Page 181 – Property118
Gardener pruning fruit tree branch with secateurs and gloves

Is tree pruning the responsibility of the landlord or tenant?

6th August 2024

Hi, a long term tenant of mine has requested I pay for the pruning of a couple of trees that are on the property, specifically an apple and acer tree. This request is unusual for me, as I have never covered the cost of tree pruning before. Unless the trees are in a dangerous condition, […]

Potential CGT changes could cost landlords £11,000

6th August 2024

The UK’s landlords could be £11,000 worse off on average if capital gains tax (CGT) rates are adjusted to match income tax rates, research reveals. Quilter, a wealth management and financial advisory firm, says this potential change, although not mentioned in Rachel Reeves’ recent House of Commons speech, could be part of broader measures to […]

pic of a block of flats

Flats emerge as the top buy to let investment

6th August 2024

Falling property values and soaring rents make flats the most profitable option for landlords, according to new research. The findings from Inventory Base show that flats currently offer the highest returns for BTL investors. Despite a slight decrease in average flat prices, rental values for flats have surged by 9.3% annually, outpacing all other property […]

Landlords fear Labour government as demand outstrips supply

6th August 2024

Supply and demand are still out of balance as landlords worry about what a Labour government might do. Propertymark’s Housing Market Insight report reveals demand continues to outstrip supply, with around nine new applicants registered for each available property in June 2024. The report also reveals rents fluctuate by market and region, but most members […]

Rough sleeping in London surges as charities demand action

6th August 2024

The number of people sleeping rough in the capital rises as charities call on the government to do more. According to the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN), 4,223 people were sleeping rough in London from April to June 2024, up from 3,272 in the same period last year – an increase of 29%. The […]

Housing Minister speaking on leasehold and commonhold reforms

Labour: Landlords can’t evict tenants if it makes them worse off

5th August 2024

Labour is looking to prevent landlords from evicting tenants who have nowhere else to live, the Telegraph reports. It says government ministers will propose imitating a French scheme which has ‘hardship tests’ that must be followed before an eviction is allowed. The rule effectively bans evictions that would leave a tenant worse off. Supported by […]

Sublet Registration fees?

5th August 2024

Hi, I’m looking for advice on sublet registration fees. Case law appears to indicate that if ‘classified’ as registration fees , the rights of redress via 1st tier tribunal do not apply? (Robinson and Green vs Simarc). Does this mean freeholders can charge whatever they wish for ‘registration’? Is there any guidance on rolling/periodic tenancies […]

Can I change title deeds for small industrial estate?

5th August 2024

Our company has a small industrial estate with 8 units, these were all built upon land that is registered to my parents as the land was originally purchased to use for my father’s engineering business. Over a period of 35 years, he has built 8 units which are now individually let and the income is […]

MFS and Landbay cut BTL mortgage rates in a competitive market

5th August 2024

Specialist lender Market Financial Solutions (MFS) has announced rate reductions across its product range, including its innovative Bridge Fusion product. The firm has lowered rates on its Bridge Fusion offering, a hybrid of a bridging loan and a buy to let mortgage, which provides borrowers with a longer term of 24-36 months for loans up […]

Can I terminate landlord agreement without paying fees?

5th August 2024

Hello, I have a portfolio of eight rental properties in the Kent area and they are managed by a local letting agent on a full management agreement. This agent took over from a previous agent, who had managed my properties for 20 years. During this time I did not sign a contract or receive any […]

CLA warns of the economic impact of abolishing FHL tax relief

5th August 2024

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has criticised the government’s decision to abolish the Furnished Holiday Lettings (FHL) tax regime, arguing it will stifle economic growth, particularly in rural areas. The move follows the publication of draft legislation outlining the removal of the FHL scheme from April 2025. Previously announced by then-Chancellor Jeremy Hunt […]

Propertymark has published a report about the impact of Section on landlords and the private rented sector

Propertymark says Section 24 tax change is fuelling the rental crisis

5th August 2024

A government policy intended to level the playing field for landlords has instead sparked a crisis in the private rented sector (PRS), new research from Propertymark reveals. Section 24, introduced in 2015, restricted tax relief on mortgage interest payments for buy to let investors. While designed to reduce property speculation, the measure has had far-reaching […]

The Realities of Private Sector Landlords: Profit, Costs, and the Rental Market

5th August 2024

In recent years, the private rental market has come under intense scrutiny, with accusations of landlords profiteering at the expense of tenants. On average, tenants are spending about 38% of their income on rent, raising questions about the fairness and sustainability of the rental market. However, a closer examination reveals that the financial pressures faced […]

Lady Justice statue with scales symbolizing law and fairness in eviction debate

SRA to investigate landlord and tenant solicitors amid surge in complaints

5th August 2024

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is launching an investigation into landlord and tenant law solicitors following a sharp rise in complaints about their services. The regulator has reported a 49% increase in complaints related to landlord and tenant law, with more than half citing a lack of legal knowledge among solicitors. Concerns have also been […]

How to turn non-profitable headache portfolios into slick, high profit machines again

2nd August 2024

Landlord Sales Agency has been touted as the UK’s best company for landlords to go to who are looking to increase the profits of their property portfolios. Known as the “portfolio exit specialists,” the LSA focus on tightening up landlord portfolios by cutting the chaff of low performing properties, crucially selling them in a way […]

Knight-themed Landlord Crusader logo symbolizing landlord advocacy

EPCs for the PRS: Ed Miliband fires the starter gun for a landlord exodus

2nd August 2024

Here we go again with energy performance certificate (EPC) ratings needing to be a minimum of C for the private rented sector but not homeowners, social housing or government buildings. Ed Miliband was rather slovenly when sprawling over the despatch box to tell MPs that landlords will have a deadline of 2030 to meet. That’s […]

Picture of streets in the UK landlord HMO licensing schemes property118.com -

Definition of HMO under selective licensing?

2nd August 2024

Hi, I received an email from LCC selective licensing update. This is the email below: The newsletter is distributed to a House in Multiple Occupation and Selective Licensing mailing list to over 2350 landlords, 129 Letting/Managing agents registered within Leicestershire, 8 Landlord Associations and individuals who have asked to receive it. We hope this change […]

Portrait of a business leader in suit and tie

House prices set to rise in Edinburgh due to unique growth factors

2nd August 2024

A letting agency predicts Edinburgh’s house prices will rise due to the city’s unique circumstances. Scotland’s largest letting agency DJ Alexander says over the last decade Edinburgh has seen a surge in highly skilled, well-paid workers from around the world, which has boosted its economy and housing market. DJ Alexander is urging the Scottish government […]

Business professional in light blue blazer smiling against grey background

Landbay cuts BTL rates and Aldermore unveils new products for landlords

2nd August 2024

Buy to let lender Landbay has announced rate reductions and new product launches to support landlords. It has cut rates by up to 0.40% on standard two-year fixed products available up to 75% loan-to-value (LTV), with reductions of up to 0.30% for 55% LTV options. The firm has also introduced two new standard two-year fixed […]

Pic of a snad castle and a union flag for holiday lets uk property118.com

Where short-term lets are squeezing the UK housing market

2nd August 2024

New figures reveal a dramatic rise in short-term lets across the UK, with Hartlepool experiencing a staggering 122% increase in listings last year. Blackburn and Tamworth also saw their short-term rental markets double in size, according to analysis by SFG20. There were also increases in Rochdale (89%) and Trafford (75%). The organisation provides advice on […]

Mature woman reviewing property bills with calculator at home office

Renters struggle under financial pressure with no income protection

2nd August 2024

More than 11.6 million renters risk losing their homes if they become ill, injured, or are made redundant, according to new data. Research by life insurance companies LifeSearch and Canopy reveals that 74% of renters don’t have income protection insurance, which helps cover expenses when they can’t work. Only 8% of renters reported having an […]