The UK property market is facing one of the biggest shocks in years. The Labour Party is considering introducing a House Value Tax UK, designed to replace Stamp Duty and reform Council Tax. This Labour Party property tax plan could have major consequences, particularly for landlords who are already facing significant UK property investors tax […]

The Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s law will cause increased costs for landlords and major disruption for tenants, warns industry body. In response to the government inquiry into housing conditions in England, Propertymark warn landlords will face additional costs in trying to meet strict housing standards. The Decent Homes Standard (DHS), which is part of […]

Rents in Great Britain have reached a record high, with tenants paying £1,577 each month on average, data from Rightmove reveals. Its Insight report shows that rents rose by 3% compared to the same period 12 months ago, which matches the projection made by the platform previously. Even with fewer tenants hunting for places, the […]

One of the most common questions we hear from landlords is whether they need buildings insurance, contents insurance, or a combined policy. The right choice depends on what you own, how you let, and the risks you want to protect against. Making the wrong choice can mean paying for cover you don’t need or, worse, […]

This piece is part of our International Bizarre Landlord Stories series. Today’s story was first reported in Canada. When a landlord in Toronto finally gained access to a unit after months of unpaid rent, they expected clutter and possibly damage. Instead, they found an improvised zoo. Inside were dozens of exotic animals, including snakes, lizards, […]

The Scottish government has been accused of creating a “two-tier rental market” after a consultation revealed that Build-to-Rent (BtR) and mid-market rent (MMR) properties could be exempt from rent controls, unlike the private rented sector. In its action plan to tackle Scotland’s housing emergency, the government appears to confirm that rent controls will not apply […]

Hello Everyone, I have a some HMO properties that are shortly due to be subject to additional licensing scheme by a council. The council has stipulated the scheme to come into effect on the 1st of October. They state landlords will be given three months to apply for a licence. The housing act of 2004 […]

Fewer than one in four landlords expect Labour’s planning changes will help their business, a survey reveals. The poll from BTL lender Landbay found that 77% of landlords believe the reforms will not bring any advantage to their buy to let activities. Just 13% think relaxed rules might increase options for buying new properties. And […]

Hello, I’m a landlord managing a tenancy situation that has gone badly wrong. We’ve been hit with a letter before action and a claim for rent repayment but it’s not been filed for yet. It’s for harassment and illegal eviction by K. Here’s the background: a few days after moving into a single tenancy style […]

How many of you have seen these ‘we buy anything, anywhere’ companies? I think it is fair to say most landlords would not even consider them – WELL I have just sold for the second time a property at under market rate, and I am not the least bit concerned. Here is my reasoning: Currently […]

Shelter and HSBC have teamed up for a video campaign to show the realities of the housing crisis, as the housing charity claims people are living in fear over Section 21. The housing charity and bank claim the video titled ‘Our House’ shows the realities for families living in “grotty-unsafe temporary accommodation where vital repairs […]

In the ever-revolving door of Housing Secretaries, Steve Reed has become the 12th person to take on the role since 2010. The former Environment Secretary replaces Angela Rayner, who resigned following controversy over the stamp duty scandal. His appointment comes as the Renters’ Rights Bill reaches its final stages and returns to Parliament today. Build, […]

With mortgage pricing shifting and lender criteria evolving, many landlords are weighing up whether to fix for certainty or track the Bank of England base rate for potential savings. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice depends on cashflow, risk tolerance, portfolio plans and refinancing flexibility. This article sets out how both options work, […]

Selling everything is rarely necessary. A partial sell-down uses the sale of one or two weaker units to retire expensive debt on the keepers. Debt re-basing then sets a resilient portfolio LTV and smoother maturities so cash flow is stronger and life is simpler. This article shows how to pick what to sell, how much […]

A council wants to be seen “as a supportive partner, not an enforcement body” to landlords as it launches drop-in sessions to support landlords ahead of the Renters’ Rights Bill. Fylde council in Lancashire is holding free and confidential bi-monthly surgeries for landlords to help them navigate legislative changes and improve standards across the private […]

Only one in six landlords are fully prepared for the Renters’ Rights Bill which returns to Parliament today (8 September), a survey reveals. The poll of 1,000 landlords by letting agents Cavendish reveals a mixed understanding of the bill, with many landlords still having questions. The news comes as the Renters’ Rights Bill prepares to […]

As students across Great Britain prepare to start or resume their university journeys, new findings reveal which cities are the most budget-friendly for renting. According to Rightmove, Hull and Sunderland have average monthly rents of £804, making them 49% more affordable than the national average of £1,565. Carlisle follows closely, with rents averaging £828. For […]

New official statistics from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) reveal that property income received by unincorporated landlords has reached its highest level in the past five years. Although this does not take into account the wide differences in what landlords actually earn after Section 24 mortgage interest relief restrictions. The property rental income statistics for […]

This piece is part of our International Bizarre Landlord Stories series. Today’s story was first reported in Australia. Imagine lifting the toilet lid in your rental flat and finding a large snake coiled inside the bowl. That is exactly what happened to a startled tenant in Queensland, who came face to face with a carpet […]

The last few days have revealed that whispers from Westminster about the introduction of National Insurance on rental income are gaining momentum. If the measure goes ahead, landlords could see an extra 8% shaved off their rents. For an industry that’s been struggling in the last two years, combined with the fact that we’ve experienced […]

They say a week is a long time in politics. In Angela Rayner’s case, that was certainly true this week, following the revelation in the Telegraph at the end of last week that the Housing Secretary had failed to pay the additional SDLT surcharge amount. HMRC says: “You’ll usually have to pay 5% on top […]