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REACTS TO ANGELA RAYNER’S RE-APPOINTMENT AS HOUSING SECRETARY
New prime minister Andy Burnham wasted no time in appointing Angela Rayner as housing secretary after taking residence of 10 Downing Street on 20th July.
In addition to Rayner’s reinstatement to the role she vacated in September last year,
Matthew Pennycook retained his position as housing minister.
Leaders in the property industry have been sharing their views on the news since the announcements were made.
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA)
back her position as secretary of state for housing, communities and local government.
However, it also warned that reform of the private rented sector “must work for responsible landlords and tenants”.
Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the NRLA, said: “Boosting housing supply will be one of the government’s most pressing issues, and we stand ready to work constructively with ministers
on this agenda.
“With the private rented sector facing significant further changes, it is vital that reforms are practical and fair for both tenants and responsible landlords.
“We urge the housing secretary to focus on improving enforcement to root out the minority of rogue and criminal landlords undermining the reputation of the responsible majority.
“In parallel, ministers must also repair the broken justice system to ensure the Renters’ Rights Act can be implemented effectively.”
Beadle added: “Underpinning all of this is a need to rule out any form of rent control.
“As Angela Rayner herself and the cross-party Housing Select Committee have all warned, rent controls would undermine the supply of the homes to rent so many tenants urgently need.”
Landlord exodus slows as market adjusts to Renters’ Rights Act
The proportion of homes listed for sale by landlords fell to 9.2% in June, down from 11.3% a year earlier, according to analysis by Hamptons.
The agency said the figures suggest the recent surge in landlord sales ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act has eased, and that while the legislation may have prompted some landlords to sell, the larger wave of exits from the private rented sector had been driven by earlier tax changes and higher mortgage costs.
June also marked the first time since 2019 that the share of homes bought by landlords exceeded the share sold by them. Landlords accounted for 10.2% of purchases during the month, compared with 9.2% of homes listed for sale that had previously been rented. Hamptons noted the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act on 1st May had also changed the risks
for landlords considering a sale. Landlords using a Ground 1A notice to regain possession in order to sell now face a mandatory 12-month ban on re-letting the property, even if they fail to find a buyer.
The latest Hamptons monthly lettings index found that 51% of rental properties marketed for sale in 2025 did not sell, rising to 60% for flats. Had the new rules been in force last year, the agency estimated that between 80,000 and 100,000 unsold rental homes would have been prevented from returning to the rental market for 12 months.
Aneisha Beveridge, Head of Research at Hamptons, said: “What’s changed more recently is the balance of risk. A tougher sales market and the introduction of a 12-month re-letting ban mean selling has become a more complicated proposition for landlords.
“For many, the prospect of being left with an empty property that can’t easily return to the rental market has made holding on to an investment look more attractive.”
The report said landlord exits remain most concentrated in London and the South of England, where higher property prices, lower yields and mortgage costs continue to weigh on investor returns.
Josh Jones, Managing Director, Evesham and Pershore, SBK Lettings comments: "This analysis reflects what we're seeing across Worcestershire. We certainly saw a number of landlords choose to exit the sector in the lead up to, and immediately following, the introduction of the Renters' Rights Act. However, that trend has now begun to slow as the market adjusts and landlords become more familiar with the new legislative landscape.
Demand for rental property remains exceptionally strong, and with supply continuing to fall short of demand, rental values have remained resilient. Combined with a slower sales market in some areas, we're seeing more landlords choosing to retain their investment properties and benefit from the continued strength of the lettings market.
Whilst confidence is still rebuilding, it's certainly moving in a positive direction. Landlords are adapting to the changes, recognising the longterm value of their investments, and those who are well informed and professionally supported remain in a strong position."
Josh Jones MARLA Managing Director - Evesham branch
West Midlands stands out as one of the UK’s most resilient regions for Landlords
Viewpoint from Jo Egan, Area
Director, SBK Lettings
“The West Midlands continues to stand out as one of the UK's most resilient and promising regions for private landlords. While the private rented sector has experienced periods of uncertainty over the past few years, the fundamentals across much of the West Midlands remain exceptionally strong. High tenant demand and a shortage of quality rental homes are creating favourable conditions for landlords who are committed to providing good quality properties.
Across Birmingham, Coventry, Solihull and the surrounding towns, we continue to see healthy levels of tenant enquiries. Good quality properties presented at realistic market rents are often attracting interest quickly, with many landlords experiencing minimal void periods.
The most significant trend we are seeing across the region is the continuing imbalance between supply and demand. Despite strong
demand, the number of available rental properties has not kept pace. Some smaller landlords have chosen to leave the sector in recent years due to regulatory changes and higher operating costs. Whilst this has created challenges for tenants searching for homes, it has also strengthened the position of experienced, compliant landlords who continue to invest in the market.
With fewer properties available, landlords offering safe, wellmaintained homes are often able to secure long-term tenants more quickly and maintain strong occupancy rates. Rental growth continues, albeit at a steadier pace than the rapid rises experienced in recent years.
The combination of limited housing supply and sustained tenant demand continues to underpin rental values. For landlords, this provides greater confidence when reviewing rents in line with market conditions, while ensuring properties remain competitive and affordable. As always, sustainable
rent increases supported by local market evidence tend to deliver the best long-term outcomes for both landlords and tenants.
Today’s successful landlords are those who view property as a professional business. Well maintained homes, prompt communication, regular inspections and investment in energy efficiency all contribute to attracting reliable tenants who value quality accommodation.
There is no doubt that the private rented sector continues to evolve. Regulation is increasing and landlords must remain informed and compliant. However, change also presents opportunity.
Those who invest in maintaining high standards, work with a reputable local agent and understand their local market are well positioned to succeed. As towns and cities across the region continue to grow and attract new residents, professional landlords continue to play a vital role in providing the homes people need.”
HomeLet’s ‘Renters' Rights in 5’ webinar series supports landlords with RRA challenges
HomeLet has launched its latest webinar series aimed at tackling real life Renters' Rights queries in under 5 minutes.
Led by Mike Dawson, Head of Sales at HomeLet and Will Eastman, Head of Legal at Legal for Lettings, the short webinars respond to queries posed by landlords in the wake of the Renters’ Rights Act, equipping the community with useful bite-sized guidance and insights.
Rebecca Dean, Regional Director for SBK Lettings comments:
“There are still many questions from landlords around the Renters Rights Act and how the changes impact on them and their tenancy. Whilst the feeling of uncertainty since implementation of the Act has reduced, at SBK Lettings, we consider landlord communication and updates to be hugely important which is why we regularly share information on the latest changes and what these mean to our clients.
Working with some of the best industry suppliers also allows us
to stay ahead of the game and offer reassurance and peace of mind to our landlords. In their latest webinar, HomeLet, offers some great context on two of the changes brought about by the Act.”
To register for HomeLet’s webinars and/or pose your questions to be answered, click here.
More information can also be found in the SBK Lettings FAQ guide.
The letting experts' guide to RENTERS' RIGHTS ACT FAQ
Cleeve Prior, Evesham Road, Evesham,WR11 8JZ
• 21.82 acres (8.83 ha) of Grade 3 pastureland
• Located within the village of Cleeve Prior
• Direct road access form Evesham Road
• Potential for development; subject to planning
• Development potential STPP
• Investment opportunity
• Current rent £20,000 per annum
• 255m2 (2,739.81 Sq Ft)
• EPC - D Forest Road, Loughborough Gross yield of 2.9% £600,000
• Centrally located close to the town centre
• Large car park
• Former Garden Nurseries with potential for redevelopment; subject to planning
• Extending to approximately 8.7 acres (3.52 ha)
• Accessed off of Station Road via a track Blackminster Nurseries, Evesham
£650,000
Development land south of Banbury Road, Ettington
• Residential development opportunity
• Outline planning permission for up to 21 dwellings
• Eight open market dwellings and 13 self-build and custom-build • For sale by Private Treaty
*All rental values and subsequent yields are only estimates unless tenanted and subject to
£2,500,000
• Prominent high street location
• Investment opportunity
• Gross internal area: 434m (46,802 sq ft)
• Passing rental value: £47,000 per annum
• Leased to a national covenant
•
9 Abbey Court Lane, Evesham
• Modern, two-storey office extending to approx. 1,575 sq ft
• Let to Raycom Ltd on a five-year FRI lease from June 2022, providing secure income
• Bright office space with suspended ceilings, LED lighting, partitioned meeting rooms, kitchen and WC
• Current rental £14,500 per annum
• Situated in Abbey Lane Court, an established business park with on-site parking and easy access to A46 and Evesham town centre
• Part exchange considered 9
• Planning permission granted to split flat into two, one-bedroom flats
• Highly desirable location
• Residential accommodation to be vacant upon sale
• Current rental £20,000 per annum
Gross yield of 2.4% £825,000
Abbey Court Lane, Evesham