Labour cracks down on landlords forcing them to rent out empty properties

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Landlords could be forced to rent out empty properties under new powers announced by the Labour government.

The English Devolution White Paper reveals councils will be given powers to take over vacant rental properties.

The plans lack detail about the specific new powers but are expected to resemble Labour’s recently introduced High Street Rental Auctions scheme.

View Full Article: Labour cracks down on landlords forcing them to rent out empty properties

Propertymark says NI housing supply strategy lacks ‘ambition’

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Propertymark has welcomed the Department for Communities’ housing supply strategy for Northern Ireland but has criticised its lack of ambition.

The strategy for 2024-2039 was approved by the Northern Ireland Executive on 5 December and outlines a 15-year framework to boost new home construction.

View Full Article: Propertymark says NI housing supply strategy lacks ‘ambition’

Easier landlord licensing schemes ‘Makes no sense’

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Local authorities in England and Northern Ireland are to get powers to implement selective licensing schemes without seeking approval from the Secretary of State.

The new rules take effect from 23 December with councils still needing to consult with the public for at least 10 weeks before implementing a scheme.

View Full Article: Easier landlord licensing schemes ‘Makes no sense’

Fewer PRS homes in 2025 as BTL lending set to fall

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A predicted decline in BTL lending to private sector landlords may reduce the number of homes to rent in 2025, UK Finance says.

The trade association for mortgage lenders has published an outlook for the buy to let market in 2025 which it describes as ‘challenging’.

View Full Article: Fewer PRS homes in 2025 as BTL lending set to fall

Landlords leave the market as buyers rush to beat stamp duty changes

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The New Year will see buyers race to beat stamp duty changes and more landlords selling up, according to Propertymark’s latest Housing Market Insight report.

Propertymark reveals that despite static rental prices, many landlords are struggling to break even as rising mortgage rates and costs force rent increases to cover expenses.

View Full Article: Landlords leave the market as buyers rush to beat stamp duty changes

Council launches selective licensing consultation

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A council has launched a selective licensing consultation to clamp down on poor landlords and tackle damp and mould.

North East Lincolnshire council (NELC) want to introduce selective licensing in the East Marsh area.

The council claims the East Marsh area is in the top 1% of most deprived wards in the country.

View Full Article: Council launches selective licensing consultation

Landlords urged to protect tenants from lead in drinking water

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A plumbing company is warning landlords to protect tenants from lead in their drinking water.

Watersafe, the national register of approved installers, says landlords should make sure plumbers only use lead-free solder or fittings that don’t need solder when working on drinking water systems.

View Full Article: Landlords urged to protect tenants from lead in drinking water

Shelter and Generation Rent: It’s time to own what you’ve done

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As Shelter bemoans the rising tide of homelessness with fears that thousands could be evicted from their homes in time for Christmas, it’s time to turn the spotlight on the very organisation that has contributed significantly to this crisis.

View Full Article: Shelter and Generation Rent: It’s time to own what you’ve done

Scottish house price growth slows despite strong sales activity

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Despite a recent rise in sales activity, the recovery of Scottish house prices has shown signs of slowing down, one index reveals.

According to Walker Fraser Steele, October saw a 0.6% monthly decline, the sharpest drop in more than two years.

View Full Article: Scottish house price growth slows despite strong sales activity

Landlords who voted Labour regret doing so – survey

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In a severe case of buyer’s remorse, Labour-voting landlords are expressing deep regret over their political choice, according to a survey.

Buy to let lender Landbay found that 80% of these landlords now admit they would not vote Labour again.

View Full Article: Landlords who voted Labour regret doing so – survey