London Property Blog

As a London landlord, you're familiar with the big-ticket expenses: the mortgage interest, the insurance premiums and the Section 24 tax burden. These are costs you plan for. However, many private landlords unknowingly bleed thousands of pounds every year due to common, preventable mistakes in property management. These aren't intentional oversights; they are administrative and [...]

Selling a portfolio or block of flats doesn’t always have to mean a long, complicated property sale. In some cases, you can sell the company that owns the properties rather than the properties themselves, in a deal structure known as a share purchase. This approach can speed up the process, save thousands in tax, and […]

You’ve decided to sell your London home. Naturally, you want to maximise your profit, and your first thought is the classic formula: renovate, then sell high. You earmark £10,000 (or more) for a project, convinced that a shiny new feature will guarantee a bidding war. Stop right there. In the discerning, fast-moving London market, spending [...]

Remember 2020? The collective London dream pivoted almost overnight. Suddenly, everyone wanted a garden, a spare room for a home office and a postcode further afield. The attraction of outdoor space, even if it meant a longer commute or leaving the city altogether, was undeniable. Houses soared in popularity and flats, particularly those without outdoor [...]

The government has confirmed when the first stage of the long-awaited and newly passed Renters’ Rights Act will come into force: 1 May 2026. While the announcement brings clarity on when reforms begin, it still leaves many in the sector, as well as many landlords, questioning how the transition will work in practice. What Phase [...]

If you’re a landlord and you haven’t heard of Making Tax Digital, or if you’ve been thinking ‘I know it’s coming, I’ll get round to reading up on it eventually’… well, here’s your friendly wake-up call… Whether you’ve got a single buy-to-let or a large portfolio, the way you manage and report your rental income [...]

Navigating the property market can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategy, it's possible to make confident decisions. I have a lot of expertise in this area, having worked in property for so long, and I'm always looking to share my knowledge. Today, let’s discuss how mortgages work in the UK, an essential subject for [...]

The London property market offers diverse opportunities, and for many property owners, the allure of short-term letting – renting out a property for days, weeks, or a few months at a time – seems particularly attractive. Platforms like Airbnb have made it easier than ever to connect with potential guests, promising higher potential yields compared [...]

Finding a place to rent in London is not easy. We’ve been helping people navigate this market for years now, so we’ve seen the good, the bad and the downright ugly. So, if you're looking for houses for rent in London, England, this is a bit of what we’ve learned about the process First off, [...]

Trying to find a place to rent in London can feel like navigating a labyrinth. At Homesearch Properties, we're dedicated to providing you with the insights and guidance needed to make informed decisions. We’ll have a look at all the key factors that influence cost and provide a glimpse into the unique character of each [...]

Have you ever thought about buying a property in London? Whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, the process can be both exciting and complex. It’s a challenging prospect, but we are here to help you.  Below is a step-by-step guide that will walk you through everything you need to know about buying [...]

London is one of the most iconic and sought-after cities in the world, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and endless opportunities. But when it comes to buying a home in this bustling metropolis, many prospective buyers are often left wondering, "How much does it actually cost to own a property here?" In this [...]

London is a city that blends rich history, vibrant culture, and an ever-evolving property market. Whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, the process of buying a house in London requires careful planning and consideration. In this guide, we will walk you through every step, offering insights to help you make informed decisions [...]

London is one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the world, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and modern living. For many, it’s a dream to live in the heart of the UK, but finding the right property to rent in London can be challenging due to its competitive rental market and [...]

A record number of landlords have set up limited companies to purchase buy-to-let properties this year, in a bid to reduce tax on their investments. Between January and September this year, 46,449 buy-to-let companies were set up, a rise of 23 per cent on the same period last year. That is according to analysis of Companies [...]

Royal London Asset Management Property has acquired 500 flats in Bracknell and Slough, marking its first investment into the Build To Rent sector. They will be managed by the business’ newly launched residential property management platform, ProperTies Living. The creation of ProperTies Living will enable Royal London Asset Management Property – part of the UK’s [...]

Angela Rayner plans to reform Margaret Thatcher’s Right to Buy policy, which allows most council tenants to buy their council home at a discount, to ensure the stock of social housing is not depleted. The deputy prime minister and housing secretary reportedly plans to slash Right to Buy discounts by two-thirds in an unprecedented attempt [...]

The Housing Ombudsman has released its latest ‘learning from severe maladministration’ report, focusing on inspections and timeliness within damp and mould complaints.  With the important role that social housing has to play in giving safe and secure housing to millions, the Ombudsman says the learning in these reports should help landlords provide effective services that protect [...]

Proposed reforms to the National Policy Planning Framework and other changes to the planning system in response to a Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government consultation on this issue has gained support from Propertymark.  The professional body backs implementing changes to the planning system and is keen to see a system which represents the needs [...]

Keir Starmer’s suggestion that landlords are not ‘working people’ is mistaken, says NRLA Chief Executive Ben Beadle.  It’s depressingly familiar. The tired rhetoric of the fat cat landlord living a life of luxury, paid for by their hardworking tenants. We’ve heard it time and time again, but it was disappointing to hear it from our [...]

Finding a rental property in London can feel like a daunting task, especially if you're new to the city or unfamiliar with the process. London's vibrant rental market offers a variety of homes, ranging from modern apartments to traditional houses, all set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most dynamic cities. However, to [...]

When you're considering purchasing a property, one of the first and most critical questions you'll likely ask is, "How much can I borrow for a home loan?" Understanding this figure is crucial as it sets the boundaries for your property search, helping you to identify homes within your budget and avoid disappointment later in the [...]

There are growing that potential tax changes in the Autumn Budget next month may curb demand and increase downwards pressure on prices in higher-value markets Rachel Reeves has not yet delivered her Budget but it is already having repercussions in the property market. The government has said private schools will be charged VAT from January, but [...]

Is the Renters’ Rights Bill much different from the Renters (Reform) Bill, on whose shoulders it stands? In this blog post, I compare the new Renters’ Rights Bill and the Renters (Reform) Bill in a user-friendly side-by-side table to make it easy to see what is new, what has changed and what has gone. I [...]

With the Autumn Budget looming large in the minds of landlords, some have decided to sell up in order to avoid higher costs now and a possible capital gains tax raid in future. The fear among buy-to-let owners is that Chancellor Rachel Reeves, will massively hike CGT in the Budget, as part of her bid to fill her [...]

Suffolk Building Society is taking up to 30bps off its fixed Buy to Let, Buy to Let Light Refurbishment, Expat Buy To Let and Holiday Let products. It is also slicing up to 30 bps off its 95% resi mortgages, giving an affordability boost to first time buyers and those with smaller deposits. A society [...]

For the property market, there are strong parallels between January and September this year, according to Knight Frank.   The number of sub-4% mortgages is growing as financial markets bet on multiple rate cuts over the next year as inflation is tamed. It was a similar story in the early weeks of 2024. Knight Frank’s [...]

Angela Rayner set out measures to protect renters from fire safety defects, damp and mould in her speech at the Labour Party conference yesterday. The deputy prime minister and housing secretary, committed to “building homes fit for the future”, while also pledging to bring forward a Remediation Acceleration Plan this autumn to speed up the [...]

An agency in North West London has been found guilty of a series of offences under the Housing Act 2004 at two Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Camden. At Highbury Corner Magistrates Court, London Living Group Limited of 1a Chalk Farm Parade, Adelaide Road, London, England, NW3 2BN and its company director, Alvaro Odeh-Torro, [...]

Some estate agents believe that more than 50% of homes sell with a second agent, but this is simply not the case, according to property data and analytics company TwentyCi. This stat regarding more than half of homes being sold with a second agent has been floating around the market for a number of years, [...]

An agent claims he and his peers in other agencies face massive struggles with forged IDs, digitally-altered supporting documents and undeclared financial issues. In the last month Benham and Reeves, a London firm, detected eight forged passports or IDs; 40 digitally-altered bank statements, utility bills, payslips or proof of address; 50 forged employment references; and [...]

New figures out today show the rental housing crisis is worsening – with the number of former rental homes up for sale hitting record highs The NRLA said the data, from property portal Rightmove, is bad news for all tenants looking for a home, with a bold new approach needed if the Government is to [...]

New rules mean warmer homes for tenants, but upgrades may be expensive Landlords may choose to sell their properties due to the cost of meeting Government energy efficiency targets for rented homes, experts believe. The Government confirmed this week that all rented properties in England must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of 'C' or [...]

Landlord Action’s Paul Shamplina (main image) has predicted a rise in landlords using rent guarantee insurance as well as tougher referencing to protect themselves against the fall-out of eviction reforms. A perfect storm of tighter grounds for possession and the end of Section 21, along with a lack of investment in the courts and a chronic shortage of bailiffs – [...]

Landlords may soon be able to rent their homes out via Airbnb to more than just holiday makers, its co-founder has revealed. The CEO of Airbnb Brian Chesky (main image) yesterday told a conference in the US that he considers ‘longer term rentals’ of more than 28-days duration to be the next big growth area [...]

Estate agents and new figures reveal that buy-to-let may be losing its appeal Buy-to-let landlords are heading for the exit, says estate agents, as higher mortgage rates, tightened regulation and unfavourable tax changes encourage more to sell up. There have been 1.53million property sales made by landlords since the start of 2016, according to property [...]

Factors Influencing House Prices in the UK Before delving into specific prices, it's important to understand the key factors that influence house prices across the UK: Location: The old adage "location, location, location" holds true. Properties in London and the South East typically command higher prices than those in other parts of the UK. Proximity [...]

This blog post analyses the 12 key provisions in the Labour government’s proposed new law for the private rented sector, the Renters’ Rights Bill, published on 11 September 2024. Even though Labour have a large majority and are committed to enhancing renters’ rights as soon as possible, this is still just a draft Bill. It may [...]

When you're looking to buy a home in the UK, one of the most important questions you will face is: How much can I borrow for a mortgage? Understanding how much you can afford is essential to make the right decision about your future home and to narrow down your property search. The amount you [...]

London, one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse cities, is also notorious for its high cost of living, particularly when it comes to renting. For many, finding affordable property to rent in London can seem like a daunting task. However, with careful research and the use of effective home search sites, it is possible [...]

Private landlords look to be leaving the rental market at a record pace, but will this prove to be a problem or an opportunity for private tenants? Private landlords look to be leaving the rental market at a record pace, according to research from the property website Rightmove. It says rising costs, taxes and legislation [...]

When renting a property in the UK, whether it's a flat in London or a house in the countryside, it’s essential to know who your landlord is. Understanding the identity of your landlord helps protect your rights as a tenant and ensures you have a point of contact for any issues that might arise during [...]

The chief executive of the Tenancy Deposit Service says the burgeoning number of deposit alternative services may represent good news for landlords, but possibly less so for tenants. Steve Harriott says such schemes are effectively just an insurance premium, and he worries that some tenants may believe that this effectively lifts any responsibility from them [...]

The abolition of the furnished holiday lettings tax regime - confirmed earlier this week - will punish local economies, according to the Country Land and Business Association. The CLA’s statement follows the UK government’s publishing of draft legislation to remove the FHL tax regime from April 2025. The measure was originally floated by former Chancellor [...]

A tenant in Scotland who admitted threatening behaviour towards a gas engineer who his landlord had booked to fix the property's gas boiler is to face jail. 57-year-old Steven Bracy, who had been arrested previously when police arrived at his flat to break up a cannabis operation, refused to give gas engineer Ian Higgins access [...]

Investing in commercial property – is now a good time to start? Tom Entwistle talks about the prospects of investing in commercial property. Commercial property is an alternative asset class to residential and depending on your own circumstances, it may be a sensible way of diversifying your overall investment portfolio risk. By the way you [...]

Labour has confirmed that it will require all private sector landlords to bring their properties up to a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) band C by 2030. Energy Security and Net Zero minister Miatta Fahnbulleh (main image, inset) told MPs that “this government is committed to reducing the number of fuel poor households in England. “We will require [...]

An HMO landlord has lost his appeal against an improvement notice ordering him to update a 'paddle staircase' in a case that highlights the surprising lengths some councils will go to enforce licencing rules. A paddle staircase (pictured) is one that uses special 'paddle' steps that enable the use of a steep staircase at more [...]

A councillor in the North of England has pushed back against unlikely claims that large firms operating HMOs are ‘taking away his town’s family homes’. Colleagues in Barnsley calling for tougher regulations in the sector claim HMOs are shrinking the available housing stock, a common compliant by those criticising the sector. Councillor Steve Bullcock says: “We cannot [...]

The landlord of a suspected HMO has been fined for not producing tenancy agreements and bank statements relating to tenants. Daria Smith, the co-owner of a property in Swindon, pleaded guilty to not complying with a Section 235 Notice, which is a breach of Section 236 (1) of the Housing Act 2004. Smith was sent [...]

A new tech start-up using AI to pair tenants with the most suitable rented homes has been launched. Rentsmart claims to save hours of searching for listings on rental platforms by coming up with the most relevant properties and making house-hunters immediately aware when a property matching their requirements becomes available. The website – which is currently [...]

When considering a move in the UK, one of the most significant decisions you'll face is whether to rent or buy a property. This decision has long-term financial implications, lifestyle consequences, and it impacts your overall quality of life. This article delves into the pros and cons of renting and buying property in the UK, [...]

Finding the perfect apartment in London can be both exciting and daunting. With its vast array of neighbourhoods, varying price ranges, and unique properties, the capital offers something for everyone—whether you're a young professional, a student, or a family. However, navigating this expansive market requires careful consideration and strategic planning. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll [...]

London, the capital city of England, is one of the most vibrant and dynamic cities in the world. Known for its rich history, diverse culture, and economic significance, London attracts millions of people each year. Whether you're considering moving to London, investing in property, or simply curious about the real estate market, the question often [...]

London, a bustling metropolis rich in history, culture, and opportunities, attracts people from all corners of the globe. Its diverse and vibrant character, along with its status as a global financial hub, makes it a sought-after destination not just for tourists but also for those looking to work and live there. One of the common [...]

The Bank of England has given its strongest hint yet that interest rates could be cut this summer. Bank deputy governor Ben Broadbent said in a speech that a rate cut at "some time" over the summer was "possible". His comments come ahead of figures on Wednesday that are expected to show a sharp drop [...]

London, a global city teeming with opportunities and cultural experiences, is a top destination for expatriates from around the world. Whether you’re relocating for work, study, or personal reasons, understanding the nuances of renting property in London is crucial. This guide will provide an in-depth look at how foreigners can best navigate the London rental [...]

London, the dynamic capital of the United Kingdom, offers a truly unique living experience that combines historical charm with the vibrancy of modern life. As a global city, it stands out for its incredible diversity, cultural richness, limitless opportunities and vibrant metropolis known for its rich history, diverse culture, and dynamic economy, also carries a [...]

A top executive at Legal and General Investment Management (LGIM) has called for fewer buy-to-let landlords in Britain. Global head of real assets at L&G, Bill Hughes, has lambasted what he describes as “unscrupulous” landlords, accusing many of providing poor quality housing and services for tenants. Hughes, who is leading L&G’s charge into the build-to-rent sector, said [...]

Lock-ups are being reinvented and marketed as more than just storage amid overcrowding and record rent rises. Forget the gym membership and juicing regime: the new must-have to boost personal wellbeing is a self-storage unit. At least, that is the call from a new company urging space-squeezed thirtysomething renters to accept that they cannot afford [...]

An analysis of over 600,000 tenancy applications has found that fraudulent applications rose by 140% last year. The analysis, carried out by PropTech supplier Goodlord, found that payslip fraud was the most common way tenants try to trick referencing systems. To carry out the analysis, a sample size of more than 300,000 tenancy applications from [...]

Limited company landlords can offset mortgage costs against their tax bill  This isn't possible for those owning properties in their own name  But a company structure brings higher rates and costs - so is it really cheaper?  In recent years increasing numbers of buy-to-let investors have been buying properties via a limited company, rather than [...]

More London respondents keen to accelerate their home purchase High mortgage rates caused demand for homes to weaken in 2024 Almost half of UK house hunters are set to accelerate their purchase plans this year, with many fearing that prices are about to climb again, according to a survey. Some 42% of wannabe homebuyers are [...]

Recap: Inflation falls to lowest level in over two years We'll be closing this page soon, so here's a quick summary of what we've learned this morning: UK inflation fell to 3.4% for the year to February - the lowest level in almost two and a half years But that doesn't mean the cost of living is [...]

Homeowners have long been warned that invasive bamboo can be more damaging to a property if left unchecked, with surveyors increasingly flagging it up as an issue when affected properties are bought and sold, forcing sellers to either take action to remove it or accept a discount on the price to reflect removal costs. Between [...]

The Government quietly announced population projections towards the end of January that could have major implications for the types of homes we need going forward and, in particular, the private rental sector (PRS). According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the UK population is projected to grow by 9.9% to 73.7 million between 2021 [...]

Airbnb is banning the use of security cameras inside rental properties. In an update on its policy, the company said its rules for hosts would change on April 30. It said this would bar the use of indoor security cameras across all properties let through the platform, after oncerns about guests’ privacy. Historically Airbnb had allowed security [...]

Scope of the consultation Topic of this consultation: This consultation contains proposed changes to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, as amended. It covers the following areas: Changes to certain permitted development rights which enable householders to improve and enlarge their homes. Changes to the building upwards permitted development rights [...]

Housing secretary Michael Gove has told the BBC that he will outlaw Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions before the General Election, which has to take place before the end of January next year. The announcement by Gove in answer to a question during the BBC Laura Kuenssberg show over the and is a big U-turn [...]

Local residents will be protected from being pushed out of their communities by excessive short-term lets thanks to changes in planning rules. Planning permission will be required for future short-term lets Mandatory national register will provide valuable information and help ensure accommodation is safe Proposals will give communities greater control over future growth Homeowners can continue [...]

The way private landlords are treated by councils will be exposed as the ‘the next Post Office scandal’ it’s been claimed. Des Taylor, a director of Landlord Licensing & Defence, a company that helps landlords comply with regulations and defend themselves against council actions, said that tenants are treated in a substandard way by local [...]

Government-backed loan fund known as the affordable homes scheme is getting a £3bn uplift, which is expected to deliver 20,000 new homes. The expansion of the Affordable Homes Scheme, which provides low-cost loans to housing providers, will support thousands of new homes. For the first time, the scheme can also be used to upgrade existing [...]

As the winter months draw to a close, the arrival of springtime and longer days can kick-start home-moving plans for many. More people start their search for a new home in spring, and we start seeing more properties listed for sale. Over the past five years*, our research shows that March has been the best [...]

A court in Hong Kong has ordered the liquidation of debt-laden Chinese property giant Evergrande. Judge Linda Chan said "enough is enough", after the troubled developer repeatedly failed to come up with a plan to restructure its debts. The firm has been the poster child of China's real estate crisis with more than $300bn (£236bn) [...]

Labour MP Barry Gardiner has put forward an amendment to the Leasehold and Freehold Bill to reform service charges and remove another income stream for freeholders, as he continues to campaign for the abolition of the leasehold system. The MP for Brent North has campaigned to end the leasehold system for more than two decades, and [...]

Over 50 firefighters were called to YMCA Bournemouth on Westover Road at around 1.30am on December 18 after a fire erupted in one of the flats on the fifth floor. Following an investigation by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service it was found that a converted electric bike was the cause of the fire. [...]

A new analysis of the private rental sector suggests that between 800,000 and one million more homes are required to meet growing demand by 2031. Savills - an estate agency which is a long-time stalwart of Build To Rent - has looked at the private rental sector overall, and not just BTR. It has calculated [...]

A total of 83% of landlords have had tenants breach their tenancy agreement Most common breaches include not keeping the property sufficiently clean Other breaches include keeping a pet without the landlord's permission  More than eight out of ten landlords say they have had a tenant breach their tenancy agreement, according to new research. Direct [...]

Rates have dropped significantly since summer - with small lender Generation Home now leading the way A new mortgage deal priced below 4 per cent has hit the market just before the new year, sparking hope rates could come down further in 2024. Generation Home, a small lender, has today launched a five-year rate for [...]

A landlord looks set to lose his leasehold flat after being caught renting it out on Airbnb by his freeholder. A First Tier Property Tribunal ruled that Gabriel Ben-Soussan had breached the clause of the lease which stated it was not to be used other than as a single private residence “for occupation by an individual or [...]

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt set out the measures in the Autumn Statement  Supporters say it will create more homes, helping first-time buyers and renters But others have warned it could create controversy among neighbours  The Government is planning to scrap the need for planning permission for property owners who want to convert a house into two [...]

The future of London housing might lie in the sky, as a plot of "airspace" goes under the hammer this month in Battersea, south-west London. Space at 47 Northcote Road is being offered with a guide price of £10,000. Despite there being no planning permission to build, auctioneer Phillip Arnold thinks it could fetch more. [...]

The UK’s Office for National Statistics will soon have access to data on short-term lets listed on Airbnb, Booking .com and Expedia Group as a result of a new sharing agreement. There has long been criticism of the short lets sector for an absence of hard data on its size and growth; in turn, critics [...]

Landlords in the capital’s prime rental sector are facing a stark choice between topping up a rent shortfall or selling up. Luxury residential property expert, Jo Eccles, reports that highly leveraged landlords are coming under serious cost pressures as fixed rate mortgage deals come to an end. Stress testing by lenders means some are finding they [...]

Insolvencies rocket as army of small firms – seen as backbone of the sector – struggle with falling demand, rising interest rates and higher costs. It’s tough out there,” says Steve Midgley, the managing director of Fairgrove Homes. His east Midlands firm, which builds about 50 homes a year, is one of Britain’s army of [...]

A well-known lettings agency has made the shocking move of asking a landlord to be a guarantor for their own tenants, it has been revealed. Julie Ford, who is a mediator at PRS Mediation, says a female landlord has been in touch with her to ask her for help with a problem and during the [...]

If you live in a flat, or are considering buying one, your mortgage lender may ask to see the building’s EWS1 form. Here’s everything you need to know about EWS1 forms, who needs one, how to get one, who pays and the associated issues. In the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire disaster new fire [...]

Michael Gove has slammed one of Britain’s biggest social landlords for letting tenants down. The housing secretary told L&Q: “You have failed your residents”. He also called the chief executive of housing provider to a meeting after the housing ombudsman ordered the landlord to pay tenants more than £140,000 in compensation. The move follows a [...]

LONDON, July 24 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recommitted on Monday to promises to boost homebuilding by the next election to tackle a lack of housing stock that has alienated many younger voters who pay high rents and are unable to buy. With a national election expected next year, Sunak's governing Conservatives have [...]

Housing secretary Michael Gove wants the government to ‘relax the pace’ of EPC reforms expected from private landlords. In a Sunday Telegraph interview yesterday, following the Uxbridge by-election, Gove indicated that the timetable for changing minimum energy efficiency standards for private rented housing would be altered. In January 2021 the government closed its consultation on [...]

Housing secretary’s plans aim to address the housing crisis as he says country must make ‘better use’ of buildings Michael Gove is planning to change planning laws to pave the way for more home extensions and conversions of shops into houses in England in efforts to address the housing crisis. As part of plans due [...]

Labour has scrapped a pledge to introduce rent controls if it wins the next general election – after endorsing the policy last year. Lisa Nandy said last September that she wanted to give local authorities the power to freeze rents, telling the party conference: “Doing nothing is not an option.” But speaking yesterday, the shadow [...]

Eleven million tenants across England will benefit from safer, fairer and higher quality homes thanks to a once-in-a-generation overhaul of housing laws. The Renters’ (Reform) Bill, introduced to Parliament today (17 May 2023), delivers the government’s 2019 manifesto commitment to abolish Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions which will empower renters to challenge poor landlords without fear [...]

Purplebricks, which at one stage was used by thousands of landlords to manage their properties, has announced that its assets and business are to be sold to rival Strike for £1, pending approval by its shareholders. Any funds remaining in the firm – some £5.5 million – are to be kept back to pay off [...]

The government has back-tracked on its decision to publish the long-awaited Renters Reform Bill this week. The Mirror newspaper reports that “procedural issues” have been blamed for the delay in introducing the Bill to Parliament. The Bill was first pledged by the Conservative administration back in 2019 and only last week Housing Secretary Michael Gove [...]

Former housing minister Lord Greenhalgh has expressed doubts that leasehold reforms will be included in the King’s Speech this autumn. In an interview with Leasehold Knowledge, he said that despite being very complex legislation, the background work had been done. “Even if you ran out of time and you weren’t able to get the Bill through [...]

Ministers are considering a punitive scheme to fine landlords up to £30,000 if they fail to upgrade their properties to a minimum band C by an extended deadline of 2028 instead of the current 2025. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero had previously proposed a deadline of 2025 for newly-let rentals to achieve an energy [...]

An 80-year-old disabled woman is being evicted from her home after more than 60 years because her property won’t pass tighter new EPC rules, a case which is believed to be the first of its kind. Thoresby Estate which owns Anne Marsh’s property in Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire (pictured), says it is no longer viable to rent it [...]

In a display of competitiveness in the rental market, one Chadwell Heath home reportedly received 52 offers last week. The landlord for the two-bedroom house in Cornshaw Road was spoilt for choice as 162 viewings were booked for the property, flooding the street with a long queue of interested parties. Adeel Hasnain, a prospective tenant, had travelled all the way from [...]

Sunday Times’ economics editor David Smith has expressed sympathy for private landlords who he believes feel bruised by increasing regulation in the sector. He says higher mortgage rates might be the straw that breaks the camel’s back for many, with some already selling up and financial institutions moving in by building homes to rent and becoming [...]

The Court of Appeal has dismissed the case of a landlord who tried to evict a tenant in arrears after getting the date wrong on a Section 13 notice. Tenant Victoria Whiteland had lived in her cottage in Llanbydder, Carmarthenshire, since May 1991 but although the rent was due every Monday, had always paid on [...]

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has welcomed a landmark ruling from the Supreme Court which provides vital clarification about the responsibilities of so called ‘rent-to-rent’ companies. The ruling in the case of Rakusen v Jepsen will have important implications for the private rented sector as a whole. In the case, the landlord, Rakusen, agreed to [...]

Exclusive new research commissioned by the NRLA shows a vibrant PRS is vital to the social and economic wellbeing of the country. Here, in his regular column for Property Notify®, Ben Beadle, chief executive of the NRLA, explains the importance of the findings – and what the Government needs to do next. Soaring costs, rising interest rates [...]

Look carefully and you will notice there is something slightly different about Kris Bilski's house in Hull. It has no radiators. Yet even on a -2C winter's day, it's nice and warm inside. This is because Kris is an early adopter of electric infrared wallpaper. Thin, metallic sheets are hidden behind the plaster of his [...]

Housing Secretary Michael Gove has promised to scrap most leaseholds in England this year. The government will make it much easier for leaseholders in flats to take over their buildings and bring them into common ownership, avoiding high management fees and ground rents. It is also preparing to scrap rules that prevent owners from buying [...]

The mortgage guarantee scheme — the initiative designed to turn generation rent into generation buy by helping first-time buyers get a foothold on the property ladder — has been extended for 12 months, the Government has announced. Launched in April 2021, the scheme protects lenders against losses when lending to first-time buyers and movers with low deposits. It [...]

It may be getting colder, but with high energy bills at the forefront of our minds, households are staying away from putting the heating on and instead reaching for the hot water bottle or electric blanket to keep warm. But in a bid to slash costs wherever possible, we compare which one is cheaper - [...]

Failure to repair water leak lands landlord in hot water   A landlord and property owner who failed to repair a serious water leak in a private rented property in Lewisham have been fined £4,000 after their tenants’ bathroom ceiling collapsed. After the tenants got in contact with Lewisham Council in November 2021 to complain [...]

Insulation: Households could save £300 in new insulation scheme   Households could save around £310 a year through an expanded scheme to insulate Britain's draughtiest homes, the government has said. It will spend £1bn from next spring on grants for homes that have low energy efficiency ratings and are in lower council tax bands. Households [...]

‘Government acts to protect tenants’ says Gove in landlord clampdown   Housing Secretary Michael Gove has made an announcement overnight that “the government will always act to protect tenants. "The claim comes as part of an announcement giving cash to seven areas to clamp down on rogue private landlords. At the same time there is [...]

Investors scramble to dump UK property funds as valuations dive amid widening Kwarteng mini-budget chaos   Following last week’s bond market turmoil, which sent shockwaves through the City, investors are now scrambling to exit UK property funds. Since the new chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng, presented his Mini-Budget at the end of September, the pace at which [...]

You may not like landlords but we need them   Sounds of wailing and gnashing of teeth drift down from the rooftops. They are emitted by landlords, not a social group as likely to evoke pity as are widows and orphans. They nonetheless feel embattled, threatened with legislation to end so-called no-fault evictions, together with [...]

Sustainable Warmth Grant available for eligible households and Private Landlords   THURROCK Council are working with an Essex wide energy partner called Warmworks to help households who are eligible in the borough to become more energy efficient. To be eligible for the scheme your home must be rated as Energy Performance Certificate E, F or [...]

HMRC steps up search for landlords with undeclared rental income Landlords are being encouraged to get their accounts in order after an accountant specialising in buy-to-let property warned that HMRC is intensifying its efforts to track down those with undisclosed income. Since the government launched its Let Property Campaign in 2013 – an initiative which [...]

101 Ways How To Sell Your House Faster (And For More Money, Too) If you’re considering moving house, or your home is already up for sale, the following list of 101 ways to sell your house faster will be right up your street. In many cases, implementing as many of these suggestions as possible will [...]

Home insulation grants: can you get help paying for loft and cavity wall insulation?   Home insulation grants can help you get loft and cavity wall insulation, potentially saving you more than £1,000 on your annual energy bills. Winter is approaching and even with the government’s ‘energy price guarantee’, keeping bills down is a priority [...]

Solar panel sales boom as energy bills soar The energy bills crisis has prompted a big rise in demand for solar panels. Just over 3,000 solar installations are being carried out every week, according to trade association Solar Energy UK, up from 1,000 a week in July 2020. One provider said this month it had [...]

A Couple of Price Falls Don’t Yet Add Up to a Housing Correction There was a time, not so long ago, when many people expected the housing market by now to be in the throes of a full-blown correction. That was even before we knew how high inflation was going to get, how much interest [...]

Council will fine landlords whose properties do not meet minimum EPC ratings Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Cabinet has agreed to take enforcement action on private landlords who fail to meet Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) in their properties. As a result of this decision, officers from the Council will now be able to issue fines [...]

 Agents report property market 'returning to normal'   Agents have begun experience a ‘more traditional’ market with demand dropping and offers coming in slightly under asking price, research claims.The latest Housing Market Report from Propertymark claimed normality may be creeping back into the market.The agency trade body said the number of new buyers registering per [...]

Keys to the council - Hill Group gifts SoloHaus to house the homeless   An initiative by award-winning housebuilder, The Hill Group, saw that keys were officially handed over for six SoloHaus to Southend-on-Sea City Council on July 7 2022 – the first city council in Essex to utilise these purpose-built modular homes as follow-on accommodation for [...]

How real estate can embrace the use of smart-tech   The incredible speed at which organisations were able to transition to remote working when the pandemic hit in 2020 was a testament to the innovative and ever-evolving tech emerging in business operations. Now, two years on, even with social distancing restrictions behind us, employees up [...]

Energy price rises may be even higher than previously predicted   New forecasts from an energy industry consultancy suggests that the average domestic consumer’s energy bills could soar to £3,363 a year from the start of 2023.This is significantly more than the £3,003 figure released by the government.  The typical bill now is around £2,000 [...]

Young adults lie behind growing rental demand, analysis shows   Tenants’ bills are expected to hit a record £63 billion this year - and much of it is down to the so-called Generation Z demographic joining the market.Lettings agency Hamptons says tenants across the country paid a total of £31 billion in rent during the [...]

Housebuilder prepares eco-friendly homes ready for extreme temperatures A typical comment accompanying news of the UK heatwave is that our homes are not built for 40-degree heat. Many residential homes lack air conditioning and are said to be built to trap heat, which is useful in winter but not when temperatures reach Saharan levels outside. [...]

Ban on charging ground rent on leases comes into force today The government’s ban on charging ground rent on new leases in England and Wales comes into force today. From today, anyone buying a home on a new long lease will now be freed from these annual costs. Landlords are  banned from charging ground rent [...]

Canopy and Housing Hand announce new partnership Rental guarantor service Housing Hand, and renting firm Canopy, have announced a partnership that will further the companies’ missions to reduce barriers to private renting. The partnership will see Housing Hand support renters who would otherwise be ineligible to move home. As a result, an increased number of [...]

This is custom heading element In a move that will have surprised no-one, the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee lifted borrowing costs by 50 basis points, taking UK interest rates to a 13-year high of 1.75% It is the largest rise in UK interest rates since 1995 but the rate remains far below what [...]

This is custom heading element Second home owners face higher bills that could run to more than £1,000 a year under fresh government plans to close a tax loophole. Michael Gove, the Levelling up Secretary, is set to announce new rules that will mean second home owners can only register for business rates if they [...]

This is custom heading element There has been a notable rise in the number of property sales falling through due to tougher mortgage lending conditions, it is claimed. According to new figures from Quick Move Now, 31% of agreed property sales collapsed prior to completion in the second quarter of the year. Of the sales [...]

This is custom heading element Proportunity, proptech neolender, has agreed a new partnership with online estate agency Griffin Property Co. to help home buyers finance the deposit needed to acquire a property. The partnership will offer buyers alternative ways to finance their first home. Proportunity provides equity loans to homebuyers similar to the UK government’s [...]

This is custom heading element The National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team (NTSELAT) has published new guidance to help agents meet their requirements under Part A of the process to improve material information in property listings. The guidance, which is not compulsory, has been developed in partnership with industry leaders and the UK’s [...]

This is custom heading element The government is considering plans to offer homeowners longer mortgages, including 50-year deals, that can be passed between generations, in a bid to stimulate housing demand and help more people gain a foot on the housing ladder. The Japanese-style longer lending agreements could see people being able to buy a [...]

This is custom heading element We’re sorry for mentioning Christmas in June. But bear with us. If you’re thinking of moving, chances are you’ve pictured yourself in your new home in time for the end of the year. What better place to spend the festive season, and kick off 2023, than in your new pad. [...]

Reminder to Agents - New Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Rules Coming Up A prominent agency lettings chief is alerting the industry that new smoke and carbon monoxide alarm rules are changing from October 1. Since October 2015 there’s been a legal requirement for a smoke alarm to be fitted on every floor of a property [...]

The Party’s Over for Airbnb Airbnb says that its so-called ‘party ban’ - introduced in 2020 at the height of the pandemic - is being made permanent. The platform claims that there’s been a 63 per cent drop in reports of parties in Airbnb host homes the UK since the temporary ban. Airbnb says it [...]

Ban On Charging Ground Rent On Leases Comes Into Force The government’s ban on charging ground rent on new leases in England and Wales comes into force today. Starting June 30, anyone buying a home on a new long lease will now be freed from these annual costs. Landlords are banned from charging ground rent [...]

Cost-Of-Living Crisis Still Taking Centre Stage as UK Borrowing Drops Investors are getting set for another twist on the rollercoaster with Monday’s gains set to be largely erased after Snap interrupted the brief rally with a very downbeat snapshot. The FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 have opened 0.9% lower while in Japan the Nikkei slid [...]

The new £2bn grant scheme in England for projects such as insulation, unveiled yesterday by the chancellor Rishi Sunak as part of a wider £3bn plan to cut emissions, initially did not appear to include BTL landlords and homes in the private rented sector. Hundreds of thousands of homeowners will receive vouchers of up to [...]

New listings are on the rise and stock is quickly shifting since the first month of the Stamp Duty holiday but there are already fears about how long it will last. Analysis by property website Home.co.uk found supply of new sales instructions is “exceeding normal levels” and properties are being quickly snapped up close to […]

So, the U.K. is officially in recession. And not just any recession but ‘the deepest recession since records began’.

The Office for National Statistics said gross domestic product (GDP), fell in the second quarter of 2020 by 20.4% compared with the previous three months, and that is the biggest quarterly decline since comparable records began in 1955.

Designed to Sell are pleased to offer our new HMO and Serviced Accommodation furniture packs! These HMO and Serviced Accommodation furniture packs can save you time and money and remove the hassle and stress out of furnishing your HMOs and SAs. We have three HMO and SA packages to suit all budgets Essence Impressions Autograph [...]

The UK Government passed into law the Coronavirus Act on Wednesday 25 March 2020 providing additional powers to deal with the Coronavirus outbreak including measures to suspend new evictions from private rented accommodation while the national crisis is taking place. Under the Coronavirus Act, landlords will not be able to start proceedings to evict tenants [...]

What You Need To Know Green Homes Grant vouchers worth up to £5,000 will be issued to homeowners in England to make their homes more energy efficient under a Government scheme being launched in September – here's the latest info we have following an update issued on 4 August. As part of the Green Homes [...]

A Guide To Renovating - 3 Levels Of Renovation And Profit Margins This brief guide to renovating will guide you through the different levels of renovations that can be carried out on a property and the impact your decision-making process might have on your profit margins. The guide to renovating will also briefly touch on [...]