HMRC data cited in the article shows buy-to-let investors recorded £1.15 billion in losses on property sales over the past year, up 32% from £870 million previously. The piece attributes the increase to stagnant or falling house prices in some markets, low net yields, and added uncertainty from the Renters’ Rights Act.
The article reports that many landlords are tightening tenant referencing and affordability checks following the Renters’ Rights Act, with a significant share also asking for guarantors. It also notes low awareness among landlords of the forthcoming registration requirement under the Act, alongside signs of portfolio adjustment and increased tenant-related disputes.
The article reports that conveyancers are calling for Stamp Duty reform or reduction ahead of the Autumn Budget, amid record-low confidence in the property market. A Council for Licensed Conveyancers survey found sentiment among professionals and consumers remains weak, while transaction times are still averaging three to four months.
New research into 400 lettings and property management websites in England found widespread gaps in fee disclosure and compliance information. More than a third of sites had no visible fees information, and many also failed to name a redress scheme or client money protection arrangement.
Two major estate agency groups say the Renters’ Rights Act ban on rent in advance requests is creating unintended difficulties for some tenants, particularly overseas renters, international students and people with weaker credit profiles. They argue that, alongside the loss of Section 21, landlords are becoming more risk-averse and that guarantors may need to play a larger role as an alternative.
The article reviews the first six months after the Renters’ Rights Act came into force, arguing that the lettings market has been less disrupted than many feared. It highlights modest landlord exits, steady rent growth, practical issues around rent in advance and overlapping tenancies, and ongoing confusion about pet permissions.
The article reports government plans to reduce red tape in the property transaction chain, with an estimated annual saving of £116 million for businesses. The reforms are intended to streamline homebuying and selling through earlier property information and changes to the transaction process, with further detail expected at the Budget.
The Government is consulting on proposals to give tenants and leaseholders stronger rights to request EV charging points, citing barriers created by landlord or freeholder approval processes. The article also notes industry criticism that refusals are not a widespread problem and that existing grants already support installation in flats and rented homes.
The article reports that more than half of letting agents have become more cautious about recommending tenants since the Renters’ Rights Act came into force. Goodlord says this reflects landlord concerns around the end of Section 21, limits on rent in advance and restrictions on bidding above asking rent, with some landlords now more likely to reject applicants or leave properties vacant while waiting for lower-risk tenants.
Landmark Information Group’s research suggests that most recent home buyers and sellers wish they had more information about a property and its location before agreeing a deal. The report says information gaps, delays and poor communication continue to slow transactions, while the sector prepares for government home buying and selling reforms.
OnTheMarket’s latest Property Sentiment Index suggests that confidence in government housing policy is weak ahead of the Autumn Budget, with many movers and the wider public believing recent policy has harmed the property market. At the same time, expectations of higher borrowing costs have increased, although most active buyers still say they are confident they can fund a purchase.
New research cited by Yopa suggests that many first-time buyers are making significant personal and financial sacrifices to save for a deposit, with a majority reporting a negative impact on quality of life. The article also notes that the Government has announced a new first-time buyer scheme, with further details expected in the upcoming Budget.
