Page 46 – Property118
Digital shopping cart emerging from smartphone symbolising faster online property transactions

Land Registry unveils plan to streamline property deals

12th November 2025

HM Land Registry has rolled out its Strategy 2025+ which promises to make buying and selling a home quicker. In a process that has been plagued by delays and paperwork woes, the organisation says it will deliver better services. It will also ‘unlock a faster, less stressful property market’. Officials have focussed on home buyers, […]

Two people showing opposite satisfaction levels, representing mixed tenant feedback on social housing.

Social housing survey shows tenants are both satisfied and frustrated

12th November 2025

Nearly half a million social housing tenants have shared their views on the quality of their homes in England. The survey by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) found a mixed picture of satisfaction and frustration. The analysis of Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs) shows most tenants are broadly content with the safety and upkeep of […]

Two construction figures confused over a revoked approval or licensing issue.

Help with refused HMO licence?

12th November 2025

Hi, I have a property in County Durham with a previously granted HMO licence to a leaseholder on a corporate lease. I paid for it, but it was granted to the leaseholder as they managed the property. The leaseholder exited the lease a few months ago and the HMO licence was revoked. I have now […]

Have you got your landlord licences in order?

11th November 2025

Many landlords chuckled when Rachel Reeves was caught without a licence. The laughter didn’t last long. When it emerged that the Chancellor herself had rented out a property without the right paperwork, it felt like a moment of poetic justice. Yet the story also served as a reminder that even the most organised professionals can […]

House keys on paper house models with “Cancelled” text, symbolising end of housing deal or policy reversal.

Housing Secretary hits back at Green Party over call to abolish landlords

11th November 2025

The Housing Secretary has slammed the Green Party for calling for the abolition of landlords. Steve Reed said he had not previously heard of the party’s stance and asked, “If we abolish landlords, where are we going to get homes from?” At its autumn conference, the Green Party passed a motion to “seek the effective […]

Estate agent handing over house keys beside model home and contract during property purchase meeting.

Homeless charity to become a landlord to combat homelessness

11th November 2025

Homeless charity Crisis plans to become a landlord to tackle Britain’s housing crisis. The charity says it will begin buying one-bedroom homes in London and Newcastle, with plans to purchase more than 1,000 properties over the next decade. The announcement comes after Crisis revealed that 300,000 families and individuals across England are experiencing the most […]

Wooden house model labelled “Housing Bill” leaning on rocks, representing Scotland’s new housing legislation.

Scottish Housing Bill gains Royal Assent but critics warn of damage to PRS

11th November 2025

The Scottish Conservatives have labelled the Scottish Housing Bill a “disaster for the private rented sector” as it gains Royal Assent. The bill, which passed by 89 votes to 28, has now become an Act of Parliament. Secondary legislation will be introduced to bring parts of the Act into effect in stages, with the first […]

When Rules Collide: What the Rachel Reeves Case Says About Licensing Confusion

11th November 2025

The revelation that Chancellor Rachel Reeves rented out her Dulwich home without the correct selective licence has reignited debate about how unevenly housing laws are enforced. Ms Reeves referred herself to the government’s ethics adviser after admitting the oversight. Her family home, let for £3,200 a month, sits within a Southwark Council selective licensing zone. […]

Landlord Insurance Blog featured image showing a house, shield, umbrella, policy document, tick and pound coins on a teal background.

Supported Living and Care Sector Tenants – Insurability Issues

11th November 2025

Supported living and care sector arrangements are increasingly popular among landlords, with specialist providers offering long leases and reliable rent. However, insurers view these properties differently from standard lets or HMOs. Higher duty-of-care standards, safeguarding requirements, and the involvement of care providers create unique insurance challenges. This article explains what landlords need to know before […]

A damaged living room with a rejected insurance claim letter on a coffee table.

The insurance blindspot that left a landlord unprotected

11th November 2025

The property was well looked after, the tenants were reliable, and the landlord assumed their standard home insurance would cover any mishaps. When a major leak destroyed ceilings and carpets, the claim was submitted without worry. But the insurer refused to pay out — the policy specifically excluded properties let on assured shorthold tenancies. Without […]

Wooden block house breaking apart under sunlight, symbolizing instability in rental housing laws

Renters’ Rights Act could backfire on tenants warns think-tank

11th November 2025

“The Renters’ Rights Act is not a victory for tenants but economic vandalism that will hurt the very people it’s trying to protect”, claims a think-tank. The Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) has published a piece on its website by Reem Ibrahim that warns the Act will wreak havoc on the private rented sector and […]

Councils to Gain Power for Surprise Inspections Without Notice from December

10th November 2025

Many landlords are expressing concern about new council powers allowing unannounced inspections of rental properties. From December 2025, these powers will come into force under the Renters’ Rights Act, enabling local authorities to enter certain rented homes without advance notice or a warrant. Understanding the New Rules The government has now published investigatory powers guidance […]

Inheritance Tax Reform: Why Preparation, Not Panic, Will Protect Most Homeowners

10th November 2025

Budget speculation often sparks anxiety among homeowners, particularly when political language turns to “unearned wealth”. This year’s focus on inheritance tax has created understandable concern, yet the real story is one of foresight rather than fear. Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces a £50bn fiscal gap and is under pressure to demonstrate fairness in taxation. The Treasury […]

Happy black pug running across a living room floor

Landlords urged to move beyond personal opinions on pets

10th November 2025

A lawyer has warned landlords and letting agents to focus on asking the right questions about pets rather than relying on their personal feelings. In a LinkedIn post, David Smith said the “current thinking of landlords and agents in relation to pets is one-dimensional” and needs to become more nuanced. Under the Renters’ Rights Act, […]

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

Green Buy-To-Let Mortgages: What EPC Rules Mean for Your Financing

10th November 2025

Energy efficiency has moved from being a “nice to have” to a core requirement in the buy-to-let sector. With government targets and regulatory pressure pushing landlords to improve property EPC ratings, lenders are responding by offering green mortgage products and adjusting criteria. In 2025, understanding the link between EPC ratings and finance is essential for […]

Falling mortgage rate concept with houses and downward arrow

TMW, Coventry and Leeds Building Society drop BTL mortgage rates

10th November 2025

More buy to let (BTL) lenders are cutting rates again as competition intensifies in the mortgage market, with several big names unveiling reductions for landlords seeking new deals or remortgages. The Mortgage Works (TMW) is trimming rates across its new business and switcher ranges by up to 0.30 percentage points. The changes include new products […]

British pound banknotes representing rising landlord registration fees under the Renters’ Rights Act

Landlords could pay hundreds of pounds in registration fees under Renters’ Rights Act

10th November 2025

Landlords face a triple whammy of fees to register their properties under the Renters’ Rights Act. As reported by The Telegraph, those in selective licensing areas could be required to pay hundreds of pounds to register with a selective licensing scheme, the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database, and the PRS Ombudsman. The government have previously […]

Red wax seal featuring the words “Well Done” and “Excellent” surrounded by stars.

Labour peer hails Renters’ Rights Act at landlord conference

10th November 2025

A Labour peer has praised the Renters’ Rights Act, claiming it will deliver “a modern system that works for both parties.” In a pre-recorded message addressing delegates at the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) conference, Baroness Taylor of Stevenage thanked the landlord association for its work in helping to shape the Act. The NRLA conference […]

Fire safety checklist and question mark representing cladding and building safety concerns.

Fire Risk assessment needed for sale – Cladding needs sign-off?

10th November 2025

We have a problem trying to sell our 1st floor Local Authority Flat/Maisonette, which the council deem a house. We have buyers lined up. The Nationwide (lender) CLADDING DEPT require either EWS1 or similar, or a signed letter to state how the Freeholder “deems the property safe”. It is a 70s brick-built, build where the […]