Buy to let mortgage rates have increased following the controversial Autumn Budget – a sign that the markets are not impressed with Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ plans, research reveals. An analysis by Octane Capital, comparing pre- and post-Budget November data for 75% LTV BTL mortgages, shows a 2.5% rise for full repayment mortgages, costing £951. Interest-only […]

The latest news that landlords will have to bear the brunt of paying the £33 million cost of the Renters’ Rights Bill has left many wondering whether now is the time to sell up. For one landlord, it wasn’t worth all the stress and uncertainty of running his property portfolio, and with new regulations on […]

As Shelter bemoans the rising tide of homelessness with fears that thousands could be evicted from their homes in time for Christmas, it’s time to turn the spotlight on the very organisation that has contributed significantly to this crisis. I’m sure they won’t like it, but Shelter – who don’t offer homes to anyone despite […]

Despite a recent rise in sales activity, the recovery of Scottish house prices has shown signs of slowing down, one index reveals. According to Walker Fraser Steele, October saw a 0.6% monthly decline, the sharpest drop in more than two years. This comes after several new market peaks earlier in the year, pushing average prices […]

Landlords across England have seen their rental yields climb in 2024, thanks to rising rents and relatively stable house prices. According to a new analysis by Inventory Base, the average rental yield has increased by 0.05% since January, reaching 5.2%. This growth is attributed to the rise in the average national house price from £294,799 […]

The Bank of Mum and Dad is feeling the strain of the cost-of-living crisis, with many parents forced to cut back on financial support for their children’s home purchases. A survey by Aldermore found that 59% of first-time buyers have seen their parents reduce or withdraw support. Plus, 19% expect their loved ones to contribute […]

Councils are spending thousands of pounds on temporary accommodation but a new solution could cut the cost and help tenants in arrears. According to The Telegraph, councils are willing to spend thousands on rent arrears to help keep tenants off housing waiting lists, which have soared in recent years. According to homelessness charity Crisis, in […]

Angela Rayner will overhaul planning rules to build more homes. Ms Rayner claims the current planning system is “broken” and “caves into blockers and obstructs builders”. The government has urged councils “to do their part” to help the government achieve its target of 1.5 million homes. Shake-up a broken planning system The government’s National Planning […]

National average asking prices are expected to rise by 4%, with 2025 shaping up to be a bumper year for the housing market, according to Rightmove. The property portal predicts that the number of homes for sale will hit record highs, with 1.15 million properties expected to be sold. Rightmove also anticipates a rush from […]

Foundation Home Loans and Paragon Bank have both announced reductions in their buy to let mortgage rates. The buy to let brand of the specialist lender, ‘Buy to Let by Foundation’, has lowered its rates by up to 30 basis points on a range of Fixed Rate Specials. These revised rates are available in both […]

When it comes to property investing, one term you’ll hear often is leverage. But what does it mean, and why is it considered such a game-changer for investors? Let’s dive into the concept and explore how it can transform your investment strategy. What Is Leverage? Leverage means using borrowed money to fund an investment, with […]

In a severe case of buyer’s remorse, Labour-voting landlords are expressing deep regret over their political choice, according to a survey. Buy to let lender Landbay found that 80% of these landlords now admit they would not vote Labour again. They point to the Chancellor Rachel Reeve’s decision to increase Stamp Duty on investment properties […]

2025 interest rates could spell trouble for property investors. Here’s why and how to prepare. Discover the potential impact of rising interest rates on UK property investment in 2025. We analyse recent economic shifts, including Rachel Reeves’ budget and global events, that could affect the property market. Learn expert strategies to protect your investments and […]

Landlord confidence has dropped due to looming legislation and upcoming energy-efficiency changes. Research by Savills reveals that 73% of landlords have felt less confident in the past year, driven by concerns over the Renters’ Rights Bill and the potential abolition of Section 21. Landlords are also worried about bearing the burden of energy-efficiency upgrades to […]

The Housing Ombudsman is urging the social housing sector to prepare for Awaab’s law after one housing association left a house unhabitable due to dead rats. Awaab’s law will force social housing landlords to act within strict time limits to deal with hazards such as damp and mould. The law is named after Awaab, a […]

House prices in the UK continue to rise, while rental demand has shown its first signs of slowing since 2020, RICS says. Its latest Residential Survey shows that despite the slight dip in tenant demand, rent prices are still expected to increase soon. This is due to the ongoing imbalance between supply and demand in […]

First-time buyers are shelling out nearly 8% more than the asking price for their first homes, an analysis reveals. The findings from estate agent Yopa compared average asking prices to average sold prices for first-time buyer homes. It shows that inexperienced buyers are going to significant lengths to secure their first property. While the average […]

Shelter is blaming evictions and rising rents for a surge in homelessness this Christmas. According to the housing charity, 354,000 people in England, including 161,500 children, will spend Christmas without a home — a 14% increase in just one year. Government data reveals 45% of families placed in temporary accommodation have been there for more […]

Industry bodies have blasted the Welsh labour government over raising stamp duty for landlords and second homeowners in the Welsh Budget. Former First Minister and now Finance Secretary, Mark Drakeford, has announced a 1% increase in Land Transaction Tax (LTT) on additional properties, which is the Welsh equivalent of stamp duty. The NRLA warns the […]

The cost of renting a home has surged since the Covid lockdowns, rising from £12,000 annually in 2021 to £15,240 this year – a 27% increase. However, rising rent has outpaced the growth in earnings, which stood at 19% over the same period. The data comes from Zoopla’s latest Quarterly Rental Market Report which highlights […]

The number of tenants facing homelessness due to landlords selling up has soared by a third since the end of last year, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) reveals. It says that between October and December 2023, 5,400 households in the private rented sector (PRS) in England were forced to seek council support after their […]