Page 60 – Property118

Online landlord licensing forms slammed as council advertises on the Tube

5th January 2026

A London council has been accused of poor timing and clumsy execution after landlord licensing adverts appeared across the Tube network before an early bird discount ends. One Property118 reader, Richard, questioned the coincidence, saying: “Wandsworth council has posted landlord licensing ads on the Tube, just days before the ‘early bird’ offer expires! Coincidence?” According […]

Chalk-drawn house price chart with a turtle symbolising slow but steady UK housing market growth

House price growth slowed at the end of 2025 – Nationwide

5th January 2026

UK house price growth lost pace at the end of 2025, with annual inflation slowing to 0.6% in December from 1.8% a month earlier, Nationwide’s latest index reveals. The average home is now worth £271,068 and the slowdown marks the weakest annual rate since April 2024. In comparison, prices were rising at 4.7% in December […]

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

The Role of Mortgage Brokers in Securing Buy-To-Let Finance

5th January 2026

In 2026, mortgage brokers play a more important role than ever in helping landlords navigate the complex buy-to-let market. With stricter affordability rules, changing lender appetites and new product innovations, going directly to lenders is rarely the most effective option. This article explains why specialist brokers matter, what they can do that landlords often cannot, […]

Modern bedroom with wooden bed frame and soft blue bedding representing spare room rental potential

Lodger supply slows as calls grow to raise Rent a Room tax threshold

5th January 2026

Rental stock from households taking in lodgers is barely rising despite intense pressure across the housing market, research reveals. Growth in the number of rooms available to rent in people’s homes increased by just 1.5% in the past year. Previously, it had surged by 19%, the flatshare platform SpareRoom says, and it now wants a […]

UK map highlighting regional house price growth and market performance

Unexpected hotspots drive house price growth

5th January 2026

Some areas of the UK have outperformed the wider market, showing strong house price growth, according to new figures. Research by eXp estate agents reveals that, despite periods of uncertainty surrounding the Autumn Budget, the housing market has remained resilient, with certain areas experiencing notable price increases. According to the data, the average UK house […]

Red model houses stacked on coins representing property investment and rental market finances

Two-thirds of landlords plan to invest despite Budget concerns

5th January 2026

Two-thirds of the UK’s landlords are still planning to invest in the PRS this year, even as uncertainty over tax and costs weighs on confidence, a new survey reveals. Lendlord’s latest research reveals that 66% of landlords intend to acquire, refinance or refurbish properties in 2026. Acquisition tops the list of planned actions, with 23% […]

Promotional banner for the Virtual Property Exhibition 2026 featuring UK property experts

2026 Is a Turning Point for Property Investors

2nd January 2026

The UK property market is changing in ways that matter. Legislation is tightening, lending conditions are shifting, and the margin for error is smaller than it has been for many investors in years. Strategies that worked before now need adjusting. 2026 will favour property investors who are informed, prepared, and willing to adapt early. Why […]

Knight-themed Landlord Crusader logo symbolizing landlord advocacy

2026: The year landlords finally lose their nerve

2nd January 2026

Well, thank goodness 2025 is over! It was bumpier than even I imagined but what will 2026 bring? More of the same, I fear. I think 2025 will go down as the year the UK’s private rented sector finally cracked, not because of one single blow, but because the cumulative weight of bad policies, hostile […]

2026 rent increase concept with rising arrow over stacked coins and family homes

Regulation and rising costs will push rents higher in 2026

2nd January 2026

Rent rises and increased costs for landlords due to regulatory changes will dominate 2026, according to an estate agent. Jackson-Stops predicts 2026 will see rent increases as the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force on 1 May 2026. The estate agents also believe house prices will increase between 2% and 3%. Cumulative impact of regulatory […]

A businessman stamping papers, Selective licensing

Major expansion of London council’s selective licensing scheme

2nd January 2026

Another London council is preparing to roll out a major expansion of its landlord licensing scheme from March, even though it had claimed that ‘the majority of landlords do a good job’ before the consultation began. The announcement comes after recent similar decisions by Wandsworth, Islington and Westminster City Council, plus consultation announcements in Croydon […]

House price trend illustration showing paused market with interest rate symbol and stacked coins

House prices pause after seasonal bounce

2nd January 2026

House prices remain subdued across England and Wales as uncertainty from the Autumn Budget continues to weigh on the market. e.surv house price index reveals average house prices £352,498, 4% lower than a year ago. The announcement in the Autumn Budget on council tax surcharge on homes above £2 million will hit homes in London […]

Rising property values shown through increasing house icons and an upward market trend line

Landlords set for a steady 2026 as mortgage and rental markets stabilise

2nd January 2026

UK property is heading for a year of modest gains rather than dramatic swings, with fresh forecasts for 2026 pointing to subdued growth in both prices and rents as confidence cautiously returns. Chestertons expects rents to rise by 2% in Greater London next year and 3% in the priciest postcodes. It says that strong tenant […]

Gavel beside a sign reading “Delayed,” symbolising court backlogs affecting landlord possession cases

Court delays persist despite government claims of progress

2nd January 2026

The government claims it has made significant progress in tackling the court backlog, despite landlords often waiting months to regain possession of their properties. In response to a written question, Courts Minister Sarah Sackman claimed the government is promoting early dispute resolution to help reduce unnecessary demand on the courts. However, an industry body has […]

Image of a hand holding a megaphone and a sign saying Homes for us to illustrate a story about a tenants housing union

New tenants’ housing union set to challenge landlords and government

31st December 2025

Campaigners are preparing to launch a national housing union next year, saying it will give social and private renters, and leaseholders, the strength to challenge poor conditions and rising rents. Suzanne Muna, the secretary of the Social Housing Action Campaign (SHAC) said the aim is to create something that will ‘reshape the landscape’. She believes […]

Concerned landlord reviewing notice about fines under the Renters’ Rights Act

Anti-landlord policy U-turns abroad spark warnings for the UK

31st December 2025

New Zealand and Portugal have U-turned on rental rules after stricter laws triggered huge landlord exits, prompting calls from experts for Labour to rethink its reforms. The Daily Telegraph reports that New Zealand has reinstated no-fault evictions. The previous ban, introduced in 2020 under Premier Jacinda Ardern, led to a supply squeeze that forced ministers […]

Toy house in sand with energy efficiency rating icon representing EPC rules for holiday lets

No final decision on EPC requirements for short-term holiday lets

31st December 2025

The government has said no final decision has been made over whether short-term holiday lets will be included in energy performance certificate (EPC) targets. The government has proposed, but not yet made law all private rented properties will need to meet EPC C targets by 2030 and 2028 for new tenancies. The government claim they […]

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

2025’s sweeping housing reforms sees landlords prepare for change – Propertymark

31st December 2025

Millions of people across the UK have seen the rules around renting, buying and managing homes shift rapidly this year, Propertymark says. Major legislation has begun reshaping rights for tenants, tax thresholds for buyers and safety obligations for property owners. The laws have helped mark 2025 as one of the most significant moments for housing […]

Contractor in protective gear removing mouldy wallpaper from a damp rental property wall

Government vows to tackle damp and mould in PRS

31st December 2025

The government says it is committed to making rented homes safe and free from damp and mould. In answer to a written question, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook says extending Awaab’s law to the private rented sector and a Decent Homes Standard will improve the safety of rental properties. Awaab’s law is set to come into […]

Foxtons lettings director in business suit discussing London rental market trends

London rent rises ease but tenant competition intensifies

31st December 2025

London’s lettings market remained lively in November as more tenants chased fewer available homes, despite the usual year-end cool down. New figures from Foxtons show the ratio of renters to each new instruction rose 5.1%, climbing from 8.9 to 9.4 applicants per listing. The firm says that the rise suggests competition is holding up, even […]

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

How One Landlord Restructured £5m of Debt with Commercial Finance

31st December 2025

Large portfolios can generate significant income – but they also carry significant debt. Managing that debt effectively is crucial to maintaining cash flow and long-term sustainability. This case study shows how one landlord successfully restructured £5m of borrowing using commercial finance, reducing pressure and securing a stronger financial footing. The Challenge A landlord owned a […]

High-rise building with external cladding partially removed during safety inspection and remediation monitoring

Fewer high-rise buildings moving into cladding remediation

31st December 2025

Despite more high-rise buildings being monitored for cladding, few are entering remediation. Property Inspect is now urging the government to do more and is calling for a national remediation tracker to show live updates for each building. The news comes as the government have announced targets to fix all unsafe cladding by 2029.  Momentum on […]