Page 54 – Property118
Sign showing “National Insurance on rental income” outside office buildings.

National Insurance on rental income could give older landlords an advantage

22nd October 2025

The rumoured proposal of introducing National Insurance on rental income could benefit older landlords. Media reports suggest Chancellor Rachel Reeves could announce in the Autumn Budget that millions of landlords may be hit by plans to impose National Insurance contributions on rental income, generating around £2 billion in additional revenue. However, PropTech firm Reapit claims […]

Hands shielding a paper-cut family inside a house with an energy efficiency gauge below.

MP demands tenants be protected from eviction following EPC upgrades

22nd October 2025

An MP has called for greater eviction protection for tenants from landlords who have received grants to improve a rented property’s energy performance certificate (EPC) rating. In a written question, Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MP Jim Shannon asked whether the government “has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing tenants’ protections from eviction, […]

A person writing on a form with a Red cross and question mark

Section 21 possession claim form confusion?

22nd October 2025

I recently left a court hearing somewhat bemused after a rapid-fire interrogation of the bundle provided. It appears I hadn’t ticked the right box on a form, and with the hearing now adjourned for two months, I’m left in a difficult position with tenants wanting to move in, yet I can’t get rid of the […]

Commercial Finance Blog featured image showing buildings, factory, handshake, loan document, calculator, pound sign and growth bars on a teal background.

Development Finance for Landlords – Converting HMOs, Flats and Mixed-Use Properties

22nd October 2025

For landlords looking to add value, development finance is a crucial tool. Whether converting a house into an HMO, redeveloping flats, or upgrading a mixed-use property, these projects often require funding beyond the scope of a standard mortgage. Development finance provides the bridge between vision and completion – but it comes with its own rules, […]

Letting Agent Fail: Misdescribed Property Leaves Tenant Homeless

22nd October 2025

Imagine signing a tenancy agreement for a flat you’ve never seen, only to discover that the property doesn’t even exist. That is exactly what happened in this unbelievable letting agent fail. A tenant, desperate to secure accommodation quickly, relied on the agent’s assurances and photos of a “newly refurbished one-bedroom flat”. After paying rent in […]

Model house with “For Rent” sign and location pin representing best UK cities for renters

The best cities for renters revealed

22nd October 2025

With rents climbing by nearly £80 a week over the past five years and as more than a third of Brits live in rented homes, the best cities for renters have been revealed. Landlord insurance firm Alan Boswell Group says it has found where tenants have it easiest to find a new home in the […]

Hand stamping document symbolising approval of Leeds selective licensing scheme

Council approves major selective licensing scheme

22nd October 2025

A major new selective licensing scheme to cover a fifth of Leeds’ private rented sector has been approved by councillors, despite landlords voicing strong opposition to the plans. The scheme will launch in February next year, with the council saying it will tackle poor housing standards and improve tenants’ quality of life. Covering around 12,500 […]

Agents sneaking in unfair exit clauses?

Right to Rent fines rocket as government clamps down

22nd October 2025

Right to Rent fines have soared, with landlords and letting agents facing a big rise in enforcement since late 2024. Home Office data shows that fines reached £4.2 million, compared with £596,400 in the previous period. That’s a sevenfold increase that signals a tougher stance on landlords and agents failing to carry out tenant verification, […]

Model house on a leaning stack of documents with a red pause button symbolising a slowdown in buy-to-let lending.

Buy to let mortgage lending plunges as landlords pause investment

22nd October 2025

Buy to let lending has taken a sharp fall, with Bank of England figures showing a 12.5% drop in loans agreed between June and August. The slump follows three consecutive quarters of growth and signals a sudden loss of confidence among landlords as speculation mounts over possible tax hikes in the upcoming Autumn Budget. Peter […]

Gavel beside rejected legal documents representing government refusal to review County Court system

Government rejects full review of County Court system amid growing backlog

21st October 2025

The government has declined calls for a full review of the County Court system, despite the Commons Justice Committee condemning what it described as “a dysfunctional operation that has failed to adequately deliver civil justice across England and Wales.” The Labour government has responded to the committee’s report, claiming a review is not needed, as […]

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

Malicious vs Accidental Damage in Landlord Insurance

21st October 2025

One of the most misunderstood areas of landlord insurance is the difference between malicious damage and accidental damage. Landlords often discover the distinction only when making a claim — and by then it can be too late. Insurers treat these categories differently, and cover is not always automatic. This article explains how the two are […]

Houses of Parliament in London with “Final Approval” text symbolizing Renters’ Rights Bill progress

Renters’ Rights Bill will return to Parliament tomorrow for final approval

21st October 2025

The Renters’ Rights Bill will return to MPs in the Commons tomorrow (Wednesday 22 October) for final approval before Royal Assent. The government has confirmed any outstanding issues of the bill will return to the Commons for consideration this week. The news comes after despite last-minute attempts to add more amendments to the Bill, Peers […]

Red and green smiley faces showing contrast in tenant satisfaction across UK regions

Big differences in renters’ experiences across the country

21st October 2025

An online tenant-based website claims a stark difference in renter satisfaction and deposit protection across the UK. Research by Marks out of Tenancy, which allows tenants to review landlords, analysed 2,299 tenant reviews and found that in some areas, such as the North West, deposit protection rates were under half, at 42.1%. However, the study […]

Scissors cutting a wooden percent sign symbolizing mortgage rate reductions.

Landbay, Paragon and MFS unveil new landlord BTL deals

21st October 2025

Competition in the buy to let sector continues to heat up as three major lenders – Landbay, Paragon Bank and Market Financial Solutions – have announced fresh rate cuts, new product launches and improved features designed to help landlords refinance or expand portfolios. Landbay has reduced rates across its five-year fixed Premier range, with pricing […]

Modern student bedroom with sunlight and desk setup highlighting affordability issues

Students priced out of purpose-built student accommodation

21st October 2025

Students are feeling the strain of rising rents as they struggle to afford purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA). A new report from real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield reveals growing demand for student housing across the UK. The research estimates that even if demand for accommodation increases by just 1% per year over the next five […]

Wooden houses and letter tiles spelling “RENT” on a black background, symbolising the UK rental housing market.

PRS supply surges but affordability gap widens

21st October 2025

Private rented sector (PRS) listings have climbed across every UK region for the first time in years, according to TwentyEA’s. It’s latest Property & Homeowner Report found that supply is up 6.9% compared to 2024, with more than one million homes entering the rental market so far this year. Despite the rental home supply uptick, […]

The Inventory That Charged for Thin Air – Letting Agent Fails Series

21st October 2025

When it comes to renting property, inventories are supposed to protect both landlords and tenants by clearly listing what is, and isn’t, in the property at the start of the tenancy. They provide a fair reference point in case of disputes about damage or missing items. Yet, sometimes letting agents take this process into the […]