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.
The article reports that 95% of estate agents are said to support Labour’s proposed house-buying reforms, specifically the introduction of binding agreements. It presents this as a strong indication of industry backing for changes intended to make transactions more certain.
Swindon Council is urging landlords and property owners in the town centre to improve the external condition of their buildings and surrounding areas ahead of a targeted clean-up effort in late August. The council says it may consider formal enforcement action where properties continue to negatively affect the local environment.
HM Land Registry has updated Practice Guide 2 on first registration where title deeds have been lost or destroyed. The revision adds clarity on supporting documentation, who may apply when the last known legal estate owner is deceased, and the class of title that may be granted.
X-Press Legal Services has added the newly launched GeoCerta environmental search platform to its product portfolio. The service is positioned as a faster, clearer way for conveyancers to assess environmental and climate-related risks, with reporting aligned to CIE Standards and backed by professional indemnity insurance.
South East Refurbishment Ltd has been fined after a worker suffered life-changing injuries in a fall from a raised forklift bucket while carrying out dismantling work at a site in Kent. The HSE said the incident arose from poor contractor management, inadequate training, and a lack of supervision and safe systems of work for work at height.
The government is considering tighter verification requirements for letting agents seeking membership of redress and tenancy deposit protection schemes. The move follows concerns about fraudulent operators misusing legitimate schemes and comes alongside a wider review of regulation in the property agent sector.
Greenwich Council is consulting on a major expansion of its selective licensing scheme, with plans to extend coverage from five wards to up to 18 wards, potentially affecting around 70% of the borough. The council says the existing scheme has improved safety standards, reduced hazards and anti-social behaviour, and it has inspected 622 licensed properties and helped resolve 2,103 hazards since the start of 2025.
Tamworth Council has launched a consultation on introducing additional licensing for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), citing a rise in new four-bedroom HMOs and concern that the true number of smaller HMOs is under-recorded. The council says the scheme would support proactive inspections and stronger enforcement to improve safety, management and compliance standards.
Cheshire East Council officers are recommending approval for a 108-flat conversion and extension scheme in Crewe, citing the borough’s housing land supply shortfall and the redevelopment of vacant office and retail space. In contrast, an outline housing proposal in Holmes Chapel is facing refusal because of its location within the Jodrell Bank consultation zone and the potential impact on the radio telescope.
The National Residential Landlords Association has intensified its opposition to rent controls, arguing that they would reduce rental supply and harm tenants. It says government should instead prioritise enforcement against rogue landlords and ensure the Renters’ Rights Act can be implemented effectively through a functioning justice system.
Safeagent has welcomed Andy Burnham’s premiership, citing his previous involvement in the Greater Manchester Good Landlord Charter and his stated interest in a fair private rented sector. The NRLA has also offered a cautious welcome, while flagging likely disagreement over rent controls and landlord licensing.
