Hi, I need help to check if my son’s student HMO accommodation is compliant in respect of their shared kitchen and bedroom furniture provision. Can anyone clarify the legal/planning requirements for a student HMO in Southwark: (i) Minimum size of kitchen space required for 4 students sharing ? (ii) Does the kitchen have to have […]

Hi, I am a homeowner, and recently, I had surgery that has made it difficult for me to keep up with my payments. On someone’s advice, I decided to take in two lodgers. They are now living with me, and I’ve been advised to ask them to sign a fair usage policy. My plan is […]

Since December 2003 under the Finance Act, residential tenancies have the potential to be liable for Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) and with more and more people finding it harder and harder to get their first step on the property ladder, and the average tenancy length being 4.5 years, it is highly likely that more […]

Oxford City Council is urging private tenants to check if their landlord has a valid license, as its citywide licensing scheme enters its third year. The scheme requires all private rented homes in the city to be licensed, and the council has issued licenses for more than 9,500 properties. However, there are still unlicensed homes […]

Rumours of a capital gains tax hike, the proposed Renters’ Rights Bill and the abolition of Section 21 are sending landlords into a state of uncertainty. Many landlords are openly questioning whether it is worth the trouble and are exploring their options. It’s no surprise that hundreds of Property118 landlords have contacted Landlord Sales Agency […]

Leveraging available grants can be a game-changer for landlords. Recently, I had the pleasure of experiencing firsthand how a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) can benefit both tenants and rental property owners, all without incurring any personal costs. Here’s how this process not only improved my property and tenant satisfaction but also presented an exciting opportunity […]

It’s hard to believe that the homeless charity Crisis and the TDS are putting together strategies to get more PRS landlords to rent to the homeless. But, I fear, the result may not be what they want. Firstly, don’t you know of any landlords? At all?? It would save you a few bob and a […]

UK house prices edged up for the second consecutive month in August, reaching their highest level in two years, according to Halifax. Its index reveals that prices rose by 0.3% compared to July, following a 0.9% increase the previous month. The year-on-year growth in house prices now stands at 4.3%, the strongest rate since November […]

UK landlords are facing increased challenges in maintaining the profitability and compliance of their rental properties. Securing grants for property improvements is crucial in this environment. In 2024, there are numerous grant opportunities available to help landlords enhance their properties, boost their value, meet energy efficiency targets and improve their properties for disabled tenants. For […]

The Scottish National Party’s Programme for Government is pledging to bring in permanent rent controls for Scotland’s private rented sector (PRS). First Minister John Swinney said proposals to give local authorities the power to cap rent increases would remain part of the Housing (Scotland) Bill. However, he is ignoring stark warnings from Propertymark and other […]

Landlords are at risk of breaching the Equality Act if they don’t allow tenants to use prescription cannabis, a report warns. The Cannabis Industry Council (CIC) is also warning property managers and housing associations that they must meet their obligations under the Equality Act 2010. In a report, entitled ‘The Use of Prescription Cannabis in […]

Rent and mortgage spending growth slowed to its lowest rate in 17 months in August following the Bank of England’s base rate reduction, Barclays reports. It says the move boosted consumer confidence in its latest Property Insights report. Spending on rent and mortgages grew by just 1.1% in August, down from 1.9% in July – […]

Lambeth Council has launched a new property licensing scheme aimed at addressing issues related to criminal landlords and improving the quality of private rented sector (PRS) accommodation in some areas of the borough. The new scheme began on 2 September, landlords will need a license to rent out any property to a single-family household or […]

People stuck in homeless accommodation are left in limbo as finding affordable private rental homes feels impossible, warns charity. A report by independent researcher Becky Rice on behalf of charity Commonweal Housing reveals many homeless people are unable to leave their homeless accommodation due to the rising costs of rent. A 2022 survey by the […]

The John Lewis Partnership (JLP) has unveiled ambitious plans to regenerate a disused industrial site in Reading, creating 215 rental homes. The move follows the recent approval for its Waitrose store upgrade in Bromley to include 353 build-to-rent homes. The latest proposals, submitted to Reading Borough Council, involve investing more than £80 million to transform […]

Are you a UK property investor or business owner? If so, you might think the US presidential election has nothing to do with you—but you’d be wrong! Believe it or not, the outcome of this election could have a massive impact on your investments, and if Donald Trump wins, you might just be in for […]

Landlords are confronted with a series of changes and proposals in property tax regulations that significantly impact their bottom line. Staying informed and adapting to these shifts is crucial for maintaining profitability and compliance. This article will break down the key property tax changes and provide actionable strategies to help landlords optimize their efficiency. Understanding […]

Landlords are calling on the housing minister “to level the playing field for landlords and tenants”. In an open letter to Matthew Pennycook the Portfolio Landlords Action Network group demands the housing minister support landlords rather than “demonise them”. Portfolio Landlords Action Network (PLAN) is an informal network of Landlords with 75 Properties or more. […]

The government could trigger a rental crisis if it continues its attacks on private landlords, one tax expert warns. Landlords are being forced to sell up due to a ‘tsunami of legislation’ that has made it increasingly difficult and costly to operate in the sector. Heather Powell, the head of property at Blick Rothenberg, said: […]

Reaching EPC C targets could cost landlords a staggering £24 billion, according to new research. A report by software platform Reapit reveals it would cost £24 billion to retrofit all PRS properties across England, Scotland and Wales to an EPC C. The news comes after a survey by Finbri which reveals smaller landlords are worried […]

Being able to identify a potential hot spot can be the difference between achieving minimal and maximum capital appreciation when investing in property. If you are just starting out and you’re not set on an area, or if you want to sense-check a few patches to see if they have potential, there are some simple […]