Should You Sell Your Rental in 2025?

The last few years have been challenging for some landlords. But don’t rush into a decision about the future of your buy-to-let until you’ve read this.

It’s fair to say that developments in recent years have made things more complicated for some landlords.

The restriction on mortgage interest tax relief and the upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill have prompted some investors to question staying in the buy-to-let market.

Despite these challenges, there are several positives to take on board.

Reasons to keep your rental

Demand … Continue Reading…

Why Landlords Love ‘Rent Ready’ Tenants and How to Be One of Them

Tenants can stand out in the competitive lettings market by being ‘rent ready’ before looking for a new place to live.

With an average of 21 people vying for each rental that comes on the market*, competition in the sector is fierce.

So, how can tenants avoid the frustration and disappointment of missing out on a great property?

The answer is to be ‘rent ready’.

What is rent ready?

Rent ready is a term used to describe a prospective tenant who has their documentation prepared … Continue Reading…

Landlords – It’s Time to Make a Start on Your Tax Return

If you’re a landlord, the deadline for filing your 2023-2024 income tax return is fast approaching. Here are some important things you need to know.

When to file your tax return

Self-employed landlords need to file their tax return (and pay any tax owed) each year using the self assessment system. For the 2023-2024 financial year, this must be done by 31 January 2025 (unless HMRC has notified you otherwise).

If you don’t, you will receive an automatic £100 penalty. This will increase … Continue Reading…

Tackling Mould in a Rental: What Tenants and Landlords Need to Know

Despite greater awareness and tougher legislative measures, mould can still be a significant issue for landlords and tenants.

A new survey has found that 43% of tenants have experienced problems with mould and damp in their rental*.

And cases appear to be becoming more – not less – prevalent.

Experts attribute this to changing weather patterns (sadly, we’re getting more rain than ever in the UK)**.

High energy prices don’t help either, as cash-conscious tenants are now more frugal when heating their homes. (Keeping … Continue Reading…

What the Budget Means for the Lettings Market

Now the dust has settled on the Budget, let’s look at what it might mean for landlords and buy-to-let investors.

The overall themes behind the Budget, according to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, were economic stability and growth, investment and putting more money in our pockets. But there were also £40bn of tax rises to fill the infamous £22bn black hole Labour says it’s inherited.

The key changes that might affect landlords were:

Stamp Duty increase for additional properties

The big story here was the increase … Continue Reading…

The Renters’ Rights Bill: Three Things Landlords Should Know

The Renters’ Rights Bill is a big news story in the property rental world right now.

And there are lots of myths and inaccurate information being punted around.

In this article, we’ll give you straight answers to three of the most common questions landlords are asking us.

Will I be able to evict tenants if I need to?

The honest answer is: yes and no.

All tenancies will be periodic tenancies. There will be no fixed-term shorthold tenancies as there are now. Tenants will be … Continue Reading…

Key Things to Look Out for in Next Week’s Budget

After months of fevered speculation, Chancellor Rachel Reeves will unveil her autumn Budget next week (Wednesday 30 October).

As the announcement could have important implications for landlords, let’s consider what might be included in it.

But first, a caveat

Leaks and rumours accompany the lead-up to any major fiscal event, and this Budget – Labour’s first for 14 years – has been no different.

There has been lots of speculation including some news articles that could only be described as scaremongering.

What we know is … Continue Reading…

A Landlord’s Guide: Top Tips for a Smooth Move-In

Welcoming a new tenant can be exciting for landlords, but it also requires careful preparation to ensure a smooth transition.

A well-prepared property makes a great first impression and can set the tone for a successful tenancy.

Here are five key steps landlords should take before handing over the keys.

Inspect and refresh the property

Begin with a thorough inspection. Look out for issues like faulty fittings, leaks or signs of wear and tear. Addressing these minor problems now can prevent major headaches … Continue Reading…

Landlords: Top Tips for Buying a Fixer-Upper

When considering the purchase of a ‘doer-upper’ – a property that requires refurbishment – landlords are often faced with a Shakespearean (ish) question: “To buy, or not to buy?”

It’s an important decision where you must weigh up several important factors before choosing to invest or not.

Below are five key considerations to keep in mind:

Budget for refurbishment

Before purchasing a doer-upper, make sure you budget accurately for the refurbishment work. You must account for not only the obvious repairs but also any … Continue Reading…

Avoid These Common Pitfalls as a First-Time Landlord

Despite overblown media reports of a wave of landlords selling up due to regulation changes and new government policies, property remains a viable long-term investment for many.

For first-time landlords, however, common pitfalls can turn a promising venture into a stressful experience.

Avoid these six mistakes to ensure your property investment journey gets off to a smooth start.

Underestimating costs

One of the biggest errors new landlords make is underestimating the ongoing property maintenance costs. Repairs, safety inspections and void periods (when your property … Continue Reading…