Insights - Industry comment

The Landlord’s Essential Guide to Croydon’s Selective Licensing Scheme

“Croydon’s Selective Licensing returns in 2026, targeting 14 wards and 74% of private rentals. With fines reaching £30,000, staying compliant is no longer optional. Our guide breaks down the new ward boundaries, expected fees, and how professional management ensures your portfolio meets the Decent Homes Standard without the stress.

Labour’s London Housing Gambit: Unpacking the Plan to Tackle the Capital’s Crisis Amidst Ambitious Targets and Contentious Reforms

In a significant policy shift, London Mayor Sadiq Khan has unveiled Labour’s new and controversial strategy to tackle the city’s severe housing crisis. At the heart of the “Towards a new London Plan” initiative is a radical proposal: to explore building homes on carefully selected parts of London’s Green Belt for the first time.

Citing the urgent need for affordable housing and arguing that much of the Green Belt is inaccessible “grey belt” land, the plan aims to meet a new target of 88,000 homes per year. The move has ignited fierce debate, drawing criticism from environmental groups and political opponents who question its effectiveness and timing, setting the stage for a defining battle over the future of London’s landscape.

Current Market Trends: House Prices on the Rise

The current climate of rising house prices presents a complex landscape for both prospective buyers and existing homeowners. For those looking to enter the market, the dream of homeownership may feel increasingly out of reach as competition intensifies and affordability becomes a major concern. Conversely, sellers are finding themselves in a potentially advantageous position, with many properties attracting multiple offers and selling above asking price. Understanding the nuances of this dynamic market is crucial for making informed decisions…

Leveraging Interest-Only Mortgages: A Strategic Guide for Landlords

Interest-only mortgages allow landlords to pay only the interest on their loan, resulting in lower monthly payments. This can significantly improve cash flow and provide opportunities for portfolio expansion. However, a solid repayment plan is crucial…

The UK’s Landmark Shift: Empowering Homeowners with Commonhold

The UK is embarking on a significant transformation of its property ownership system, shifting from the traditional leasehold model to commonhold. This reform aims to empower homeowners by granting them outright ownership of their properties and a share of the communal areas, eliminating hidden fees and fostering a sense of shared responsibility. By transitioning to commonhold, the government seeks to create a fairer and more transparent system, providing long-term security and greater control for residents. This shift marks a fundamental change in how properties are owned and managed in the UK, promising to reshape the landscape of homeownership.

Mortgage Market Reacts as Bank of England Cuts Rates to 4.5%

Breaking News: The Bank of England has lowered rates to 4.5%.

This could significantly impact the housing market. We break down what it means for borrowers and what to expect next.

UK Housing Market Predictions for 2025: Crash or Boom?

Despite a year of economic uncertainty and rising mortgage rates, the UK housing market has defied expectations, demonstrating remarkable resilience in 2024. But what does the future hold? Experts at Savills predict a positive outlook for 2025, with house prices expected to rise by up to 4% by year’s end. This optimistic forecast is fueled by falling inflation, anticipated reductions in interest rates, and continued strong demand, particularly from first-time buyers. However, the market isn’t without its challenges. Affordability remains a key concern, and regional variations are expected to play a significant role, with the North and Scotland potentially outperforming the South…

Stamp Duty Hike Sends Shockwaves Through Buy-to-Let Market

A sharp increase in stamp duty on buy-to-let properties has sparked fears of a mass exodus of landlords from the market. This move, intended to cool the overheated property market, could backfire by reducing the availability of rental homes and driving up rents, experts warn.

Landlords are now faced with a difficult choice: absorb the increased costs, sell their properties, or abandon planned investments. The long-term consequences for both landlords and tenants remain uncertain.

Loophole Means Section 21 Ban Delay “is Not What it Seems” – Claim

Goodlord’s Oli Sherlock argues the government’s delay on the Section 21 eviction ban is misleading. Despite assurances, some landlords may still serve Section 21 notices. Learn about the potential loopholes.