Chestertons reports that some landlords have already increased asking rents following the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act, with more than a third reportedly lifting initial prices. The firm says landlords are seeking to build in leeway because they can no longer accept offers above the asking rent, while tenants are taking more time to compare options.
The Housing Secretary has said the government is not considering rent controls in England, arguing that recent rental reforms are already affecting the market. The article also notes that Scotland’s temporary rent controls have expired, with new powers expected to allow designated rent control areas from 2027.
Angela Rayner reaffirmed Labour’s commitment to its target of building 1.5 million new homes, describing it as a difficult but achievable challenge. In a separate interview, she said the government is not considering rent controls in England and pointed to the Renters’ Rights Act as already affecting the market.
A city council has begun enforcement action to remove letting boards after a court appeal against the crackdown was dismissed. The council said the boards had become a persistent feature of residential streets, contributing to visual blight and concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour, particularly in areas with a high concentration of student and privately rented housing.
The Planning Inspectorate has published a 2024 Pre-application Prospectus for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, setting out a new pre-application service and three service tiers. The article notes that amendments to the Planning Act 2008 introduced by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 have made some features obsolete, and that pilots are underway ahead of a further update expected by summer 2027.
Tenant campaign groups are urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to introduce rent controls, including an emergency freeze on private rents, amid claims that affordability pressures are worsening. The article says Burnham had recently indicated he was considering rent controls as a short-term measure, but reports over the weekend suggested his team may now be discounting the idea.
A survey of around 200 landlords and property investors suggests the Renters’ Rights Act has already added a median £5,000 in costs, with respondents citing higher borrowing, maintenance, insurance and compliance expenses. The findings also indicate that some landlords are responding by raising rents, prioritising lower-risk tenants, delaying upgrades, selling properties or taking homes out of the rental market.
Chestertons’ Quarterly Market Report suggests landlords responded to the first month of the Renters’ Rights Act by increasing initial asking rents, with more than a third raising prices and fewer cutting them in May 2026. The report also indicates tenant demand in London remained resilient, although applicants are taking longer to compare options and are submitting more enquiries before registering interest.
Propertymark has published a report arguing that leasehold remains problematic for many homeowners despite recent legislative progress. The report says rising costs, complex rules and market uncertainty continue to affect existing leaseholders, and calls for further reform alongside the transition to commonhold.
A GetAgent survey reports strong estate agent support for the Government’s proposed homebuying reforms, including binding agreements, earlier information packs and digital tools. The article says agents expect the changes to reduce fall-throughs, shorten transaction times and improve market stability.
Rowland Homes is appealing Bolton Council’s refusal of outline permission for 80 homes on a six-acre site off Arthur Lane, arguing the land should be treated as Grey Belt rather than Green Belt. The appeal will be considered by the Planning Inspectorate, with the council’s position potentially weakened by an estimated 4.15-year housing land supply and recent appeal outcomes that have favoured Grey Belt arguments.
Handelsbanken’s 2026 Property Investor Report says higher operating, compliance and upgrade costs are prompting many landlords to tighten tenant selection and, in some cases, raise rents earlier than planned. The report also suggests some investors are selling or removing properties from the rental market, while others continue to expect portfolio growth and rising values.
