CEO of Zoopla Questions Viability of Private Landlords in Britain
The financial viability of private landlords in Britain is increasingly under scrutiny, according to Charlie Bryant, CEO of Zoopla and its parent company Houseful. In a candid interview with The Telegraph, Bryant highlighted the growing disillusionment among individual buy-to-let investors, who are facing a perfect storm of tax hikes, high mortgage costs, and increased bureaucracy. […]
Flats Top the Charts for Buy-to-Let Investors As Property Values Cool
In a recent market analysis by Inventory Base, the UK’s premier property inventory specialists, flats have been identified as the top buy-to-let investment option for landlords. This comes as property values cool and rental growth surges. The report highlights that flats have recorded the highest annual increase in average yield among all property types. Detailed […]
Mortgage Rates Drop as Competition Heats Up
In a surprising turn of events, mortgage rates are plummeting at an unexpected pace, according to property website Rightmove. Nationwide has introduced a ground-breaking 3.99% five-year fixed mortgage for home purchases, marking the first sub-4% offer in several months. This significant reduction in mortgage rates comes amidst growing speculation that the Bank of England may […]
Leaders in Lettings Industry Call for New Standards and Training
Prominent figures in the lettings industry are urging the government to introduce new minimum standards for rental properties and mandatory training for industry professionals. This initiative aims to enhance the quality and safety of the private rental sector (PRS). Mandatory Training Proposed Zoopla’s lettings advisory board, comprising key stakeholders from letting agencies and the broader […]
Thousands of UK Renters Miss Payments Amid Cost of Living Crisis
Thousands of households across the United Kingdom have defaulted on rent payments over the past year, as the ongoing cost of living crisis puts increased pressure on personal finances. According to Bluestone Mortgages, one in 20 tenants surveyed reported missing at least one housing payment in the past 12 months. The situation is particularly dire […]
Section 21 Evictions Rare, Reveals Latest English Housing Survey
The latest English Housing Survey has shed light on the relatively infrequent use of Section 21 evictions. Propertymark’s analysis of the 2022-23 survey data reveals that a substantial 63% of private renters who relocated in the past year did so voluntarily. The primary motivators for these moves were job-related reasons, the desire for larger properties, […]
University Launches Study on Rental Bidding Wars
Academics from Queen Mary University of London have initiated a ground-breaking project to investigate the phenomenon of bidding wars in the capital’s private rental market. The study, spearheaded by two researchers, aims to delve into the dynamics of the rental sector and the role of bidding by prospective tenants in driving up rents. In a […]
Landlords Open to Installing EV Chargers for Tenants, Survey Reveals
In a significant boost for electric vehicle (EV) drivers residing in rented properties, new research indicates that a majority of freehold landlords are willing to install EV chargers at the request of tenants. A survey conducted by Direct Line reveals that 86 percent of freehold landlords are amenable to installing an EV charger, addressing a […]
Council to Rent Entire Four-Star Hotel for Homeless Families
In a significant move to address the rising demand for emergency housing, Kingston Council will lease the entire Kingston Lodge Hotel to accommodate homeless families for the next year. Starting soon, the council will occupy all rooms of the 66-room hotel, a historic property dating back to 1726, located in southwest London. This decision comes […]
New Renters’ Rights Bill Will Change The Face of Letting
Government Aims for Stronger Tenant Protections In the recent King’s Speech, the UK Government announced plans to introduce a new Renters’ Rights Bill, set to significantly impact landlords and tenants nationwide. This legislation is poised to offer robust protections against unfair eviction practices and improve living conditions for renters. Key Provisions for Tenants The proposed […]