The UK property market is constantly evolving, and 2024 has seen a surge in a familiar strategy: flipping. But what exactly is flipping, and why is it suddenly trending? In essence, flipping involves buying a property below market value, renovating it to increase its worth, and then selling it for a profit. This rapid turnaround […]

While renting costs continue to rise, a new analysis reveals that buying a home with a 5% deposit is currently more expensive than rent for most tenants in the UK. This is due to high mortgage rates, making the government’s Mortgage Guarantee Scheme fall short for many. The report by Hamptons found that potential buyers […]

As we edge closer to the next general election, housing has become a pivotal issue in the political arena – beyond our usual daily bubbles. The housing crisis, affecting millions across the country, is set to be a significant talking point, with each party vying to present the most compelling solutions (of course). Do you […]

Hi all. I’ve been offered a flat where the tenants have been renting for more than 3 years on a rolling periodic agreement. However, the existing owner/manager has not protected the deposit. Is this the current landlord’s problem? Do I set up a new AST agreement with my solicitor or take over the existing agreement […]

I raised the rent by £140 a month in November 2023 after facing mortgage increases three times that. The tenant didn’t pay the increase or tell me he had involved the tribunal service. It was nearly six months before the tribunal service contacted me. In the meantime, the tenant denied access for maintenance or inspections. […]

In this episode of Property Answers, we explore the potential impact of the upcoming general election on UK house prices. Join us as we analyse the key factors at play, including policy changes, economic forecasts, and market sentiment. Whether you’re a homeowner, buyer, or investor, understanding how political shifts can influence the property market is […]

The Association of Short Term Lenders (ASTL) has a new name from this week when it rebrands as the Bridging & Development Lenders Association (BDLA). A new website and LinkedIn page will also be unveiled. The organisation’s chief executive, Vic Jannels, said: “Quite simply, rebranding to The Bridging & Development Lenders Association (BDLA) enables us […]

Amateur landlords are being warned about the dangers of new selective licensing schemes which could lead to hefty fines. The councils of Brent, Lambeth, Lewisham and Islington have all recently unveiled plans to introduce or expand licensing schemes for private rented properties. Landlord Licensing & Defence says these schemes unfairly target ‘accidental landlords’ who might, […]

The Liberal Democrats vow to ban no-fault evictions to stop the housing emergency. In a video interview with Shelter, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey says far more needs to be done to end the housing emergency and help “renters who have had a tough time.” Housing charity Shelter met Mr Davey in Eastleigh on […]

Tenants in the private rented sector (PRS) want the next government to focus on controlling the pace of rent rises, a survey has found. The research from Zoopla and Ipsos says this demand is closely followed by the need for increased home construction and enhanced rights and protections for renters. While all political parties agree […]

Precise Mortgages, which is part of the OSB Group, has revamped its buy to let product range, offering landlords greater flexibility and access to larger loans. The lender’s key changes include: Reduced rates starting from 4.49% Reintroduction of higher loan-to-value (LTV) options for qualified borrowers Introduction of new fee products to increase borrowing potential. There […]

In 1988 Thatcher reformed the property market opening the way for BTL mortgages. She created new legislation and new tenancies were formed. Old contracts were not touched just new offerings introduced. At that point, 7% of property was rented through the private sector. This grew to 20% of property by 2021 and with 5 million […]

Renting your property to charities that sublet to vulnerable tenants can seem like a benevolent and socially responsible thing to do, coupled with the reassurance of ‘hands off’ passive income guaranteed for a number of years. However, landlords must be cautious and well-informed about the potential pitfalls. Inadequate and outdated tenancy agreements, improper subletting arrangements, […]

In a direct video addressed to Generation Rent’s Ben Twomey and Angela Rayner, Nottingham landlord Mick Roberts argues abolishing Section 21 will harm tenants. Labour has promised to immediately ban Section 21 and clampdown on ‘unscrupulous landlords ripping off tenants with extortionate rents and lurid living conditions’. However, Mr Roberts emphasises that abolishing Section 21 […]

With the election looming, what are the different government parties promising for rental reform? In this episode of ‘Good Landlording’, Richard from Alphaletz and Suzanne from The Independent Landlord discuss what the 2024 election manifestos actually say about landlords, rental reform and energy efficiency. Stay up to date with the Good Landlording weekly podcast, already […]

I’ve tried to ignore the manifestos and was doing well but then up pops my old friend Angela Rayner with some more nonsense about landlords in the private rented sector (PRS). Labour doesn’t understand housing and it certainly doesn’t understand landlords – and why we have invested time and money in providing housing for others. […]

In this episode of Property Answers, we examine the impact of recent Leasehold and Freehold reforms on landlords. Join us as we break down the key changes, their implications for property ownership, and what these reforms mean for the future of the rental market. Are these changes beneficial for landlords, or do they pose new […]

On Monday night (24th June) at 8pm, I will be running my 90-minute live online training about how you can achieve all of your property goals, much quicker than you thought possible, by using his Ultimate Property Investor, 3-step process. If you have not reserved your place yet, I highly recommend you do it now, […]

Nearly half (47%) of HMO (house in multiple occupation) landlords rely solely on their rental income for their livelihood, a survey reveals. The research from buy to let lender Landbay also found that almost a third (30%) of participating landlords owned HMO properties, with 72% of those using limited companies to manage their portfolios. Despite […]

Rising rents and stagnant benefits are creating a financial squeeze for private renters in the UK, with a study revealing more than a third (35%) are struggling to afford their rent. The research by the TDS Charitable Foundation surveyed more than 2,000 tenants and found a big rise in financial strain compared to last year. […]

With the general election approaching, there needs to be more clarification from the Labour Party on its plans for improving the private rented sector, Propertymark says. The move follows news of Labour adding more detail this week to its manifesto. Now, the party says that it will crackdown on ‘unscrupulous landlords’ It will also abolish […]