Buy-to-let webinar to discuss interest rates and UK economic outlook

Buy-to-let webinar to discuss interest rates and UK economic outlook

Landbay is hosting a webinar on Friday 2 October at 11am to examine Bank Base Rate prospects, UK economic growth forecasts and inflation risks. The event features expert analysis relevant to landlords and letting agents.

Buy-to-let lender Landbay will hold an online webinar on 2 October focusing on the future direction of interest rates and the UK economy. The session will be led by Landbay’s chief executive John Goodall and will include Kallum Pickering, chief economist and deputy head of research at investment bank Peel Hunt. Pickering will provide insight into the Bank of England’s recent decision to maintain the Bank Base Rate at 3.75% and discuss possible future movements.

The webinar will also cover economic growth prospects for the UK and the potential inflationary impact of sustained higher oil prices. Additionally, it will highlight key considerations for advisers ahead of the Chancellor’s Budget scheduled for late October. The event is positioned to offer valuable macroeconomic context for landlords and letting agents navigating the current economic environment.

Webinar details and expert profiles

Kallum Pickering leads Peel Hunt’s macroeconomic research and forecasting across the UK, US and Eurozone economies. He has over ten years’ experience in this field and contributes regularly to media outlets including The Daily Telegraph, Bloomberg, CNBC and the BBC. His expertise in interpreting economic trends and policy decisions is particularly relevant to property investors and rental sector professionals.

John Goodall, as chief executive of Landbay, brings direct buy-to-let lending experience to the discussion. Landbay is a specialist lender focusing on the private rented sector, making this webinar especially pertinent for landlords and letting agents interested in how economic factors may influence borrowing costs and rental market dynamics.

The session will be held online on Friday 2 October at 11am. Registration and further details are available via Landbay’s website.

Context: interest rates, inflation and rental market pressures

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) recently decided to hold the Bank Base Rate at 3.75%, reflecting ongoing concerns about inflation and economic growth. For landlords, interest rate changes directly affect mortgage costs, while inflation influences maintenance expenses and tenant affordability.

Rising oil prices can exert upward pressure on inflation, potentially leading to further rate adjustments. This creates uncertainty for landlords managing fixed and variable-rate mortgages. Economic growth forecasts are equally important, as they impact employment levels and tenant demand in the private rented sector.

With the Chancellor’s Budget approaching, landlords should be alert to any fiscal measures that could affect property taxation, rental income, or regulatory requirements. The webinar’s timing allows landlords and agents to gain insight ahead of these potentially impactful announcements.

Practical implications for landlords and letting agents

Understanding likely interest rate trends helps landlords plan mortgage renewals and assess borrowing strategies. If rates rise, landlords with variable mortgages may face higher monthly costs, which could influence rent-setting decisions. Conversely, stable or lower rates may ease financial pressures.

Inflation forecasts affect budgeting for property upkeep, insurance, and other operational costs. Sustained inflation could squeeze landlord margins unless rents can be adjusted accordingly, though regulatory limits on rent increases may constrain this.

Letting agents advising landlords should monitor economic indicators and government announcements closely to provide informed guidance. Preparing for the Budget’s outcomes will be essential in advising on tax planning and compliance obligations.

Remaining uncertainties and what to watch

While the MPC’s current stance is to hold rates steady, future decisions remain uncertain amid volatile inflation and geopolitical factors influencing oil prices. The extent to which inflationary pressures persist will be a key determinant of monetary policy direction.

The Chancellor’s Budget may introduce measures affecting the rental sector, but details are not yet public. Landlords and agents should watch for announcements on property taxes, landlord licensing, and tenancy regulations that could alter operational costs and compliance requirements.

Economic forecasts can change rapidly, so ongoing attention to credible expert analysis and official guidance is advisable. The webinar offers a timely opportunity to hear from leading economists and prepare for the months ahead.

What landlords should consider now

• Review mortgage terms and consider the impact of potential interest rate changes on cash flow.
• Assess property maintenance budgets in light of inflation forecasts, prioritising essential repairs to maintain standards and compliance.
• Stay informed about upcoming government announcements, particularly the October Budget, to anticipate any regulatory or tax changes.
• Ensure tenancy agreements and rent review clauses are up to date and compliant with current legislation.
• Engage with expert economic analysis to support strategic decision-making on portfolio management and investment.

Supporting landlords with compliance and portfolio management

The Landlord Association (TLA) offers membership that includes access to compliance resources and practical information tailored to the evolving rental sector environment. Members can benefit from tools to organise property records, monitor regulatory updates, and keep evidence of compliance activities.

TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, ORBIT, is currently available in BETA testing. It is designed to help landlords and letting agents manage rental documents, record key actions such as inspections and repairs, and access relevant compliance guidance all in one place. While still in development, ORBIT aims to support landlords in adapting to changing economic and regulatory conditions effectively.

Explore TLA membership and learn more about ORBIT BETA access to enhance your property management and compliance capabilities in a shifting market.

Looking ahead, landlords and letting agents should maintain vigilance on economic trends and policy developments. Staying informed and prepared will be vital to managing risks and opportunities in the private rented sector.

Sources: Letting Agent Today