The market, the rules and the numbers that move your pipeline — read in minutes, not portals.
The latest Rent Smart Wales data reveals a subtle but telling shift in the Welsh private rental market. In May 2026, the number of registered rental properties dropped by 532, while the total landlords fell by 1,000 or more. The decline is concentrated among smaller landlords, in
Recent data from Rent Smart Wales reveals a subtle but telling shift in the Welsh rental market. As of May 2026, the number of registered rental properties dropped by 532 to 213,463, while the count of landlords also declined. Notably, this contraction is driven primarily by smal
The UK buy-to-let market has seen a notable increase in properties held through limited companies rather than personal ownership. According to recent data, company ownership now accounts for a significant share of the rental sector, moving beyond its previous niche status. This s
Planning refusals for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in England have surged sharply, more than doubling from 590 in 2021 to 1,203 in 2025, based on data from 144 local authorities analysed by 1st Avenue. This trend suggests mounting resistance at the planning stage, which w
The surge in court cases against landlords over rent increases reflects a growing tension in the UK private rental sector. According to recent data, the number of landlords facing legal action for rent rises has reached an unprecedented level. This trend coincides with the implem
The number of landlords facing court action over rent increases has hit a record high, reflecting the growing enforcement muscle behind the Renters’ Rights Act. This legislative change, introduced to curb sudden and excessive rent hikes, appears to be reshaping landlord behaviour
The recent case of a letting agent allegedly withholding deposits from over 100 tenants highlights a persistent enforcement gap in the UK rental sector. Safeagent, the largest not-for-profit accreditation body for lettings and management agents, has called for stronger regulatory
Recent allegations against a letting agent failing to return deposits to over 100 tenants highlight ongoing weaknesses in enforcement. Safeagent, the UK’s largest not-for-profit accreditation scheme for lettings and management agents, has called for stronger regulatory action. Th
Data for the year to June 2026 shows that 40.2% of homes assessed in England and Wales fall below the Energy Performance Certificate band C. This means a significant portion of the private rented sector requires energy efficiency improvements to meet the government’s 2030 target.
Recent data reveals that 40.2% of homes assessed in England and Wales over the past year scored below EPC band C. This figure represents a significant portion of the housing stock requiring energy efficiency improvements to meet the government’s 2030 target for privately rented p
Recent research from Yorkshire Building Society reveals that 56% of prospective first-time buyers (FTBs) consider obtaining a mortgage difficult. This perception is notable given the ongoing challenges in the UK housing market, where affordability pressures and tighter lending cr
The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) has fallen further behind actual rental costs, creating a widening gap that puts landlords and tenants under increasing strain. According to Propertymark’s recent appeal to the Department for Work and Pensions, the LHA no longer covers a realisti
