmas, as they struggle with the cost-of-living crisis. According to Zero Deposit, expectations to spend more during Christmas and New Year on outgoings such as social occasions and leisure activities mean many tenants are tightening their belts. However, Zero Deposit claims more investment […]

Only 5% of landlords know about the numerical points system when it comes to EPC ratings, according to epIMS. An EPC rating is graded alphabetically from A to G. However, a point system determines the rating. For example, a score of 92-100 SAP points gives a rating of A, 81-91 points gives a rating of […]