LANDLORD TIMES
Monthly news for landlords brought to you by:
March 2025
MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE TO INCENTIVISE LANDLORDS
More must be done to encourage investors to invest in the private rented sector.
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has called on the government to scrap the stamp duty hike on the provision of new homes to rent in the Budget last year; propose a clear plan to ensure the courts
more speedily process legitimate possession claims when Section 21 repossessions are ended by the Renters’ Rights Bill; and reverse the decision to freeze housing benefit rates to support those on low incomes into rented housing. It follows research compiled for the organisation by Pegasus Insights which found private
sector tenants are continuing to struggle amid a shortage of homes to rent.
Almost eight in 10 landlords (77%) in England and Wales reported strong demand in the final quarter of 2024.
Despite this, 20% of the 789 landlords surveyed said they had sold property over the previous
12 months. This was almost three times more than the 7% who said they had added to their portfolios.
Looking ahead to the next 12 months, 41% of providers of rental housing say they plan to cut the number of properties they rent out, compared to just five per cent saying they will increase the number.
NRLA chief executive Ben Beadle, said: “Plans to improve security for tenants will mean nothing if the rental accommodation they need is not there in the first place.
“Tax hikes which penalise those wanting to provide such homes
need to be scrapped. What’s more, those providing homes to rent must have the confidence to stay in the market when the Renters’ Rights Bill is passed. At present that confidence simply is not there.”
Sheldon Bosley Knight’s lettings director Rebecca Dean said: “The provision of more homes to
“The provision of more homes to rent has to be the government’s number one priority.”
rent has to be the government’s number one priority. Without the supply, people could end up homeless.
“It’s essential the government takes heed of agents’ and landlords’ concerns about the Renters’ Rights Bill and that of organisations such as the NRLA. The government needs to act now before it’s too late.”
Landlord Times asked the government for a response but had not received one by the time we went to press.
Tough new energy efficiency targets for the PRS
Tough new energy efficiency targets have been confirmed for the private rental sector (PRS).
Making the announcement the government said it would be consulting on “bold new plans” which it says could save private renters an average of £240 per year on their energy bills.
It has also said it will mandate all landlords in the PRS in England and Wales to meet higher energy performance ratings in their properties by 2030, claiming it will only cost them between £6,100 and £6,800 to upgrade their properties.
The government acknowledges 48% of homes in the PRS are
already at the EPC level C or above but says it wants to make sure it’s extended to all properties in the sector by 2030 when all need to be at a C rating.
The government says the consultation could help lift up to half a million homes out of fuel poverty and is a “key step towards meeting our fuel poverty target and ensuring tenants have the warmer homes that they deserve”.
Views on a range of proposals to address poorly insulated homes, cut the cost of energy bills and improve living standards will be sought as well as how best to support landlords deliver the changes.
Sheldon Bosley Knight’s lettings manager Josh Jones said: “These proposals are important to ensure all tenants live in warm, safe homes. However we hope the government will help landlords financially as the costs could be more than is affordable.
“If our landlords would like help or advice in how to ensure their properties comply, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.”
Click Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes: 2025 update - GOV.UK to take part in the survey. It closes at 11.59pm on May 2.
Discussing the Renters’ Rights Bill
With the Renters’ Rights Bill currently making its way through Parliament, landlords and their tenants need to be kept up-todate with all the detail. Currently plans include an abolition of Section 21, abolition of fixed term tenancies, EPC regulations, the establishment of an ombudsman and for tenants to be able to request the inclusion of their pets in the rental.
There have also been amendments to the original Bill such as how
landlords would be banned from charging more than a month’s rent upfront at the start of a tenancy.
To unpick some of the finer detail on these issues, and see how this will affect landlords and their tenants, Sheldon Bosley Knight’s lettings director Rebecca Dean, associate director Nik Kyriacou and managing director of Tara & Co, David French, had a lively discussion in our podcast, SBK Unplugged. Please click on the image below to view the podcast.
In brief
Lettings insurance supplier Paymentshield has updated its tenants’ contents product in anticipation of the Renters Rights Bill (RRB) becoming law. It adds further protections for any damage caused by a pet to a landlord’s property, with cover extending up to £10,000. Examples of cover could include a dog chewing a table or a cat fouling on the carpet.
The Bill, expected to become law this year, will mean landlords can’t “unreasonably” refuse a tenant’s request to have a pet at the property.
Landlords looking for a new buy-to-let mortgage deal will find product availability has soared to a record high. The average two-year fixed rate has fallen over the past six months according to the latest analysis by Moneyfactscompare.co.uk and the overall buy-to-let product availability (fixed and variable) rose to 3,560 deals, its highest count on the site’s electronic records (November 2011). It also shows a month-on-month rise of 92 five-year fixed deals and a rise of 114 two-year fixed deals.
Average fixed rates over two- or five-year fixed terms overall rose month-on-month. The average two-year fixed rate is lower yearon-year.
The latest RICS UK Residential Property Survey shows a “stagnant trend” in tenant demand with only marginal growth of 2%. There was also a decline in new landlord instructions. Although a flatter demand backdrop appears to be easing upward pressure on rental prices, the good news for landlords is it is anticipated rents will continue to rise over the next three months.
Landlord Forum returns this spring
Landlords and managing agents in south Warwickshire are being encouraged to take part in a focused industry event.
The Landlord Forum makes its return to the SYDNI Centre in Leamington in May. Once again it is being led by the private sector housing teams from both Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon district councils.
Run in partnership with the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) and the local Landlord Steering Group it is a free event and open to all those involved in letting property within the private rental sector (PRS).
As in previous years, there will be a series of short presentations covering a range of topics including developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI), ways to help tenants successfully manage a checkout, updates on the Renters’ Rights Bill and legal updates from the NRLA as well as local authority information.
Landlords can bring questions to the popular, Tenancy Agreement Clinic for a specialist solicitor from local firm Davisons Law to answer.
There will also be an opportunity to network with other professionals and industry experts and visit exhibitions from local specialist
companies and council support organisations.
The free forum takes place between 12.30pm and 4pm at SYDNI Centre, Cottage Square, Sydenham, CV31 1PT.
Free parking is available and light refreshments will be provided.
Visit Select tickets – Landlord Forum – SYDNI Centre, Cottage Square, Sydenham, Leamington Spa to register, email Warwick district council landlord liaison officer Balwant Rai, balwant.rai@warwickdc.gov.uk or call 01926 456733.
Amendments to RRB put forward by Lords
A series of amendments to the Renters’ Rights Bill have been tabled by the House of Lords committee.
Among them are allowing fixed term tenancies to continue if both parties agree; allow small landlords, who are less likely to have capacity to fund legal proceedings, to continue to be able to issue Section 21 notices; require landlords to submit verified evidence within 16 weeks of a possession order, detailing the property's occupancy status and progress of any sale, to
ensure accountability; cap intenancy rent increases to the Bank of England base rate; in-tenancy rent increases to be index-linked; provide for a tenant to pay up to 12 months of rent in advance, if mutually agreed with the landlord; and introduce a new option of a landlord pet damage deposit.
Sheldon Bosley Knight’s lettings director, Rebecca Dean said:
“While it is not clear if the amendments will pass, it is a positive step forward.
“There has been much lobbying from those in the industry
including us and we are pleased the Lords are giving it the scrutiny it deserves and needs.
“It is crucial these amendments put forward are debated and considered properly to ensure the right balance is struck between protecting tenants and supporting landlords.
“We will be monitoring the progress of these amendments keenly but if any of our landlords have concerns or questions please do get in touch as we are always happy to help.”
• Great investment opportunity
• Current rent value of £615 pcm
Longford Bridge Court, Union Place Gross yield of 8.2% £90,000
• Lease length - 107 years
• Communal gardens and parking
• Tenants in situ
• EPC - D
Drapers Fields, Coventry
• 71 year lease remaining
• Two bedroom apartment in Canal Basin
• Close to City Centre
• Available with tenants in situ or vacant possession
• Current rent value of £850 pcm
• EPC - C
Gross yield of 9.3% £110,000
The Hawthorn apartments
The Hawthorn apartments
Sheldon Bosley Knight is delighted to offer an off-market, exclusive opportunity of either individual plots or multiple unit discounted packages from developer Taylor Wimpey.
Ranging from one-bed apartments at 525 sqft to executive five-bedroom detached houses at 1,986 sqft, there is plenty to suit your investment needs.
> Locations include Hatton, Warwick, Gaydon, Nuneaton and Kersley.
> House types range from two-bedroom semi – detached, three-bedroom detached, four-bedroom detached and executive five-bedroom detached houses.
> Three blocks of apartments including one-bedroom apartments at 525 sqft and two-bedroom apartments at 750 sqft.
> House styles include the Gosford, the Byford, the Beauford, the Rossdale and the Lavenham.
> Multiple unit discounted packages available.
> Whole blocks available as single purchase.
> Potential for great yields.
*Discounts and
For more information please contact Nik Kyriacou and the New Homes Team on 01789 333 466
• 102 year lease remaining
• Two bedroom flat in Cheylesmore
• Excellent public transport links
• Highly sought after location
• Potential rent value of £800 pcm
• EPC - C
• No upward chain
• Conveniently located close to town centre
• Two-bedroom second floor apartment
• Single parking space with barrier access
£135,000
• Potential rent value of £900 pcm
• Communial grounds
• EPC - B
Gross yield of 7.4% £145,000
Quinton Parade, Coventry
Coach House Court, Loughborough
• Two-bedroom, second floor apartment
• No upward chain
• Allocated parking space
• Easy reach of mainline rail to London Marylebone
• Current rental value of £950 pcm
• Tenants in situ
• EPC - C
• Two-bedroom, first floor apartment
• No upward chain
£150,000 SOLD
Court, Alcester Road Gross yield of 6.3% £180,000
• Walking distance to the town centre
• Allocated parking space
• Potential rental value of £900-£950 pcm
• Allocated parking space
• EPC - B
Brookfield
Rosemary Drive, Banbury
• Development with two, six-bedroom apartments, four, four-bedroom apartments and two, three-bedroom apartments
• Modern fitted kitchenettes and bathrooms
• Excellent location for Warwick and Coventry Universities
• Current rent value of £243,480 pa, potentially rising to £257,400 pa
• Tenants in situ
• EPC - B Current gross yield of 9.7% £2,500,000
PART OF | SHELDON BOSLEY KNIGHT
• A charming and characterful terraced home
• Excellent central location
• Perfect for a first-time buyer or investor
• Kitchen with built in/fitted appliances
• Current rent value of £825 pcm
• No onward chain
• EPC - D
Barkers Butts Lane,
• Mid-terraced house
• No onward chain
• Popular coundon location
• Extended fitted kitchen
Gross yield of 5.3% £185,000
• Potential rent value of £1150 and £1250pcm
• EPC - D
Gross yield of 6.25% £240,000
Coventry
The Old Stables, High Street, Pershore
Haven Lodge
> Development of 35 studio apartments
> Modern fitted kitchenettes and bathrooms
> Highly sought-after location
> Allocated parking spaces
> Current rent value of £269,285.10 pa
> Tenants in situ
> EPC - B
Gross yield of 8% £3,250,000
• Beautifully presented six bedroom property
• No onward chain
• £650-£675 pcm per room
• Great addition to portfolio
• EPC - C Kensington Road, Earlsdon, Coventry Potential yield of 9.6% £450,000
• Fantastic Earlsdon location
• Six en-suites
Milverton Crescent West, Leamington Spa
• Stunning town house
• Sought after location close to town centre
• Secure gated parking for two cars
• Three bedrooms and three bathrooms
• Current payable rent of £1,850.00 pcm
• Exceptional finish
• Rare opportunity for investment
• EPC - B
Gross yield of 4.4% £499,500
• Prominent mixed use property with return frontage
• Newly refurbished
• Prominent for passing traffic Class E Business and Commercial
• Estimated rent of £26,600 per annum
• 144.15m2 (1,550 sqft2)
• EPC - E
