Page 4 – Property118
Shared ownership home with two owners each holding 50% stake and exemption sign in front yard

Shared owners may be exempt from 12-month no re-let rule

30th April 2026

The government has announced exemptions for shared owners who are subletting under the Renters’ Rights Act. New government guidance published reveals shared owners may be exempt from the 12-month no-re-let restricted period under the act. Shared ownership subletting is when someone who owns a share of a property (through a shared ownership scheme) rents out […]

Cracked percentage symbol struck by wrecking ball, symbolising falling buy-to-let mortgage rates

Buy to let mortgage rates cut by TMW, Suffolk and YBS

30th April 2026

The Mortgage Works has cut its buy to let rates by up to 0.20 percentage points for existing borrowers, while also trimming selected limited company deals for new business. The changes cover BTL and Houses in Multiple Occupation lending, with the other reductions focused on switcher products as landlords come to the end of fixed […]

UK houses with signs comparing £700 rent vs £2,200 mortgage and a percentage rate balloon

Rent is cheaper than having a mortgage as rates rise

30th April 2026

Renting a home in Great Britain now costs less each month than buying with a mortgage, as higher borrowing rates continue to lift repayments for new buyers. The average advertised rent is £1,547 a month, while the average new mortgage payment is £1,670. That leaves renters paying £123 less, according to an analysis from Rightmove. […]

Why the landlord market is no longer driven by opportunity alone

30th April 2026

A defining shift emerging from the latest data is not just what landlords are doing, but why they are doing it. According to the Property118 Landlord Sentiment Survey Q1 2026, decisions within the private rented sector are no longer driven purely by opportunity, but increasingly by structure, control and long-term planning. Based on 2,380 completed responses, […]

New build homes with hidden estate charges and fees highlighted in a residential development

Any thoughts on new build ‘Fleecehold’?

30th April 2026

Hello, I am thinking of buying a NEW build on an estate where the developer wants to charge £252 per year for ‘kids playgrounds and maintenance of the verges’ – and they want to charge this as soon as you move in, before any playground or verges exist! Unfortunately, this is not capped, nor is […]

Cartoon sold sign clearing a high jump bar symbolising strong housing market despite rising interest rates

Higher mortgage rates fail to slow down home sales – Zoopla

30th April 2026

Despite higher mortgage rates, the housing market remains resilient, with homes selling as fast as last year across more than half of UK regions. Zoopla’s house price index reveals the average time to sell a home is just one day longer than last year at 33 days. Northern England regions and Scotland are seeing the […]

The pension Strategy UK property investors have never been told about

The pension Strategy UK property investors have never been told about

30th April 2026

Most property investors and business owners are sitting on a financial tool far more powerful than they realise, and it’s been there all along, quietly waiting to be put to work. Not a new product. Not a high-risk strategy. But a pension structure that is fully HMRC-approved, widely underused, and capable of transforming how you […]

Tenant and landlord argue over rent increase amid proposed rent freeze policy

Reeves’ rent freeze idea clashes with landlord rent rise plans

29th April 2026

Landlords planning rent increases are on a collision course with Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ proposals for a potential year-long rent freeze, with research showing most are already adjusting rents in response to incoming legislation. Pegasus Insight’s latest Landlord Trends survey shows 61% of landlords intend to raise rents over the next 12 months. Among that group, […]

Bullet smashing percentage symbol over houses, representing falling buy-to-let mortgage rates

Buy to let lenders cut rates and launch new deals

29th April 2026

Buy to let lenders have rolled out another wave of rate changes, with fresh fixed deals, pricing cuts and expanded ranges appearing across multiple LTV tiers. Paragon Bank has brought in six limited edition five-year fixed products at 60% and 75% LTV, each carrying a 5% fee. Three new options at 75% LTV sit alongside […]

Students relaxing in shared accommodation with Renters’ Rights Act sign highlighting housing changes

Renters’ Rights Act raises uncertainty for student accommodation

29th April 2026

The student rental market will change dramatically under the Renters’ Rights Act as student landlords are urged to prepare. Owen Dixon, founder of Best Student Halls, warns that students could face uncertainty in securing accommodation, with less certainty around tenancy timing and availability. As previously reported on Property118, industry experts have warned the Renters’ Rights […]

Judge’s gavel over house model with money and books symbolising housing law penalties and landlord offences

Propertymark calls for proportionality in housing offence sentencing plans

29th April 2026

An industry body has warned the Sentencing Council that sanctions for housing offences must be proportionate. Propertymark made the comments in response to the council’s consultation on proposed sentencing guidelines. Currently, there are no specific sentencing guidelines for housing offences, and courts rely on general principles. Devasting impact on tenants Under the proposed consultation, two […]

Tenant handing over cash for rental move costs in front of a to-let property sign

Double deposits leave tenants facing thousands in moving costs

29th April 2026

Tenants are having to spend thousands of pounds in upfront costs to move home, according to new data. A study by deposit alternative supplier Reposit reveals that tenants face £3,450 in upfront costs to move home, excluding rent. The total is based on a scenario in which tenants are required to cover two cash deposits […]

Stressed landlord reviewing paperwork about Renters’ Rights Act at cluttered desk

Landlords and tenants unprepared for Renters’ Rights Act

29th April 2026

More than four in 10 landlords and nearly two thirds of tenants say they are not confident about what will change when the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force, research reveals. The figures from Leaders Romans Group indicate that while awareness is high, understanding is not. Just 5% of landlords say they are very confident […]

Why fewer landlords are replacing those who exit

29th April 2026

A critical imbalance is becoming visible within the private rented sector, and it is not just about how many landlords are leaving, but how few are replacing them. According to the Property118 Landlord Sentiment Survey Q1 2026, the rate at which landlords are reducing or exiting portfolios is not being matched by new or expanding […]

Rachel Reeves freezes rents concept with energy effect near a UK “To Let” property sign

Rachel Reeves eyes landlords as soft target with plans to introduce rent controls

28th April 2026

The Guardian is reporting that the Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering imposing a year-long rent freeze on landlords as a special measure to alleviate the cost of living crisis caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This will be debated by the government as a package of measures to reduce inflationary pressures on […]

Tenant and landlord handshake symbolising trust, communication, and positive renting relationships

Most renters report positive landlord relationships ahead of RRA

28th April 2026

Most renters report positive or neutral relationships with their landlord ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act taking effect this week. According to Hiscox, just 5% of tenants describe their experience as negative. Nearly a quarter say their relationship is friendly, with another 24% calling it professional. Around 30% report neutral feelings, according to the survey. […]

Tenant installing plug-in solar panel on exterior wall of a rented home

Renters may gain the right to install plug-in solar panels

28th April 2026

Landlords could soon be dealing with tenant requests to install plug-in solar panels, The i Paper reports. It says that ministers are considering changes that may limit refusals as the technology reaches UK shelves this summer. The proposals would give renters greater scope to fit the £400 systems. Climate Minister Katie White has signalled legal […]

Rising rents and risks in UK rental market illustrated with terraced houses and rent signage

Rents set to rise as landlord risks grow

28th April 2026

Landlords are being warned to expect tighter margins as new rules increase the risks around regaining possession and setting income levels. The prediction from property consultancy Knight Frank also warns tenants that rents will rise because of growing landlord costs. The firm’s forecasts for rents have been trimmed slightly, and it adds that the direction […]

Landlord standing in doorway holding a “Renters’ Rights Act” sign, symbolising upcoming tenancy law changes.

Housing minister seeks to reassure landlords ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act

28th April 2026

The housing minister has claimed, “responsible landlords have nothing to fear from the Renters’ Rights Act”. Writing in the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) magazine in an effort to reassure landlords ahead of the act coming into force this week, Matthew Pennycook said the government “is committed to supporting landlords through the transition”. Under the […]

“Not Sold Airbnb?” sign outside a modern apartment building, reflecting rental vs sale decision

Flat not sold – Airbnb?

28th April 2026

Hello, My daughter’s flat sale in London has fallen through. She had quite a few viewings but only one offer which was considerably under the asking price. The tenants have given notice. She’s reluctant to put it back on the market at the moment and is considering running it as an Airbnb for a few […]