Lewisham Council has launched an intelligence-led Rogue Landlords Taskforce to identify and enforce against non-compliant private rented sector properties. The initiative will use data, local intelligence and targeted inspections, with civil penalties, statutory notices and prosecutions available where evidence supports action.
The article argues that landlords are facing increasing pressure from negative public sentiment, rising operating costs and a changing regulatory environment. It highlights concerns that measures linked to the Renters’ Rights Act, the planned PRS Database and a future PRS Landlord Ombudsman could contribute to landlords leaving the private rented sector or passing on costs through higher rents.
The article reports that tenant demand in the private rented sector has strengthened, with Pegasus Insight data showing more landlords describing demand as strong. However, this is set against continued pressure on supply, as landlords consider exiting the sector amid concerns about profitability and regulatory change linked to the Renters’ Rights Act reforms.
New research from LRG suggests more landlords are asking for guarantors where prospective tenants do not meet standard affordability checks, as rent-in-advance safeguards are reduced under the Renters’ Rights Act. The article also highlights low tenant awareness of professional guarantor services and the potential impact on rental demand and tenant choice.
Propertymark has criticised the Scottish Government’s latest Programme for Government for not doing enough to address Scotland’s housing emergency. The concerns raised focus on rising rents, affordability, property taxation, tribunal resourcing and proposed tenant purchase rights, with particular attention to potential valuation and administration issues linked to the Council Tax (Scotland) Bill.
Edinburgh has approved a 300% Council Tax premium on second homes, ending a period of uncertainty after the measure was previously paused on legal advice. The article suggests other parts of Britain could consider similar charges, while noting that England already allows a 100% premium and Wales permits premiums of up to 300%.
New research from Lomond suggests tenants are now spending 32.7% of annual income on rent, with average monthly rents up 4.3% year-on-year to £1,369. The article also highlights significant regional variation, with London rents well above the national average and continued demand for family-sized homes in some regions.
The government has proposed expanding mayoral planning powers in England, allowing mayors to call in strategically important applications and, in some cases, grant development permission up front. The scope would include schemes above set national thresholds, while councils would still determine most applications under existing planning rules and local plans.
The article argues that the London residential market remains under pressure, with prime central London values weakened at the top end and apartments facing excess supply. It also notes that developers are using increasingly aggressive incentives to move unsold stock, while planning reform and housing delivery targets remain uncertain.
The article reports that former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has cautioned Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey against increasing property taxes in the upcoming Budget, arguing that property is already taxed heavily. It also notes discussion of possible reform to existing taxes such as Stamp Duty and Council Tax, alongside speculation about a proportional property tax and the Mansion Tax.
Alto has launched a set of AI features designed to automate routine estate and letting agency tasks such as appraisals, listings, sales chasing and email drafting. The company says the tools were developed with external testing because of regulatory risk, and that agents will retain final sign-off before anything is sent.
