The UK rental market is experiencing a shift, with the pace of rent increases for new tenancies slowing significantly. According to data from Hamptons, the average monthly rent rose by just 1.8% in January compared to the previous year—the smallest...

Despite the government’s drive to phase out gas boilers and encourage landlords to install heat pumps, recent revelations suggest Parliament itself is struggling to adopt the technology. According to The Telegraph, plans to install new heat pumps...

Message from the Home Office: We are writing to inform you that updated guidance for landlords (letting agents) has been published. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/landlords-guide-to-right-to-rent-checks Updates include: consolidating...

New research from property consultancy Knight Frank reveals that nearly £575 million was invested in the UK purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) market in the final quarter of 2024, bringing total annual investment to £3.87 billion—a 14%...

The Government has release a newsletter which can be seen here. MHCLG has published the findings of its first annual survey on planning capacity and skills in local authorities across England. Commissioned under the previous government, the 2023...

The UK government has announced plans to restrict benefit payments to criminal landlords who run substandard supported housing. This initiative coincides with a £300 million allocation for new affordable housing. The Ministry of Housing,...

A recent government consultation proposes that landlords may soon be required to update their Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) every time a tenancy is renewed, even if the tenant remains the same. Current EPC Rules vs. Proposed Changes Under...

A new report from Alan Boswell Group highlights the severity of the UK’s social housing crisis, revealing: 1.2 million people on social housing waiting lists. Average wait time: Nearly 3 years, but some face decades-long delays. 46,000+ vacant...

West Kent Housing Association (WKHA) has secured a £30m loan from the Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme (AHGS) to fund the development of 120 new homes across Kent. Key Details of the Loan: Provided by Homes England under the AHGS. Supports 106...

A new Total Property survey has revealed growing concerns in the private rented sector (PRS), with landlords, tenants, and agents all under pressure from rising costs and legislative changes. Key Findings: 67% of landlords believe the PRS has...

According to the Halifax House price index, house prices in the UK jumped 0.7% in January, reversing December’s 0.2% decline and surpassing analysts’ expectations of a 0.2% increase. Key Figures: Average UK house price: £299,138 – a new record...

The government has unveiled a major digital overhaul of the property transaction process, aiming to reduce delays, prevent fall-throughs, and modernise the system. Key Changes Proposed: Digital-first approach: Key property data (e.g., building...

The Labour government has confirmed a phased implementation of Awaab’s Law, delaying full enforcement until 2027. Key Changes & Timeline: From October 2025: Social landlords must fix damp, mould, and emergency repairs within set timeframes. By...

The Guardian has reported on a surge in leasehold charges, stating that the sharp 11% rise in average annual service charges for leasehold flats—now at £2,300—marks the biggest increase in at least eight years. This escalation, significantly...

The House of Commons library has just released its report on key trends in UK household finances:  The report can be seen here, and in summary: Household Debt as a Percentage of Disposable Income Peaked at 156.4% in Q3 2008, fell to 134.6% by early...

The latest epIMS analysis highlights a significant knowledge gap among landlords regarding upcoming EPC requirements: 40% of landlords are unaware that an EPC rating of C will soon become the minimum legal standard for private rentals. 27% of...

Improving the Energy Performance of Privately Rented Homes The lawyer, David Smith has published an excellent article on the recent Government announcement on another EPC consultation.  It can be seen here, and says:   The Government has...

The Telegraph has published an article warning of the problem created by the existing EPC system.  It can be seen here, and says: Key Issues with EPC Ratings EPC assessments lack accuracy: Assessors with as little as three days of training are...

Water Bill Hike Average water bills in England and Wales will rise by an average of £123 from 1 April 2025, marking the biggest increase since water was privatised 36 years ago. The annual average water bill will rise from £480 to £603, driven by...