Councillors in Reading are set to rubber stamp plans to extend restrictions on the number of HMO conversions. An Article 4 direction already covers parts of the town where HMOs are prevalent, in much of Park, Redlands and Katesgrove wards, as well as Jesse Terrace.
Propertymark has called for a set of standards for developers and clear guidance for local councils as a way to effectively convert empty commercial properties into affordable homes - an increasingly popular path for some bigger PRS landlords. Responding to an inquiry from all-p
Converting commercial buildings to residential use would seem an ideal solution to a housing shortage, especially with and a glut of underused commercial buildings, but how easy is it? The planning regulation changes have made it easier to convert commercial buildings to residen
The new How to Rent guide due to come out today (17th March) has been delayed for a week, according to industry sources. The new guide forms part of the prescribed information that landlords in England must issue at the start of any new tenancy or renewa
John Lewiss build-to-rent strategy appears to be stalling amid local opposition to its plans for large developments in West Ealing and Bromley. The retailer has just announced pre-tax losses of �234 million as sales dipped 2% last year, making it even more vital to find new
Landlords, estate agents and surveyors have all given yesterdays Budget an unqualified thumbs down after the Chancellor chose to focus on economic growth but ignore several problem threatening to engulf the housing market. All have said the budget was disappointing and a m
Despite new research showing that one in four people plan to invest in property to generate retirement income, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's scrapping of the 'lifetime pension fund limit' could dampen demand for BTL property, says Cornerstone Tax. The impact of inflation on savings a
Shelter has slammed the Chancellor for failing to raise Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates in his spring Budget. The homeless charity says Jeremy Hunt could have put an end to spiralling homelessness, but instead, he has stuck his head in the sand. Yet again we
Sunday Times economics editor David Smith has expressed sympathy for private landlords who he believes feel bruised by increasing regulation in the sector. He says higher mortgage rates might be the straw that breaks the camels back for many, with some alrea
A critical report on the performance of Welsh landlord and agent regulator Rent Smart Wales has been welcomed after it highlighted both uneven enforcement levels and its ‘abrasive’ communication style.
Why aren’t buy-to-let landlords growing their portfolios when rent demand is through the roof, and while build-to-rent investors are so optimistic?
Tenants' campaigning group Generation Rent has slammed the NRLA for pushing the government to include one and two-person student shares in the new possession ground under the Renters’ Rights Bill.
Estate agents have urged the government to reduce its proposed £15,000 cost cap for landlords to make EPC upgrades to £5,000.
A retrofit firm boss has warned that ill thought-out EPC reforms risk misclassifying millions of homes, misdirecting public funds and delaying action on cold, inefficient homes.
Mansfield is the latest major district council to give the green light to selective licensing within its borders following a consultation last year.
Labouir's promise to build more homes including those for renters is in jeapordy as Rayner and the Chancellor battle it out over money.
The UK’s biggest private corporate landlord has predicted that rental housing shortages will worsen in the coming years – while it takes the place of smaller landlords.
Westminster City Council has given the go-ahead to a huge new selective licensing scheme covering 15 of the London borough’s 18 wards.
Leading organisations including Phil Spencer back the campaign, which seeks to give landlords more time to pay their Stamp Duty.
HFIS is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Mike Morgan, a key figure at Property Redress and Client Money Protect
Comments follow new research that reveals rise in tenants being evicted as their landlords prepare to sell up.
What Landlords need to know now! Protection from discrimination to be a key component of the new Act
Aunberin Saddique is the first landlord in the UK to make the undertaking under the Digital Marketing, Competition and Consumer Act 2024.
New Economics Foundation says Private Rented Sector Database must be a major tool to fund and direct enforcement.
The government has vowed to carefully dismantle Grenfell Tower behind its white outer wrapping to “respect the unique circumstances of the tragedy".
Former enfant terrible of the publishing world, James Brown, has revealed his tips for successful holiday let.
A landlord has been fined for failing to clear a huge pile of fridges from the front garden of his empty rental property.
Regular property inspections and maintenance help landlords prevent costly repairs. Budget 1% of property value yearly and follow seasonal checklists
Private landlords are earning an average of £17,665 a year – although profits are much slimmer, according to the latest figures.
The expensive dangers for 'amateur' landlords who don't realise their regulatory responsibilities have been revealed during a Tribunal hearing.
Property investors are invited to sign up for a unique property investor network event next month examining the Renters' Rights Bill.
Hillingdon Council has agreed to consider additional licensing after residents raised concerns about growing problems in the London borough.
West Northamptonshire Council has proposed a new forum to prepare its HMO landlords for likely new rules as the council reviews its approach this kind
A Labour MP has urged the government to stop landlords from 'cashing in' on retrofit grants.
They are “plugged out”; why tenants are struggling to charge their electric vehicles
Universities are a key driver of BTL activity and lending as more landlords choose to invest in areas with large student populations.
A former tenant who murdered her landlord and stabbed his cat to death has been given an indefinite hospital order.
Antony Clifton, 52, was sentenced to 46 weeks in custody after he carried out the work while falsely claiming to be a member of the Gas Safe Register
County Durham hopes to restrict HMO conversions across the county amid fears that rising numbers are impacting communities.
Landlord Sales Agency turned tough landlord sales around fast. Five tricky properties sold in under 28 days.
MPs are continuing to push the government to prevent landlords from making guarantor requests.
New figures have busted the myth that build-to-rent (BTR) homes are pricier than the PRS for many tenants.
A surprising number of lettings agents are in the dark about the reforms set to transform the sector under the Renters’ Rights Bill.
