Affordability improves as first-time buyer activity rises
Affordability Gains Drive Uptick in First-Time Buyer Market Activity Summary: Improved housing affordability in 2025 has led to a notable increase in first-time buyer activity across the UK, supported by slower house price growth, rising incomes, and lower mortgage rates. This shift offers some relief for landlords and letting agents as more buyers enter the […]
Employers’ Liability for Landlords – When You Need It
Employers’ Liability Insurance: Essential Guidance for UK Landlords Summary: UK landlords who directly employ staff for their rental properties must hold employers’ liability (EL) insurance by law, protecting against injury or illness claims from employees. This article clarifies when EL is required, the distinction between employees and contractors, and how EL works alongside public liability […]
Landbay lowers rates while YBS Commercial removes buy to let tiering
Landbay Cuts Buy-to-Let Rates as YBS Commercial Ends Loan Tiering Summary: Landbay has introduced new buy-to-let mortgage products with reduced rates aimed at landlords with portfolios up to 15 properties. Meanwhile, YBS Commercial Mortgages has removed product tiering, allowing landlords borrowing between £500,000 and £20 million to access the same competitive rates regardless of loan […]
Discrimination against benefit tenants under the Renters’ Rights Act?
Discrimination Challenges for Benefit Tenants under the Renters’ Rights Act Summary: The Renters’ Rights Act aims to eliminate blanket bans on tenants claiming benefits, yet landlords face difficulties verifying affordability before tenancy begins. This uncertainty arises because housing benefit claims are tied to current circumstances and only reassessed after tenants move, complicating landlords’ ability to […]
Help for landlords against local authority fines and penalties
Help for UK landlords facing local authority fines under new enforcement rules Summary: From 1 May 2026, local authorities in England will have a statutory duty to enforce landlord legislation under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. This will likely lead to increased enforcement action, including fines and penalties, funded by civil penalties and rent repayment […]
Council to force sale of empty houses but not second homes
Council to Enforce Sale of Long-Term Empty Homes but Excludes Second Homes Summary: Pembrokeshire Council has approved a new Empty Properties Strategic Plan for 2025–30, enabling it to force the sale of long-term empty residential properties under strict conditions. The plan explicitly excludes second homes, focusing instead on properties empty for over 12 months that […]
Property market sees strong start to 2026
Property Market Shows Robust Recovery at Start of 2026 Summary: The UK property market has experienced a strong rebound at the beginning of 2026, with the highest number of homes for sale in eight years. While buyer demand remains below 2025 levels, it is significantly higher than in early 2023, signalling renewed activity that landlords […]
Product Transfers vs Remortgages – Which Is Better for Landlords?
Product Transfers or Remortgages: Choosing the Best Option for UK Landlords in 2026 Summary: UK landlords approaching the end of their buy-to-let mortgage deals in 2026 face a crucial choice between product transfers with their existing lender or remortgaging with a new lender. Each option offers distinct benefits and drawbacks, affecting costs, flexibility, and application […]
Buy to let mortgage searches fall by a fifth
Buy to Let Mortgage Searches Decline as Year Ends, Yet Interest Remains Strong Summary: Buy to let mortgage searches fell by 23% in December 2025 compared to November, reflecting a typical seasonal slowdown during the festive period. Despite this monthly dip, search volumes were still over 7% higher than December 2024, indicating sustained interest in […]
We are feeling SO trapped?
UK Landlords Face Challenges Selling Buy-to-Let Properties Amid New Legislation and Market Conditions Summary: A landlord in their seventies shares their difficulties in selling three buy-to-let properties, highlighting concerns about upcoming legislation such as the Renters’ Rights Act and financial pressures including mortgage repayments and property upkeep. This case illustrates the complex decisions UK landlords […]
The Landlord Association (TLA)