Scrap stamp duty and council tax to fix housing crisis claims think tank

A recent report by the Centre for London think tank proposes scrapping stamp duty and council tax as a solution to London’s ongoing housing crisis. The report argues that reforming property taxes could improve affordability, fairness, and generate significant funding for social housebuilding. Reforming Property Taxes to Address Housing Challenges The Centre for London’s report, […]

Kate Dodsworth becomes Deputy Chief Executive

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has announced a significant leadership change as Kate Dodsworth assumes the role of Deputy Chief Executive from 1 June 2026. This appointment follows the recent promotion of Jonathan Walters to Chief Executive and marks a continuation of Dodsworth’s influential role within the organisation. Kate Dodsworth’s New Role Kate Dodsworth’s […]

Domestic abusers to be evicted under new landmark housing law

The UK government has introduced a landmark Social Housing Bill aimed at protecting victims of domestic abuse and reforming the social housing sector. Returning to Parliament for its Second Reading on 1 June 2026, the Bill grants new powers to landlords to evict perpetrators of domestic abuse from social homes without requiring victims to leave […]

Filling out Form 4a for rent increase?

Completing Form 4A for rent increases can present challenges, particularly when it comes to providing accurate tenancy dates and understanding tenant signatures. A landlord recently shared their experience managing these issues after bringing property management in-house. Background to the rent increase process In mid-2023, the landlord decided to terminate their letting agents’ services and take […]

Landlords pause their buy to let investment

UK landlords are showing increased caution in expanding their buy-to-let portfolios, with over half currently not planning to purchase additional properties. This cautious stance reflects broader economic uncertainties and a stabilisation of confidence within the landlord community, according to the latest survey by specialist lender Landbay. Landlords Hesitant to Expand Portfolios Landbay’s recent landlord survey […]

SNP scheme criticised for not addressing Scotland’s housing emergency

The Scottish Government’s new First Homes Fund, aimed at assisting first-time buyers with a £10,000 deposit contribution, has faced criticism for failing to tackle the underlying causes of Scotland’s ongoing housing crisis. While the scheme offers financial support capped at properties valued up to £300,000, detractors argue it overlooks the broader issues affecting housing availability […]

UK rents rise again as London reaches £2,161

UK rental prices continued to rise in May 2026, with the average rent across the country reaching £1,340. London saw a notable increase, with average rents climbing to £2,161, reflecting ongoing upward pressure on rental costs in the capital and beyond. National and regional rent increases According to data from HomeLet, rents rose in 10 […]

Government launches PRS data drive to track Renters’ Rights Act impact

The UK government has unveiled a new data collection strategy aimed at monitoring the private rented sector (PRS) and assessing the impact of the Renters’ Rights Act, which recently came into force. This initiative seeks to provide clearer insights into how legislative reforms are affecting landlords, tenants, agents, and local authorities across the sector. Monitoring […]

Housing Ombudsman warns social landlords over window disrepair

The Housing Ombudsman has issued a stark warning to social landlords regarding the handling of window disrepair, highlighting significant failings that have left residents exposed to hazards such as excess cold, damp, and mould. A recent report reveals that window-related issues accounted for severe maladministration in 9% of cases in 2025-26, a notable increase from […]

Landlords given clarity on reforms as Renters’ Rights Act takes effect

The Renters’ Rights Act came into force on 1 May 2026, bringing significant changes to tenancy agreements and notice periods. The government has now provided landlords with detailed guidance on how these reforms affect notice periods and rent payments made in advance, clarifying key aspects of the new periodic tenancy system. Clarification on rent periods […]