Page 44 – Property118
Small brick annexe with patio and wooden doors in a cottage garden setting

What should I do as a landlord with my annexe now?

18th November 2025

Like so many others on the forum are finding, the recent changes in the property rental market are forcing undesired changes, making it feel like a game of chess when trying to decide the way forward after 35 years of being a landlord. The latest conundrum concerns a property I purchased from my grandmother all […]

Contractors reviewing renovation plans inside a partially refurbished property

Landlords rethink property renovations as data reveals mixed returns

18th November 2025

Of the landlords who have poured money into refurbishing their rental portfolios over the past few years, many say they regret making the investment, research reveals. According to Nationwide, the rush to upgrade kitchens, bathrooms and energy efficiency features has delivered uneven outcomes, but some projects have boosted yields. It says that nearly nine in […]

Political figure shown alongside joined hands symbolising support for tenants’ rights

Keir Starmer: Renters’ Rights Act will give more power to tenants

17th November 2025

The Prime Minister claims the Renters’ Rights Act will “put more power into the hands of renters who have had to stand for unfair behaviour for too long.” Writing in the Big Issue, Sir Keir Starmer, says the “vast majority of landlords provide a respectable and reasonable service” but claims the system needs to be […]

House trapped in ice symbolising a frozen property market amid falling asking prices

Budget speculation cools housing market activity

17th November 2025

Average seller asking prices for homes have slipped by 1.8% this month, dragging the national figure to £364,833 and signalling an unusually sharp November slowdown, Rightmove reveals. It says the drop is the steepest November house price fall since 2012 with a crowded market and nervousness over the coming Budget affecting confidence. Sellers are cutting […]

Rising rent costs in Scotland illustrated by stacked coins and houses beneath the Scottish flag

Rent controls haven’t worked in Scotland – Hamptons

17th November 2025

Scottish landlords are increasing rents at a faster pace than anywhere else in Great Britain because of rent controls reshaping the market, Hamptons reveals. Its analysis suggests the policy designed to restrain price growth has instead encouraged annual increases. Drawing on data from across the Connells group, it found that 67% of Scottish landlords with […]

New mortgage rate changes symbolised by house cutout, percentage sign and scissors

BTL lenders unleash a fresh wave of rate cuts and flexible options

17th November 2025

The buy to let mortgage market is still seeing major specialist lenders unveiling rate cuts, revamping criteria and fresh lending structures. Foundation Home Loans is rolling out new two-year discount products and trimming prices across its existing range. The lender has introduced no ERC discounts linked to Bank Base Rate and reduced the cost of […]

BTL Mortgage Blog featured image showing a house, key, calculator, percentage sign and pound coins on a teal background.

Stress Testing at 145% vs 125% Rental Coverage Rules

17th November 2025

One of the biggest hurdles landlords face in 2025 is passing lender stress tests. Even if your property generates a solid rental profit, the way lenders calculate affordability can make or break a mortgage application. The key factor is whether the lender uses a 145% coverage rule (common in personal borrowing) or a 125% coverage […]

Uninvited guests spooked us all

17th November 2025

About two weeks ago, one of my HMO tenants messaged to say they kept hearing movement in the loft in the middle of the night. I told him it was probably birds or mice and that I would check it on my next inspection. Then, two days ago, another tenant sent me WhatsApp message saying […]

Carbon monoxide alarm with blue smoke representing gas safety awareness

Simple alarm check could save lives – Propertymark

17th November 2025

An industry body is urging landlords and tenants to test their carbon monoxide alarms to save lives. Ahead of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week next week, Propertymark has created a checklist to help households stay safe and compliant. Known as the “silent killer” due to having no smell, taste, or colour, even a small amount of […]

Why Dying Rich Isn’t a Strategy

16th November 2025

Chapter 3 … It’s late. The house is quiet. The only light still burning is from your laptop screen, the faint glow reflecting off half-empty coffee cups and piles of property files. Bank statements, refinance calculations, insurance renewals. All neatly ordered, all endlessly repeating. You pause for a moment and glance at the family photo […]

Selling Up FAQ’s

15th November 2025

Selling a rental property is rarely a tidy, linear decision. Most landlords reach this point after years of pressure, rising costs and a sense that life might be easier with fewer moving parts. Others arrive here because retirement is close, or because family priorities have shifted. Whatever the trigger, the moment you decide to explore […]

Why every landlord should calculate CGT before selling a single property

14th November 2025

For many landlords, the aim of reducing or clearing debt feels like the natural next step. After years of toil and layers of additional legislation, the appeal of reducing exposure to hassle and risk, and becoming mortgage-free, is undeniable. The decision often appears straightforward: sell a few properties with strong equity, pay off the loans, […]

Westminster skyline with Big Ben highlighting 1 May 2026 reforms to England’s private rented sector

Renters’ Rights Act to begin on 1 May 2026 – Government announces

14th November 2025

England’s private rented sector will undergo its biggest overhaul in years, as the government confirms the Renters’ Rights Act will come into force on 1 May 2026. The plan sets a firm timetable for landlords, agents and tenants ahead of what ministers describe as a generational shift in housing rights. From that date, private renters […]

Knight-themed Landlord Crusader logo symbolizing landlord advocacy

The Renters’ Rights Act is a political victory and a disaster for tenants

14th November 2025

This isn’t the article I had planned but I couldn’t decide after waking up today whether I was caught in some weird fever dream now that we know when the Renters’ Rights Act will come in. I might be shooting from the lip here but don’t believe anyone who says the Act is a triumph […]

Diverse group of people displaying varied reactions relevant to changes in rental legislation

Property sector reacts to the Renters’ Rights Act start date

14th November 2025

There has been a strong reaction to the government announcement that England’s rental market will see the Renters’ Rights Act taking effect on 1 May 2026. The move ends months of speculation and gives the sector a clear countdown to what is the biggest change to letting rules in a generation. The confirmed date signals […]

A Section 8 notice stamped dismissed, with rent arrears paperwork in the background.

The Section 8 misstep that left a landlord without possession

14th November 2025

The landlord was dealing with persistent arrears and wanted a quicker route to possession. A Section 8 notice was served, citing grounds for rent arrears. But when the case reached court, the judge threw it out. The notice had been completed incorrectly, with the wrong grounds ticked and insufficient evidence to prove persistent late payment. […]

A rental house with a civil penalty notice showing a £12,000 fine.

The selective licensing oversight that landed a landlord in hot water

14th November 2025

The landlord was confident they were compliant. Gas and electrical checks were up to date, deposits protected, and tenancy agreements in order. What they missed was that their local council had introduced a selective licensing scheme covering all rented properties in the area. When the omission was discovered, the council issued a civil penalty notice […]

Hand holding a large bundle of banknotes with question marks above, illustrating uncertainty about rent and UC payments

Rent in advance and last month’s rent?

14th November 2025

Hello. I’ve got a potential tenant that is claiming UC. His BAP period is 17 – 16th of the month. Normally for tenancies I ask for the first month’s rent in advance and the 5 week equivalent deposit and the tenant pays this themselves (as they are working). In this case the council will be […]