The Industry Wire — archive, page 5

AI New government figures from the Office for National Statistics show the average UK private rent in July was £1,393, an increase of £50 (3.7%) from a year prior. This rise is attributed to the Renters Rights Act, which has reportedly led to landlords leaving the sector and others increasing rents due to perceived financial risks. England saw average rents reach £1,451 (3.8% increase), Wales £843 (4.5% increase), and Scotland £1,016 (1.7% increase). London remains the most expensive rental location at £2,317 per month. For landlords: The Renters Rights Act is cited as a factor in reduced supply and increased financial risks, influencing rental price adjustments.

AI Propertymark data indicates that most of the 3,198 fixed penalty notices issued by Rent Smart Wales in the year to May 2026 were due to landlords failing to register or obtain the correct licence. All private landlords in Wales must register with Rent Smart Wales and either be licensed to manage properties themselves or use a licensed agent. Propertymark suggests landlords may be confused about the distinction between registration and licensing, or their ongoing responsibilities. The body advises agents to verify landlord and property registration and licensing status before marketing or managing properties, and to maintain accurate records.

AI Legal firm Lyons Bowe is advising buyers of new-build properties to understand estate management arrangements before exchanging contracts, as privately managed communal areas become more common. These areas, which can include roads, green spaces, and drainage, are often managed by private companies rather than local authorities, with homeowners paying associated charges. These charges typically range from £200 to £500 annually, but can exceed £1,000 on larger developments. Buyers are urged to seek legal advice to understand how these fees are calculated, what they cover, and how they might change, as they are not subject to the same statutory framework as council tax. For landlords: The presence of estate management charges on new-build properties affects the overall cost of ownership for landlords.

AI Savills research indicates that the 'Hotel of Mum and Dad' saved first-time buyers £7.6 billion in rent-free accommodation in 2025. This figure is based on 254,000 first-time buyers living at home for an average of three years and seven months, with a room valued at £160 per week. The survey found 63% of first-time buyers benefited from this arrangement to save for a deposit, rising to 71% in London. Over a quarter (27%) lived at home rent-free for five years or more. For landlords: The prevalence of first-time buyers living rent-free with parents, particularly in London, suggests a reduced pool of potential tenants in the younger demographic who might otherwise be renting.

AI HMRC valuation agents will conduct in-person visits to properties in England to assess if they are valued at £2 million or more, the threshold for the High Value Council Tax Surcharge (HVCTS), or "mansion tax," which begins in April 2028. Owners refusing inspection face a criminal offence and a fine of up to £200. The annual tax will be £2,500 for homes valued at £2 million or above, with higher charges for properties exceeding £2.5 million, £3.5 million, and £5 million. Zoopla estimates approximately 183,000 homes in England meet or exceed the £2 million valuation. For landlords: Owners of rental properties in England valued at £2 million or more will be directly liable for the annual HVCTS from April 2028.

AI The government plans to recruit 1,000 new judges and tribunal members to manage an anticipated increase in possession claims following the Renters Rights Act and the abolition of Section 21. Minister Sarah Sackman informed the NRLA that two new digital services for possession and the Residential Property Chamber are being developed, aiming for full end-to-end digitisation by May next year to reduce waiting times. A new non-judicial body is also being considered to determine appropriate rents, aiming to alleviate pressure on the First-tier Tribunal. For landlords: The government is preparing the legal system for changes introduced by the Renters Rights Act, including the loss of Section 21 and potential rent increase challenges.

AI A new legal organisation, Blind Justice UK, has warned that the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA) poses a greater compliance risk to the lettings sector than the Renters Rights Act. Edward Romain, founder of Blind Justice UK, states on the Legal Futures website that while advice has focused on issues like periodic tenancies and the abolition of Section 21, the DMCCA's consumer protection provisions, effective from April 2025, carry significant enforcement powers. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) can directly impose penalties of up to 10% of global annual turnover for breaches, unlike the Renters Rights Act which relies on slower, tenant-by-tenant court action. This means widespread non-compliant practices, such as pricing conventions, could lead to substantial fines.

AI Propertymark data indicates that landlords failing to register or obtain the correct licence were responsible for nearly all 3,198 fixed penalty notices issued by Rent Smart Wales in the year to May 2026. All private landlords in Wales must register with Rent Smart Wales and either be licensed to manage properties themselves or use a licensed agent. Propertymark suggests landlords may be confused by the distinction between registration and licensing, or unaware of the need to update details when circumstances change. Agents are advised to verify landlord and property registration and licensing status before marketing or managing properties, retaining evidence of these checks.

AI Agent Rainmaker has announced 'Unbroken' as the theme for its AR Live 2026 event, scheduled for November in London. The theme reflects the significant impact of the Renters Rights Act and the abolition of Section 21, which have led to a decline in managed stock for many letting agencies. Founder Sally Lawson states the event will focus on helping agents adapt their business models to the current market realities, rather than aspiring to previous conditions. The aim is to support agents in rebuilding their businesses to be robust and multi-faceted in response to recent legislative changes.

AI HomeLet and Let Alliance have introduced RefBot, an AI assistant designed to manage routine tenant referencing enquiries 24/7. This new tool supports the approximately one million tenant references processed annually by these organisations. RefBot aims to reduce the volume of low-value contact for letting agents by providing instant answers to common questions, allowing agents to concentrate on more complex tasks. Tenants can access information outside standard office hours, improving accessibility for those with varied schedules.

It looked at asking prices in locations around London, Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham, Bristol and Cardiff

AI A recent Guardian investigation revealed that over 100 rented properties on King Charles's and Prince William's inherited estates in England fail to meet the minimum legal energy efficiency standard. The estimated cost to upgrade these rural cottages, often with solid stone walls and single glazing, is around £10 million. This highlights the significant financial challenge faced by owners of similar properties, as all private rental properties in England and Wales must achieve an EPC rating of C by 1 October 2030, with a £10,000 cost cap for landlords. The government is introducing new exemptions for solid wall insulation and negative impacts on building fabric. For landlords: The article focuses on rural properties, noting that urban and suburban rental stock often has cavity walls or is in terrace rows, which can be insulated more cheaply.

Data from software company Propoly shows where the key rental opportunities are for lettings agents. The post Tyne and Wear leads national rise in rental stock appeared first on The Negotiator .

Burnley Council has revealed that it is considering tightening the planning rules around converting properties into HMOs. The post Major council proposes tighter HMO rules for landlords appeared first on The Negotiator .

A new partnership with Propalt will helps agents win more business and provide a stronger customer experience, says Propertymark.

"Property maintenance is one area where delaying expenditure can end up costing more in the long run," warns Rushbrook's Roma Sharma.

Nelly Berova reveals seven steps for turning a letting agent's high performing website traffic into landlord instructions.

New initiative will provide practical guidance on development finance and lender requirements

AI Rental listings in Tyne and Wear surged by 86% in the last year, from 1,855 to 3,462, making it England's fastest-growing rental market. Research by Propoly, analysing Rightmove data from August 2025 to the present month, shows overall English rental stock increased by 7%, from 114,178 to 122,659 listings. While Tyne and Wear saw the largest rise, Greater Manchester (28%), Rutland (23%), and the City of London (21%) also experienced significant growth. Conversely, the Isle of Wight saw a -35% decrease and Warwickshire a -10% drop in listings. For landlords: The City of London experienced a 21% increase in rental listings over the past year.

AI Property management firm Rushbrook has warned that landlords failing to maintain their rental properties adequately risk significant capital value reductions. Across England, an average landlord property valued at £201,145 could see its value fall by up to £30,172, based on an estimated 15% impact from poor maintenance. The analysis by Rushbrook applied a 10-15% capital value impact to landlord-specific property values in each English region. For landlords: Poor property maintenance could reduce the value of an average London rental property, valued at £390,625, by between £39,063 and £58,594.

AI A recent analysis of Rent Smart Wales data reveals a growing concentration of rental properties among a small proportion of landlords in Wales. In May, 5% of landlords, owning six or more properties, controlled 34% of the 213,463 registered rental homes. The total number of registered properties in Wales has declined by almost 2% since May 2021, a reduction of 4,089 properties, with only Cardiff and Swansea showing increases in property numbers. Propertymark attributes growth in these cities to larger portfolios, noting that landlord numbers decreased even there.

AI The UK property market saw a recovery in Week 32, ending August 16, 2026, after a previous week's dip in sales agreed. Some 24,400 homes went sold subject to contract, an increase from 21,800 the week prior. This figure is 6% higher than the 2017-2019 pre-Covid average. New listings also rose to 32,600 from 31,500 the previous week, 10.5% above the 2017-2019 year-to-date average. The market remains price-sensitive, with half of homes withdrawn unsold and four out of five sales in 2026 occurring without a price reduction.

AI Investment firm CVC is acquiring a majority stake in the rental platform OpenRent, founded in 2012. OpenRent's founders, Adam Hyslop and Darius Bradbury, will retain significant shares and continue in their leadership roles. The platform, which facilitates over one in five UK tenancies and serves 8.8 million users, offers services from advertising to rent collection. This strategic partnership aims to accelerate OpenRent's growth, develop new technology, and introduce new tools for landlords and tenants, focusing on reducing administrative burdens and costs. The transaction is pending regulatory approvals and is expected to finalise later in 2026. For landlords: This investment may lead to new tools and services on the OpenRent platform.

AI Property lead-generation and comparison company iPlace Global has rebranded as PinLocal following its acquisition by AcqSoft in late 2025. The change reflects an increased focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and live data to enhance the matching of customer enquiries with professional firms, including conveyancers, law firms, RICS surveyors, and removals companies. PinLocal operates six comparison platforms, such as Conveyancing Index and Surveyors Compared, serving the UK property and home-moving market. The AI will utilise live property information, Land Registry records, and internal data to provide firms with more detailed customer and property insights before initial contact.

AI Propertymark has partnered with Propalt to offer free basic material information reports to estate agents who generate referrals via its Connect platform. This initiative, announced on 21 August 2026, allows the over 2,000 agents signed up to Propertymark Connect to access reports combining property details, EPCs, planning history, and local market data. The aim is to provide agents with additional intelligence for valuations and client discussions. This partnership enhances the value of the Connect service for Propertymark members.

AI North East property management firm Stay With Us has completed its first acquisition, taking its portfolio to over 200 properties. The company, founded in 2023, acquired the serviced accommodation portfolio of Horizon Stays, established in 2021. Stay With Us manages properties from North Yorkshire to Northumberland, with operations expanding into the Lake District, and plans further acquisitions in the North East. This expansion affects property owners and guests in the specified regions.

AI Demand for rental properties significantly outstripped supply in June, with Propertymark reporting an average of nine applicants for every available property. The average number of new prospective tenants per branch was 96, while available stock was 11.25 properties per branch. New tenancies agreed fell slightly to 8.15. Rents were broadly static for 63% of agents, though ONS figures showed average UK rents were 3.3% higher year-on-year, reaching £1,442 in England. Void periods increased to over three weeks, and rental arrears edged up to 2.3%. For landlords: demand for rental properties continues to significantly outstrip supply.

AI Savills' August 2026 property auction generated over £30 million from 130 lots, achieving an 81% sale rate. Notable residential sales included a two-bedroom Pimlico flat selling for £725,000, £250,000 above its guide price, and a three-bedroom Battersea flat fetching £550,000. Other London properties sold were a Bethnal Green terraced house for £617,000 and a Mill Hill semi-detached house for £635,000. Commercial sales included a former golf club in Edenbridge and a mixed-use investment in Alton, Hampshire. For landlords: The auction results indicate continued buyer demand for residential properties in London, including those requiring renovation, attracting both owner-occupiers and investors.

AI New research from UK Property Development indicates that demand for new-build homes in London is significantly lower than in surrounding commuter counties. Only 8.8% of new-build properties in London are sold subject to contract, compared to 27.6% in Essex, 23.7% in Hertfordshire, and 21.2% in Surrey. Average new-build prices in London fell by 1.5% from £512,376 in March 2025 to £504,870 in March 2026, while Hertfordshire saw a 3.5% increase to £612,781. Buyers are prioritising greater space and value outside the capital. For landlords: The article details a decline in new-build property values in London.

AI Average house prices in London have decreased, while rents have increased, according to official figures. In Westminster, the average house price fell by 25% in a year, from £1,145,000 in June last year to £854,000 this summer. Other Inner London boroughs, including Kensington and Chelsea, Tower Hamlets, Hammersmith and Fulham, Islington, Camden, and Wandsworth, also experienced significant price drops. Across London, house prices collectively dropped by 2.5% in the 12 months leading up to June. Concurrently, rents across the capital rose by an average of 3% in the year to July, with notable increases in Islington, Greenwich, Enfield, Merton, and Lambeth. For landlords: House price depreciation and rising rents affect property valuations and rental income in London.

AI Landlords in Wales received 3,198 fixed penalty notices from Rent Smart Wales in the 12 months to May 2026, with 96% of these penalties issued for failures related to registration or obtaining the correct licence. All private landlords in Wales must register with Rent Smart Wales and either hold a licence themselves or use a licensed agent. The distinction between registration and licensing, and changes in circumstances, are cited as reasons for these common failures.

AI Centrick has been added to Crest Nicholson’s managing agent framework, allowing the property management firm to bid for work on new and existing residential developments across Crest Nicholson's portfolio. This appointment followed an assessment of Centrick’s operations and capabilities. Centrick, which has over 20 years of experience and offices in locations including London, can now tender for opportunities across Crest Nicholson’s regional divisions, providing estate management expertise from early occupation to long-term community management. This partnership will enable Centrick to manage developments and support homeowners and residents.

AI Property price performance across the UK has seen varied trends over the last 12 months, with overall rises more subdued year-on-year according to Land Registry and Nationwide data. Northern Ireland recorded the strongest annual house price growth at 8.6% in Q2, reaching an average price of £229,000, significantly outpacing the UK average of 2.2%. Scotland and Wales also saw increased annual growth in Q2, reaching 3.5%, with Scotland's average price at £196,000 in May 2026. England's growth was a modest 1.5% in Q2, with stronger performance in northern regions and struggles in London and the South/East due to affordability issues. For landlords: Property price growth in London and areas of the South and East of England is struggling with affordability buffers.

AI The UK inflation rate, measured by the Consumer Price Index, rose to 2.9% in July, up from 2.6%. This figure, released by the Office for National Statistics, exceeds the Bank of England's 2% target. The increase could lead to interest rates remaining higher for longer, impacting borrowing costs for homebuyers and existing homeowners. Propertymark's Chief Executive, Nathan Emerson, noted potential concerns for households regarding outgoings, while Rob Morgan of Charles Stanley highlighted risks from global energy markets. Mortgage lenders like Nationwide and Halifax had recently cut rates, but this trend may now reverse.

AI A Lloyds survey of 1,000 first-time buyers found 58% believe existing debt prevents mortgage approval, with 40% specifically citing overdrafts, 38% benefits, and 31% recent job changes. Additionally, 37% thought a 20% deposit was essential, and 30% believed a perfect credit score was necessary. Lloyds suggests these are misconceptions, but NAEA Propertymark's President, Ian Harris, argues affordability, house prices, and cost of living are the real barriers.

EIG figures show a year-on-year fall in property auctions, although activity in the past 12 months is ahead of last year.

"Record low arrears is a sign that the sector continues to demonstrate resilience,” says Paragon Bank's Lisa Steele. The post Rent arrears fall to record low appeared first on The Negotiator .

The summer lull has continued after house price growth slowed for the second consecutive month. The post House price growth slowed in June, reveals Land Registry appeared first on The Negotiator .

Rathbones suggests property taxes - such as Stamp Duty - have a big influence on how people behave. The post Wealth manager joins calls for Stamp Duty reform appeared first on The Negotiator .

AI Property tribunals anticipate a threefold increase in their annual caseload, rising from approximately 12,500 to at least 36,000 cases over the next two years. This projection, from a government report by the senior president of tribunals, is attributed to the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act and the Renters’ Rights Act. The government is recruiting 1,000 new judges and tribunal members this year to manage this demand. A new consultation proposes changes to allow judges to delegate Renters’ Rights Act cases to regional surveyors, aiming to streamline the property division's handling of rent appeals and repayment orders.

AI Oxfordshire County Council trading standards has urged landlords in Oxfordshire to help combat the sale of illegal tobacco from shops. This follows investigations revealing repeated sales of counterfeit and smuggled tobacco, often linked to organised crime, tax evasion, and money laundering. Landlords are advised to conduct thorough due diligence on new tenants, verify identification, and understand who occupies the premises and pays rent, especially if payments come from third parties. Ignoring such activity could lead to alleged offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act. For landlords: This story highlights the importance of due diligence and prompt action regarding criminal activity on rented premises.

AI West Suffolk Council issued a £7,500 fine to Forthbrook Ltd after the landlord failed to address 21 electrical safety defects at a property in Thetford Road, Brandon. The council requested an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) in March 2025 following a damp and mould complaint. The EICR, provided on 27 June 2025, revealed seven immediately dangerous and 14 potentially dangerous defects. Forthbrook Ltd did not complete the required works within the 28-day deadline or apply for an extension, with repairs only finished on 10 September 2025, 82 days late. The fine was upheld at Cambridgeshire County Court.

AI Lewisham Council has established a new Rogue Landlords Taskforce to proactively identify non-compliant landlords, moving beyond reliance on tenant complaints. This initiative follows a significant rise in enforcement activity, with 153 notices issued this financial year compared to 155 in the whole of the previous year, and financial penalties exceeding £160,875 since April, more than double the prior 12 months. The taskforce will utilise council data and local intelligence to target properties with licensing, compliance, or housing condition concerns. With privately rented homes making up approximately 29% of Lewisham’s housing stock, this approach affects a substantial number of landlords in the borough. For landlords: Lewisham Council is actively using data and intelligence to identify non-compliant properties, increasing the likelihood of enforcement action even without tenant complaints.

AI UK rental growth accelerated in July, with average private rents increasing by 3.7% to £1,393 in the 12 months to July, according to ONS data released on 20 August 2026. This was an increase from 3.3% annual growth in June and the highest rate since December 2025. London saw a significant acceleration, with annual growth rising from 2.2% to 3%, making its average monthly rent £2,317. In contrast, UK house price inflation slowed for the second consecutive month, rising by 2% to £272,000 in the 12 months to June. London's house prices fell by 2.5% year-on-year, marking the tenth consecutive month of decline. For landlords: London's average monthly rents increased by 3% year-on-year to £2,317 in July.

AI UK rental growth accelerated in July 2026, with average private rents across the UK rising 3.7% year-on-year to £1,393, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This marks the fastest annual increase since December 2025. Growth was particularly strong in London, while the North East saw the highest rental inflation among English regions at 6.3%. Conversely, annual UK house price growth slowed for a second consecutive month in June, falling from 3% in May to 2%, with the average property valued at £272,000. London experienced its tenth consecutive month of annual house price falls. For landlords: Rental prices in London picked up significantly in July 2026.

AI Dwello Property, a Scottish property management and lettings firm, has acquired the lettings business of Thomson Residential. This acquisition, supported by a £520,000 term loan from Bank of Scotland, is part of Dwello's strategy to expand across Scotland's Central Belt. The deal increases Dwello's headcount to 21 and strengthens its presence in Glasgow's south side, where it will continue to operate from Thomson Residential's Clarkston Road office. Dwello aims for a £4m turnover within five years and to manage over 2,000 homes.

AI Buyer registrations decreased in June, with Propertymark reporting an average of 55 new prospective buyers per member branch, down from previous levels. Despite this, the average number of sales agreed remained stable at 7.8 per branch, and viewings held steady at 2.1 per property. The report also indicated that 84% of properties sold for less than their asking price, and 35.4% of agents noted sales taking over 17 weeks to complete. Supply remained consistent, with 9.5 new homes listed and 42 properties in total per branch. Affordability issues persisted, with 31% of adults finding rent or mortgage payments difficult between June 3 and 28.

AI A Lloyds survey of over 1,000 prospective first-time buyers, published on 20 August 2026, found that misconceptions about mortgage eligibility are deterring them. 58% incorrectly believed existing debt automatically prevented a mortgage, 37% thought a 20% deposit was essential, and 40% believed using an overdraft would prevent approval. Other perceived barriers included receiving benefits (38%), recently changing jobs (31%), not having a perfect credit score (30%), and being self-employed (24%). Lloyds clarified that these factors do not automatically prevent mortgage offers, though individual circumstances and affordability assessments apply.

AI Fleet Mortgages has reintroduced two five-year fixed-rate buy-to-let products for landlords acquiring or refinancing Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and Multi-Unit Freehold Blocks (MUFBs). The options include a zero-fee product at 6.09% and a 5.99% product with a £1,499 fee, both available up to 75% loan-to-value and offering £1,000 cashback. The fixed-fee product has a maximum loan of £750,000. These products, reintroduced on 20 August 2026, target landlords seeking higher rental yields from these property types. For landlords: New financing options are available for HMO and MUFB properties.

AI Property transactions in 2026 are increasingly exceeding the typical six-month validity period for property searches, according to TwentyEA's latest report. This affects 60.8% of exchanges, up from 36% in 2019, risking delays and additional costs as lenders often require refreshed searches or indemnity insurance. The average home purchase now takes seven months from listing to exchange, an increase from 5.5 months in 2019, primarily due to the period after a sale is agreed, which has extended from three to nearly four and a half months. This contributes to higher fall-through rates and potential issues within property chains.

AI A new awards programme, the Best Conveyancer Guide Awards 2027, has been launched to provide transparency on residential conveyancer performance in England and Wales. Over 3,900 firms that completed residential purchases in the past year will be assessed by TwentyConvey, using Land Registry data, AP1 form records, and property market duration. Firms are evaluated on completion times, post-completion submissions, requisitions, and market share, with adjustments for leasehold or new-build transactions. The top 10% of conveyancers will receive gold or silver awards. The awards, run by Leaders.inc and sponsored by LMS, will be announced on November 3 at the EA Masters event.

AI Three directors from Knight Property Group, James Barrack, Howard Crawshaw, and Gordon Middleton, are undertaking a 50-mile charity cycle challenge in London on Sunday 4 October. The "Palace to Palace Cycle Challenge" will begin on The Mall, pass Buckingham Palace, traverse London, and conclude at Battersea Park. This event supports The King’s Trust, formerly The Prince’s Trust, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, raising funds to help young people across the UK gain skills for employment. The directors are encouraging sponsorship for their fundraising efforts.

AI Luxembourg-based private equity firm CVC has acquired a majority stake in OpenRent, Britain's largest lettings agency by transaction. The 14-year-old landlord portal's founders, Adam Hyslop and Darius Bradbury, will retain significant equity and leadership roles. This investment marks CVC's first major entry into the UK residential housing market, with the new capital intended to fund OpenRent's growth, including developing new tools to simplify the rental process. The deal awaits regulatory approval and is expected to close later this year. For landlords: OpenRent's expansion plans include new tools designed to reduce the administration, complexity, and cost of renting in Britain.

A leading agent reveals where he believes Prince Harry and Meghan will move to on their return to Britain. The post Location of Harry and Meghan’s new home predicted appeared first on The Negotiator .

Here’s where the Sussexes have lived since going public with their relationship in 2016

AI The Welsh rental market is shrinking, with a decline in both registered properties and landlords, according to Rent Smart Wales data from May 2026. The register showed 213,463 properties and 100,422 landlords, representing a five-year reduction of 4,089 properties since May 2021. This decline is accompanied by a concentration of ownership, with 5.15% of landlords controlling 34.91% of rental homes. While Cardiff and Swansea saw property increases, most other Welsh areas experienced reductions, and landlord numbers fell across all local authorities.

AI Propertymark has urged the UK Government to align standards across the property sector in its upcoming built environment strategy, primarily for England. This follows the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and other reviews highlighting weaknesses in competence and accountability. The strategy, due in spring 2027, will cover the entire building lifecycle, from design to maintenance, aiming to improve quality, consumer confidence, and the home-moving process. It will also address building safety remediation, with 1,400 to 2,800 buildings yet to be assessed for defects as of June 2026. For landlords: The strategy's focus on consistent standards and improved record-keeping for maintenance and repairs will affect how agents manage properties and interact with specialists.

AI A proposed £150 million Warm Healthy Homes Fund in Northern Ireland, expected to launch in 2027, aims to improve energy efficiency for low-income households over five years. The fund, replacing the Affordable Warmth Scheme, will offer higher grants up to £35,000 (£45,000 for hard-to-treat properties) and a simpler application process. It targets owner-occupiers and private tenants with incomes up to £29,741.40 or those receiving specific benefits, prioritising homes with an EPC rating of E or below. Landlords could access fully funded cavity and loft insulation, draught proofing, and ventilation if their tenant meets eligibility criteria and the landlord is registered with the Northern Ireland Landlord Registration Scheme.

AI Propertymark's latest report, "Leasehold: still a life sentence?", drawing on evidence from over 200 members and 1,200 leaseholders, highlights ongoing challenges in the leasehold sector despite legislative reforms. Many leaseholders face rising costs and difficulty challenging charges, impacting their ability to sell homes. The report, the third in a series dating back to 2018, indicates that a significant number of leaseholders would not repurchase a leasehold property, and most have seen service charge increases in the past two years. Estate agents report that selling leasehold properties has become easier for some, but many have removed unsellable leasehold properties from the market due to onerous service charges. For landlords: The UK Government is seeking evidence on whether certain residential leases, known as quid pro quo arrangements, should be exempt from the proposed annual ground rent cap of £250, which is set to be introduced in autumn 2026.

Lewisham Council's Natalie Thomas says landlords who cut corners and break the rules should expect to be caught.