What you might not know about Inheritance Tax and Whole of Life insurance
Inheritance tax (IHT) planning is often misunderstood, especially regarding the timing and use of Whole of Life insurance. Many landlords with substantial property portfolios delay addressing IHT, mistakenly believing it can be sorted out later without consequence. However, postponing this planning can significantly increase costs and risks, particularly as age and health change. The cost […]
England’s rents fell before the Renters’ Rights Act took affect
Rents across England saw a slight decline in April 2026, just before the Renters’ Rights Act came into effect. This marks a shift in the rental market as landlords and agents adjust to new regulatory conditions. Rents show early signs of cooling The Goodlord Rental Index reported that the average rent for new tenancies in […]
Council considers extending selective licensing scheme
Durham County Council is moving forward with plans to extend its selective licensing scheme beyond its current expiry date in March 2027. The council has announced a 10-week public consultation to gather views on whether the scheme should continue, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve housing standards in the private rental sector. Background to the selective […]
High equity, low appetite: why landlords are not reinvesting
For many years, landlords have relied on the strategy of building equity in their property portfolios, then refinancing to release capital for further investment. This cycle of growth has been a cornerstone of portfolio expansion. However, recent trends indicate a significant shift: landlords are now holding substantial equity but are less inclined to reinvest it. […]
Government denies landlord exodus despite surge of small landlords selling up
The UK government has dismissed claims of a mass landlord exodus despite a notable increase in smaller landlords selling their rental properties. This development coincides with the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act on 1 May 2026, which has prompted a shift in the rental market landscape. Government stance on landlord departures A spokesperson from […]
Landlords tighten checks as arrears rise
Rental arrears in the UK have reached record levels, prompting landlords to adopt more stringent tenant checks amid ongoing affordability challenges and new legislative changes. The introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act has notably influenced landlord behaviour, as they seek to mitigate risks in a shifting rental market. Rising rental arrears and slowing growth Data […]
Alteration to pre 1 May student tenancy agreement?
Landlords and agents managing student tenancies signed before 1 May 2024 face questions about how to handle changes to these agreements in light of upcoming legislative reforms. A recent query highlights the complexities involved in altering pre-existing contracts under the Renters’ Rights Act, which comes into effect later this year. Background to the query A […]
Higher landlord taxes mean higher rents – NRLA
Landlords face rising income tax rates on rental income from April 2027, a change expected to push rents higher amid ongoing cost of living pressures. The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) warns that nearly half of landlords plan rent increases in response to these tax hikes, with some considering selling properties. Tax rises set to […]
Angela Rayner claims she will avoid fine in stamp duty scandal
Angela Rayner has stated that she has been cleared by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) of deliberately avoiding stamp duty tax and will not face a financial penalty. This follows her resignation as Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary after admitting to underpaying stamp duty on a flat in Hove. HMRC clears Angela Rayner of […]
Four in 10 landlords plan to remortgage this year
Nearly four in ten landlords with mortgages are planning to remortgage their buy-to-let properties within the next year, signalling a potentially busy period for refinancing in the private rented sector. This trend is driven largely by landlords managing larger portfolios, who are seeking to restructure borrowing amid rising costs and ongoing regulatory changes. High refinancing […]
The Landlord Association (TLA)