The Labour government has announced the biggest shake-up to the homebuying system in decades. Under the proposals, which aim to cut costs and stress for homebuyers, sellers and estate agents will be required to provide buyers with vital information about a property upfront, including the condition of the home, leasehold costs, and any chains of […]

Green Party members have voted to ‘seek the effective abolition of private landlordism’ at their autumn conference in Bournemouth, signalling a sharp shift in the party’s housing stance. The motion, ‘Abolish Landlords’, won strong backing from delegates and now forms official party policy. It pledges to curb private renting through heavy regulation and higher taxes, […]

Not all buy-to-let properties fit neatly into the category of a single-family rental on a standard assured shorthold tenancy. Many landlords own or are considering Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), holiday lets, or semi-commercial properties. These assets often deliver stronger yields, but they also come with different risks and complexities. That’s why specialist lending exists. […]

If you remember only one number for a calmer landlord life, make it this: around 40 per cent loan-to-value (LTV). It isn’t magic and it isn’t a promise—just a practical rule of thumb that keeps lenders comfortable, cushions rate shocks and gives you choices. Get close to 40 per cent (or step down via 45% […]

Cost is holding back homeowners from making green upgrades, according to a new report. Findings by Natwest reveal nearly three-quarters (74%) of homeowners without upgrade plans cite expense as the main hurdle. Other obstacles include a reluctance to take on debt (38%), disruption caused by the work (32%), and limited financing options (27%). Clear divide […]

A financial institution has warned of a “double whammy of rent increases for tenants” if landlords pay national insurance on rental income. With just eight weeks to go before the Autumn Budget, and rumours that Chancellor Rachel Reeves could extend national insurance to rental income and replace stamp duty with a property tax on homes […]

Social housing landlords in Scotland could be leaving tenants at risk due to a lack of mould training. A survey reveals one-third of Scottish social housing tenants lack confidence their landlords will resolve ongoing issues. Awaab’s law will come into effect in England with Scotland to follow at a later date to be confirmed. The […]

The proportion of foreign-owned buy to let businesses in the UK has grown significantly, with research revealing one in five new companies was founded by overseas investors this year. That compares with 13% in 2016 as Indian investors lead the way, setting up 684 new firms, followed closely by Nigerians who launched 647. Now specialist […]

September sees the highest number of homes listed this year, according to a new report. Data by estate agency eXP reveals September saw a notable surge in market activity with the firm recording an average of 81 new properties listed every day over the course of the month, the highest daily level seen across each […]

This piece is part of our International Bizarre Landlord Stories series. Today’s story was first reported in the United Kingdom. Some properties surprise on viewing. This one leaves you speechless. Behind a traditional exterior, the main living space had been converted into a full indoor skatepark. Visitors stepped straight into a wooden bowl with vert […]

The UK’s renters are much happier renting directly from landlords than from a letting agent or BTR companies, a survey reveals. The poll questioned more than 3,000 private tenants across the country and found 70% of those renting from individual landlords rated their experience as positive. Only 60% of tenants using letting agents felt the […]

An industry body has warned that strict EPC C targets for Scotland’s private rented sector could worsen the housing crisis. The Scottish Property Federation (SPF) welcomes measures to improve energy efficiency but says the Scottish government must provide more support for landlords to meet the EPC C targets. The government has proposed that all private […]

Hello student landlords, It may be too early as the Renters’ Rights Bill has not yet passed into legislation, but has anyone already altered their student tenancy agreements for the 2026/27 academic year? Bearing in mind that the proposed new Renters’ Rights Act may well be passed by July 2026, students will be starting to […]

More lenders are rolling out competitive buy to let products to attract landlords with Aldermore, HSBC, ModaMortgages and Fleet Mortgages announcing new deals and rate adjustments. Aldermore has introduced two new limited-edition buy to let products, both at 75% loan-to-value (LTV) with no fees. The first, aimed at individual and company landlords with single residential […]

More than two-thirds of the UK’s landlords have caught tenants letting out their homes without consent, research reveals. However, according to Direct Line business insurance, many of them say they are open to subletting if approached first. The insurer says it found that 68% of landlords had discovered their property being rented out by tenants […]

A law firm has warned that a lack of clarity around pet provisions in the Renters’ Rights Bill could lead landlords to avoid tenants with pets. Irwin Mitchell argues a lack of detail in the bill surrounding pets means landlords may find there are more issues than damage caused by pets, and there is no […]

This piece is part of our International Bizarre Landlord Stories series. Today’s story was first reported in the United Kingdom. Landlords are often braced for garden neglect, from overgrown grass to abandoned furniture. What one British landlord did not expect to find was a fully functioning rollercoaster winding its way through the back garden of […]

Mystic Mortar’s Landlord Horoscope Edition: Friday 3 October 2025 Welcome, star-gazers and key-holders, to another week where the skies sprinkle both promise and puzzles across your landlord journey. Gather close, for the stars whisper secrets of charm, caution and opportunity in the property realm. This week, the Sun in Libra joins Mercury and Venus, making […]

The Scottish Housing Bill has passed stage three and is expected to gain Royal Assent within weeks. The news has prompted a mixed reaction, with the Scottish Conservatives arguing the bill will do nothing to tackle the housing emergency in Scotland. Under the bill, ministers will have the power to implement a system of long-term […]

Letting agents could see their earnings plummet by more than a quarter when the Renters’ Rights Bill takes effect, one firm says. According to Goodlord, contract renewals currently generate 27% of typical agency income. However, the proposed elimination of fixed-term tenancies under the Renters’ Rights Bill threatens to wipe out this substantial revenue stream entirely. […]

House prices increased by 0.5% in September, as price growth remained steady, according to the Nationwide House Price Index. The data shows, on an annual basis, the average house price rose by 2.2%, up from a 2.1% annual growth rate in August. The average UK house price now stands at £271,005. Ongoing uncertainties in the […]