Page 167 – Property118
Business leader discussing UK property market outlook amid Budget uncertainty

The PRS is on the verge of ‘collapse’

12th September 2024

The continued attacks on landlords in the private rented sector (PRS) could push the current rental crisis beyond repair, one expert warns. Octane Capital’s chief executive Jonathan Samuels says a planned rise in Capital Gains Tax in the Autumn Budget by Labour could be the final straw for many landlords. He warns that landlords are […]

Landlord wearing a hard hat reviewing a rent tribunal decision inside a poorly maintained rental property

The courts discriminated against me just because I’m a landlord?

12th September 2024

In the UK we rely on a justice system to be fair and equitable, but hope not to use it. I am sad to report more evidence of law driven discrimination against landlords. Whilst a landlord is responsible for their property, the tenant’s right to a quiet life trumps this and tenants can deny a […]

Raised hands in a discussion symbolizing participation and questioning leadership purpose.

Most Brits support Renters’ Rights Bill – Poll

12th September 2024

A poll has found that six in 10 Brits support banning Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions under the Renters’ Rights Bill. The government has given the Bill its first reading which will see Section 21 eviction being banned, along with a raft of other measures affecting landlords in England. Respondents were asked by polling firm YouGov, […]

Multi-Generational Housing: A Winning Strategy for Property Developers

11th September 2024

There’s a new buzzword in town, and no, it’s not another fancy coffee or the latest trend in tiny homes. It’s multi-generational living! And while you may have seen families pile into a single house on TV, this trend is now becoming a serious opportunity for property developers. As housing costs rise faster than you […]

Property sector reacts to Renters’ Rights Bill

11th September 2024

The unveiling of the long-awaited Renters’ Rights Bill has led to a strong reaction from the property sector. The Bill looks set to ban Section 21 immediately when the bill becomes law – not when the court backlog has been cleared. Other measures introduced in the Bill will include applying Awaab’s Law to the private […]

Suited government spokesperson discussing reforms to the private rented sector

Landlords have nothing to fear from the Renters’ Rights Bill – Pennycook

11th September 2024

Landlords shouldn’t fear the new Renters’ Rights Bill being introduced to Parliament, the housing minister Matthew Pennycook says. Writing in the Daily Telegraph, he insists that ‘change is long overdue’. He says that the Section 21 means that ‘millions’ of tenants ‘could be uprooted from their home with little notice and minimal justification’. He also […]

Angela Rayner announces Labour’s plan to cut benefit payments to criminal landlords

Renters’ Rights Bill set to be introduced with immediate Section 21 ban

11th September 2024

The Renters’ Rights Bill will be introduced to Parliament today with Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions set to be banned immediately. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner says the Renters’ Rights Bill will help “protect tenants” and stop unscrupulous landlords tarnishing the reputation of the private rented sector. The Section 21 ban looks set to be […]

Portrait of a business leader in suit and tie

Scottish house prices rise by £5,368 in a year

11th September 2024

The Scottish housing market is showing resilience with average house prices rising by £5,368 over the past year, research reveals. This represents a 2.9% increase, according to analysis by DJ Alexander Ltd. Scotland’s largest lettings and estate agency has used data from the monthly house price index to find that average house prices in Scotland […]

Fleet expands HMO range and MFS lowers BTL rates

11th September 2024

Fleet Mortgages has announced a big expansion of its houses in multiple occupation (HMO) mortgage range. MFS has also announced that it is lowering rates on all of its products. The lender has introduced new zero and fixed-fee products while also reducing rates on existing HMO, standard and limited company mortgages. Key highlights of the […]

What can I do about my tenant’s rent arrears?

11th September 2024

Hi, my tenant has accrued rent arrears of £15,750 and counting, with unpaid rent dating back to December 2023. A Section 21 notice was served and acknowledged by the tenant, and the two-month notice period has elapsed. However, I have not received any evidence of court filing, engagement letters, or case file references from the […]

Rising house prices compared to income growth shown with houses on stacked coins

UK house prices surge to outpace inflation

11th September 2024

The UK housing market is experiencing a resurgence as house prices continue to outpace inflation, according to a new analysis. Peer-to-peer real estate investment platform easyMoney says the proportion of local authority districts seeing house price growth exceed inflation has grown from 2.8% to 44.2% in the past year. It compared average annual house price […]

pic of EPC home energy clipboard landlord gov target 2028 property118

Is an EPC required for every new tenancy?

11th September 2024

Hi, grateful for advice please as there seems to be some conflicting information out there. I understand an EPC and EICR are compulsory for tenanted properties. Am I right in thinking that a new EPC has to be obtained on a change of tenancy, regardless of when it was issued, but an EICR lasts for […]

Red double-decker bus passing through central London street with historic and modern buildings.

London’s top 5 BTL investment hotspots unveiled

11th September 2024

London’s property market is heating up once again, offering lucrative opportunities for buy to let investors and research reveals which are the top five boroughs for the highest rental returns. A new report by SBA Property Management highlights that the best borough in the capital for landlord investment is Tower Hamlets. Average property values there […]

Energy efficiency rating chart shaped like a house with 2030 target for EPC C goal.

How Are You Preparing for the 2030 EPC Requirements?

10th September 2024

With Ed Miliband proposing a 2030 deadline for tougher EPC rules, many landlords are wondering how to prepare for the upcoming changes. By 2030, all rental properties will need to achieve a minimum EPC rating of C. This article aims to open up a dialogue among Property118 members about how you’re preparing for these upcoming […]

Landlord and Tenant Rescued from Seemingly Impossible Financial Predicament

10th September 2024

When financial pressures mount, it’s easy to feel like there’s no way out. But this story shows that even the toughest situations can have a positive outcome when landlords and tenants work together. Just last month, an East-Anglian-based landlord approached me, facing what seemed like an impossible choice. She had just informed her tenant—a disabled […]

Louisa Sedgwick, the managing director of Paragon Bank,

Best cities for student landlord yields revealed

10th September 2024

Stoke-on-Trent has emerged as the UK’s top university town for landlords seeking high yields, according to a new analysis by Paragon Bank. Its study of buy to let mortgage offers in popular student postcodes found that landlords in Stoke achieved an average yield of 9.43%. Landlords in Stoke, who are providing accommodation to students studying […]

Landlords urged to check council’s licensing requirements

10th September 2024

Sandwell Council is urging private landlords to check if they need to apply for a housing license under a new scheme being introduced on October 1. The borough-wide additional licensing scheme covers all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), bedsits and rooms in houses that are not already subject to mandatory licensing. Landlords who rent out […]

Middlesbrough landlords slam selective licensing fee property118

Council crackdown on derelict homes includes targeting landlords

10th September 2024

Landlords are at the forefront of one council’s bid to ramp up pressure on the owners of more than 2,000 empty and derelict homes in the town, the Northern Echo reveals. The council will use more enforcement powers to target the worst offenders – along with ‘nudging’ landlords to improve their properties. Plus, the council […]