LI Magazine 75th Edition

REFORM ON THE FOURTH

A warm welcome to the 75TH Edition of Landlord Investor Magazine.

A very warm welcome to Issue 75 of Landlord Investor Magazine. I think it suffice to say we’ve had a fair bit of movement since the last issue! At the time of writing the General Election date of July 4th had recently been announced and the Renters Reform Bill had been paused at 2nd reading stage in the House of Lords (read more in Show Review). Opinion polls are suggesting a heavy lean towards a Labour win, but as we know in the UK opinion polls can’t always be relied upon as an accurate indicator of outcome. Where that leaves the aforementioned Renters Reform Bill, and general attitude towards increased legislation in the Private Rented Sector is a hot topic. If you’re reading this prior to July 3, then we have a show in London at Old Billingsgate the day before the Election, with a fantastic panel debate discussing Red Vs Blue, how will the result impact UK landlords? If you’ve not already registered we advise you to reserve your place ASAP at www.landlordinvestmentshow.co.uk/03-julylondon. Back to this issue, I'll also be reviewing our first training day, and we have fantastic content from our contributors. Reece Mennie asks Why buy-to-let landlords should consider investing in the alternative market Jeni Browne explains How to save on your next property purchase Kim Dovedi sets-out 5 key ways in which the rise of interest rates have affected the UK Property Industry, and In Outlook, Paul Shamplina shares his thoughts on The Election and the Landlord Limbo. As always there's no shortage of subjects to consider and I trust this issue of LI Magazine and the National Landlord Investment Show are a help on your property investor journey. TH In

06 14 16 20 24 08 12

Show Update

Reform on the 4th of July

Show Update

Education. Education. Education.

Investment

Why buy-to-let landlords should consider investing in the alternative market

Investment

How to Save on Your Next Property Purchase

Investment

5 key ways in which the rise of interest rates have affected the UK Property Industry

Home Safety Spotlight

Enhancing Fire Safety through Accessible Alarm Controls

Outlook

The Election and the Landlord Limbo

LANDLORD INVESTOR MAGAZINE

Editor Tracey Hanbury

Design

Marc Riley

Social Media

Charlotte Dye

Printing

IOP Marketing

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PLEASE NOTE: The National Landlord Investment Show, LIS Media and Landlord Investor Magazine are content aggregators only. Views, statements and opinions expressed in articles, reviews and other materials herein are those of the authors, exhibitors and third-party contributors and not the editors and publishers of LI Magazine. Under no circumstances does the content of this publication constitute investment or legal advice. We do not undertake to advise individuals or organisations upon investment strategy. All investments should be approached with caution under professional guidance. While every care has been taken in the compilation of this publication and every attempt made to present up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. LIS Media Limited and our contributors will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any information within these pages or any information accessed through the promoted links. Published by LIS Media, Registered address: Foresters Hall, 25-27 Westow Street, London SE19 3RY. © 2024 LIS Media Ltd.

Meet the team

TRACEY

HANBURY

CO-FOUNDER / DIRECTOR

Team: Donegal GAA

Song: Galway Girl, Steve Earle

Film: Dirty Dancing

Food: Indian

Likes: A busy show - can’t beat it

Dislikes: Rudeness

Fave thing about LIS: Building client relationships

KIERAN MCCORMACK SALES DIRECTOR

Team: Manchester United

Song: Bonkers, Dizze Rascal

Film: American Gangster

Food: Indian

Likes: Family time, Man Utd, golf (not necessarily in that order)

Dislikes: Tinned sweetcorn

Fave thing about LIS: No day is the same (hence the song choice)

CHARLOTTE DYE HEAD OF CLIENT RELATIONS & OPERATIONS

Team: Spurs

Song: The view from the afternoon, Arctic Monkeys

Film: E.T

Food: Chinese

Likes: Anything four legged and furry

Dislikes: Clowns and Spiders

Fave thing about LIS: Office cuddles with Ollie

ALICIA CELA HEAD OF ACCOUNTS

Team: Barcelona FC

Song: Hotel California, The Eagles

Film: Shawshank Redemption

Food: Anything Spanish (I'm very biased lol)

Likes: Cooking great food

Dislikes: Liars. Oh, and liver

(can't stand it)

Fave thing about LIS: Socialising with the whole team

LEWIS HANBURY CONTENT CREATOR

Team: Crystal Palace

Song: Fire in Cairo, The Cure

Film: Star Wars, A New Hope

Food: Pasta

Likes: Filming

Dislikes: Editing

Fave thing about LIS: My colleagues

STEVE

HANBURY

CO-FOUNDER / DIRECTOR

Team: Crystal Palace

Song: Plastic Dreams, Jaydee

(Original)

Film: Goodfellas

Food: Indian

Likes: Team meetings in the pub

Dislikes: Bad manners

Fave thing about LIS:

Show day (as anything can happen)

MARC RILEY CREATIVE

DIRECTOR

Team: Letterkenny Shamrocks

Song: What’s going on, Marvin Gaye

Film: Anything by the Coen Brothers

Food: Sea

Likes: Clean typography

Dislikes: Paywalls and clickbait

Fave thing about LIS: The website

JACOB HANBURY SALES EXECUTIVE

Team: Crystal Palace

Song: Michael Bibi - Got the Fire

Film: Step Brothers

Food: Sunday roast

Likes: Skiing, Gym, Crystal Palace

Dislikes: Dirty finger nails

Fave thing about LIS: Great atmosphere at the shows

WILL LIDDY SALES EXECUTIVE

Team: Millwall

Song: Never too much, Luther Vandross

Film: Carlito’s way

Food: Italian

Likes: Friends and family, also the pub

Dislikes: People who wear shorts in winter

Fave thing about LIS:

Socializing with the Team and clients

OLLIE HANBURY ENTERTAINMENT & SECURITY MANAGER

Team: Crystal Palace

Song: Who let the dogs out

Film: 101 Dalmatians

Food: Roast Dinners

Likes: Walkies

Dislikes: Poo in bags left on branches

Fave thing about LIS: Getting all the attention

3 JULY 2024

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The National Landlord Investment Show connects thousands of property professionals throughout the UK and is a beacon for anyone with an interest in managing or investing in private rental property.

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TRACEY HANBURY EDITOR & SHOW FOUNDER

REFORM ON THE FOURTH OF JULY

The Renters Reform Bill had reached 2nd reading stage in the House of Lords but has stalled following the announcement of the July election date and failed to become law before parliament was prorogued. So what does this actually mean?

If the Conservatives win it will likely just be revived when Parliament is recalled. If we see a Labour win - or coalition - I’m wondering if the incumbent Government will have the appetite to start again from scratch. The current Bill was introduced to Parliament in 2023, but took years of consultation to come to fruition, so even if it were abandoned in favour of a fresh proposition, a new Bill could take years to reach Parliamentary review again.

The aforementioned are just my own musings however, and there is much to be discussed. If you want to hear what a whole panel of experts have to say on the matter then I urge you to attend the morning panel debate - General Election: Positive News or Total Disaster… Red Vs Blue, how will the result impact UK landlords? - at the National Landlord Investment Show on July 3.

Tickets are going like the proverbial hotcakes but you can book your free ringside seat by registering at www. landlordinvestmentshow.co.uk/03-julylondon. In addition to the morning panel debate, the day will be packed with speakers covering all manner of property-

Or maybe not?

related subjects and exhibitors offering great products and services to help you with the practicalities of managing your property assets.

Back on the exhibition trail the National Landlord Investment Show heads west to Bristol on September 25 for our first event at Ashton Gate, the home of Bristol City FC. Having been voted one of the best places to live by numerous polls and with a thriving rental market it'll be a great show location. Again, you can book your free show tickets via the show website at www.landlordinvestmentshow.co.uk/25september-bristol

As ever, the National Landlord Investment Show is dedicated to helping landlords and investors make informed decisions in a rapidly changing market. Whether you're an experienced landlord looking to expand your portfolio or just starting out, the National Landlord Investment Show offers a wealth of information and opportunities to help you succeed and prosper.

Wishing you the very best on your property investor journey.

TH

The current Bill was introduced to Parliament in 2023, but took years of consultation to come to fruition, so even if it were abandoned in favour of a fresh proposition, a new Bill could take years to reach Parliamentary review again.

Please note this article was written on June 17 2024

TRACEY HANBURY EDITOR & SHOW FOUNDER

Landlords - How to Survive and Thrive in 2024, the first Landlord Investment Show Training Day drilled-down into key issues for landlords and by all metrics, was a huge success.

In partnership with Paul Shamplina the National Landlord Investment launched its very first Landlord Training Day, How to Survive and Thrive in 2024, held in London on Wednesday 5th June.

The event was a no-nonsense educational day comprising seminars, panel debates and networking, focused on coaching Landlords to navigate the tough economic and regulatory environment the private rented sector is facing. The objective was to provide UK Landlords with invaluable guidance.

Experts gave advice on a range of subjects and issues and included David Coughlin of the National Association of Property Buyers / Landlord Sales Agency, BTL Mortgage Expert Lee Grandin of Landlord Mortgages, Leigh Young of guaranteed rent specialist Elliot Leigh, tax expert Sean Hughes of Comprehensive Tax Planning, leading letting agent Steve Wayne of Benjamin Stevens and of course a legal insight delivered by Paul Shamplina of Landlord Action.

Paul Shamplina says: 'This event was delivered with decades of experience from the ground level up of how to survive and thrive with constant changes in the economy, the rental market, regulation, legislation and taxation'.

The day started a 9am with a morning breakfast/tea/coffee and networking. By the time the session was about to start there were 100+ UK Landlords taking to their seats in the main

Auditorium at the National Union of Teachers. This was an action-packed day with breaks in between for Landlords to network and digest all the information on offer.

Following on from the huge success of their first Landlord Training Day which was CPD accredited Paul, Tracey and Steve will be launching more of these events which may be coming to a city near you.

Feedback has been amazing from the Landlords in attendance, please see below what some of our attendees had to say.

Attendee Imran says: 'It's been a really busy day, we are tapping into the best of the best'.

Attendee Cleveland adds 'One of many things I have taken away from today is to try and not be so smug and think you know it because you don't'.

Steve Hanbury concludes: 'The day just flew by and it was so refreshing to meet so many landlords that have varying sizes of portfolios, some with 5 properties and others with 50 to 100+ properties in the room. All of those in attendance wanted to better themselves as Landlords and keep on being Professional. A breakfast, lunch and tons of Landlord education in one day, what is better than that'.

Keep an eye out for another Training Day coming soon and book-on quickly as places are limited!

This event was delivered with decades of experience from the ground level up of how to survive and thrive with constant changes in the economy, the rental market, regulation, legislation and taxation.

PAUL SHAMPLINA

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WHY BUY-TO-LET LANDLORDS SHOULD CONSIDER

The UK’s buy-to-let [BTL] property market has long been seen as a lucrative investment opportunity for landlords. In days gone by, BTL investors could expect to sit back and watch the money roll in from their rental properties, safe in the knowledge that their investments were relatively risk-free.

However, in 2024, this is no longer the case, with BTL now characterised by a number of significant disadvantages. For one, those who invest in BTL face a higher tax bill when compared with pre-April 2020, given that they’re now required to declare the income used to pay their mortgage on their tax return. On top of this, landlords must also contend with the extra stamp duty costs levied on them, as well as the drop in capital they’ll incur if property prices fall.

When you put it all together, it’s hardly surprising that so many BTL landlords are now making the decision to sell up, and, instead, set their sights on other areas of the market.

Property bonds – a viable alternative?

In recent years, growing numbers of landlords have shifted their attention to property bonds and it’s clear to see why. Essentially working like a loan to partially fund a construction project, property bonds enable landlords and other high-net-worth individuals to invest in the development of a property without the hassle of actually owning it.

Furthermore, in providing a higher rate of return than BTL, it’s a small wonder that so many individuals have already invested in them.

After all, landlords and investors alike benefit from the security of investing in bricks and mortar without having to worry about the day-to-

day financial costs associated with managing a property portfolio – such as maintenance, insurance, and tax. Getting the balance right

When investing in a property, investors should bear in mind that their capital is at risk, and returns are not guaranteed. Despite this, the potential and considerable rewards that investors stand to receive from property bonds – especially when compared with BTL – make them a highly appealing proposition. As such, it’s vital that investors get the balance between risk and reward right when investing in property bonds.

However, this is easier said than done, particularly if they have traditionally invested in BTL, and this is their first step into the alternative market. Those new to property bonds should, therefore, seek expert advice and take an approach that allows them to maximise the return on their investment while keeping the potential risks that they face to an absolute minimum.

HJ Collection

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www.hjcollection.co.uk

In recent years, growing numbers of landlords have shifted their attention to property bonds and it’s clear to see why. Essentially working like a loan to partially fund a construction project, property bonds enable landlords and other high-net-worth individuals to invest in the development of a property without the hassle of actually owning it.

JENI BROWNE SALES DIRECTOR, MFB

HOW TO SAVE ON YOUR NEXT PROPERTY PURCHASE

Given the more positive outlook for the property market, now’s the time to explore new opportunities and boost your portfolio. So, why not choose a finance type where you save money on your purchase?

After what can only be described as a tumultuous few years, the new property market landscape has left landlords in a unique position. Whilst we hold our breaths waiting for the expiry date on Section 21 evictions, there are plenty of new (and potentially highly rewarding) opportunities for you to take advantage of.

Being a property investor in the current climate can feel like a challenge, but landlords are the most resilient group I know. And so, it’s important we now make the most of the opportunities on offer. With house prices levelling out, rental demand continuing to rise, and mortgage rates softening, one such opportunity is Auction Finance.

The Rise of Auction Finance

2024, so far, seems to be the year of Auction purchases for property investors. And with many landlords finding properties at 20% - even up to 30% - off the market price, it’s no surprise why.

According to research conducted by iam property, the UK’s largest residential auction provider, Q1 this year saw the most active auction market to date. With a 14% increase in the number of properties sold YOY, a staggering 2,588 in total, auction activity is booming.

Regionally, the Southeast showed a rising appetite for auction properties, with a massive 20% increase in sales for Q1 compared to 2023. Kent and Greater London topped both tables for the volume of sales and Capital Value. Not only does this show how the market is growing and changing, but also highlights the range of properties available.

Many people think of auction properties and think of neglected, repossessed homes in unlettable conditions, but this research shows that’s not necessarily the case. With it’s quick and easy process, it’s worth exploring what properties you could add to your portfolio to boost your rental profits.

The benefits of buying at auction

So, what’s in it for you? The main benefits of buying at auction are lower property prices and quicker turnaround times. The tight timeframes mean landlords who aren’t cash buyers will opt for the bridging finance route, as it’s much quicker to arrange.

A wider variety of properties are becoming available, presenting an opportunity to purchase a property at a lower price and increase its value through refurbishment. Ultimately, buying at auction can add a high-yielding asset to your portfolio at a fraction of the cost of buying at market value.

As with any property investment purchase, there are a number of things

to consider before diving straight in, the key risk being you don’t see the property before you purchase. It’s also more than likely that a survey won’t have been completed, so you're somewhat going in blind. You’ll also need to arrange the finance after you bid, and you stand to lose a deposit if you cannot complete on time. As such, it’s essential to use a good broker (like us!) who understands the auction market and can offer you support through to completion.

Your Next Auction Purchase

With mortgage rates softening, it’s time to look at your portfolio for ways to fund an auction finance investment. Whether you buy a property, do it up, and then sell it to make a quick profit or let it out to boost your portfolio in the long term, buying at auction is a fantastic opportunity for all landlords. I may be biased, but working with a broker is the best way to discuss these property finance plans. We can review your current circumstances to find the best way to fund your auction purchases, setting you up for success in 2024.

The main benefits of buying at auction are lower property prices and quicker turnaround times. The tight timeframes mean landlords who aren’t cash buyers will opt for the bridging finance route, as it’s much quicker to arrange.

KAM DOVEDI

PREMIER PROPERTY GROUP

5 KEY WAYS IN WHICH THE RISE OF INTEREST RATES HAVE AFFECTED THE

UK PROPERTY INDUSTRY

With the Bank of England increasing interest rates yet again to help control inflation and the cost of living crisis, the property market is being affected. These economic changes that are being experienced right now are already ones that we at Premier Property had planned for as we like to examine the market in 1, 3, 5 and 10 year phases. There's 5 key ways in which the rise of interest rates have affected the UK Property Industry, and we explore them in this article.

#1 More traditional stock coming back on to the market.

At the moment, buy to let investors have been hit hard, as rising rates mean their profit margins are squeezed, which ultimately leaves them with two options, sell on, or adapt. At Premier Property we've noticed a number of traditional and seasoned landlords selling up, meaning there's more traditional stock available for you to buy right now, and in many cases at a great price. That's because unfortunately those landlords who haven't upskilled have been hit by a number of changes targeted at the property industry, ranging from tax hikes, to legislation, to stress tests and now increasing rates.

#2 A shift in the type of housing

As rates rise, profits are being diminished. As you know, profit is revenue minus costs and one of the biggest methods of revenues for property investors is rental. So how do you increase rental? By using a strategy called HMOs. By implementing the HMO Strategy you are able to increase cashflow significantly, especially during these challenging times and you are also tapping in to an increasing rental demand market as more tenants are moving in to HMOs.

From the experience of housing 100s of HMO tenants, There's 3 tenant types that we believe are the best at Premier Property and those are:

1. Students - reliable and predictable stay

2. Keyworkers (especially NHS Staff) - longevity

3. Young professionals who have recently graduated - use to HMO's as students

#3 Developers need to derisk more than usual

At the moment because of where we are in the property market cycle, in my opinion larger developments consisting of building more than 10 units or development projects which can last over 18 months need to be monitored more closely. This is because by the time the project is done, the market maybe in a completely different place, so you may find profits being wiped out completely, and in many cases make a loss. Aim to target development deals which can be done quickly in this current climate, which have a clear exit and also commercial to residential projects that have a short time line. As rates change this will effect your in and out with development.

#4 Increased foreign investment

It's a well known fact that when interest rates increase, foreign investment also increases. So for the property industry, you will notice increased competition for projects from foreign nationals as they see the UK as a safe haven for their money.

#5 with rising rates, it's definitely still worth investing in property

The fact is property has been and always will be one of the best asset classes to be investing in. If you assess the worlds wealthiest people, they all have property portfolios.

To add to that, if we are assessing property over a 10 year time frame, there's a number of tangible factors at play that work to your advantage, and one of those is inflation. On average, in the UK inflation is around 5% (not right now, but if we look at an average spanning many decades). Inflation, although it has a negative effect on other

parts of the economy, as a property investor is has a huge benefit. Over a 10 year period, inflation compounded at 5% means: 1) an increase in property price by 63% 2) an increase in rental by 63% 3) loan reduction in real terms by 63%.

To add to this, there is a fundamental lack of supply of housing in the UK, and in economics the principle of supply and demand means prices go up. To add to that the government's levelling up scheme and bettering of infrastructure means that for a new investor it's time to get in, and if you're an experienced investor it's time to derisk and scale.

At Premier Property, we provide tried, tested and tactical information to help landlords to start and scale in property, especially in a challenging market like we are in right now. We have created a set of resources we can send out to you for FREE as your are a Landlord Investment Show Subscriber. Email hello@premierproperty.co.uk and with subject 'landlord resources' and we will send them across.

Property has been and always will be one of the best asset classes to be investing in. If you assess the worlds wealthiest people, they all have property portfolios.

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ENHANCING FIRE SAFETY THROUGH ACCESSIBLE ALARM CONTROLS

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms play a crucial role in early fire detection, however, accessibility to these alarms can pose a challenge for individuals with physical limitations or when alarms are installed in hard-to-reach locations. Low-level Smoke

and CO Alarm controls, like Aico’s Ei450 RadioLINK Alarm Controller, provide an efficient solution to these challenges.

Low-level control switches provide occupants with accessible control over their alarm systems, enabling them to test, locate, and silence alarms from a convenient location. This feature is particularly beneficial for individuals who may struggle to reach high-mounted alarms or those with limited mobility. Low-level switches offer a simple method to identify the sounding alarm in the event of activation, especially crucial in homes equipped with a combination of Smoke and CO alarms.

While regular alarm testing is essential for ensuring proper functionality, recent data reveals a concerning trend. A study of over 50,000 homes, predominantly social housing, connected using HomeLINK technology, indicated that only half of the properties had alarms linked to low-level control switches. This disparity in accessibility resulted in a striking difference in alarm testing behaviour.

Over 60% of homes with low-level control switches tested their alarms at least once within the past year, with this number decreasing dramatically to 24% in homes without these switches.

This data highlights a critical issue: the lack of engagement with fire safety measures among occupants of homes without low-level control switches. The 76% non-testing rate suggests that homeowners may not be adequately aware of the potential dangers posed by fire hazards and may not be taking necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones.

The over 60% testing rate in homes with low-level control switches demonstrates the positive impact of accessible alarm testing. By facilitating regular testing, these switches educate the occupier to recognise the different sound patterns that Fire and CO Alarms make.

Encouraging occupants to think about fire safety and prompting them to consider potential fire hazards, develop escape plans, and discuss fire safety measures with family members.

Statistics published by the Home Office reveal that most fatal domestic fires occur in properties with either no or non-functioning Smoke Alarms. While occupants in homes with working alarms are undoubtedly safer, the data suggests that those who actively test their alarms will have an even higher level

of protection. Regular testing indicates a heightened awareness of fire risks and a willingness to take additional steps for home life safety.

Removing barriers to enable participation and engagement is a common theme in various aspects of life, low-level Smoke and CO alarm control switches represent a successful example of barrier removal in the realm of domestic fire safety. The data overwhelmingly supports the positive impact of these switches on alarm testing.

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PAUL SHAMPLINA MANAGING DIRECTOR

THE ELECTION AND THE LANDLORD

As the Founder of Landlord Action, I am passionate about advocating for the rights of landlords and raising standards in the sector for both landlords and tenants. Consequently, I have closely monitored the evolution of the Renters (Reform) Bill and its potential impact.

This vigilance continued until 22 May, when Prime Minister Rishi Sunak requested the dissolution of Parliament, announcing a General Election to be held on 4 July.

The Renters (Reform) Bill's journey has been a complex and frustrating one. Initially announced in 2019, the Bill aimed to address critical issues within the rental sector. However, the onset of the pandemic in March 2020 diverted attention and resources, delaying its progress significantly. Despite emergency measures for the property sector during the pandemic, delays across all legislative changes meant the Bill did not reach Parliament until May 2023. This left a narrow window of just one year before the election, insufficient for thorough examination and passage.

Throughout this period, numerous amendments—totalling around 200—were proposed to ensure the Bill was practical and effective. While I understand the necessity of these amendments, the continuous delays have caused significant frustration. Despite concerns that the legislation had been diluted by backbench Conservative MPs sympathetic to the landlord lobby, it remained the most comprehensive and significant effort to modernise private tenancies in a generation.

The protracted uncertainty has had a profound impact on the private rental sector (PRS), arguably more so than some of the issues the Bill initially sought to address.

As we move towards the election, the future for landlords remains uncertain. It is crucial for all political parties to provide clear, actionable plans that will instil confidence and stability within the sector. Landlords, tenants, and the entire housing market deserve clarity and decisive action moving forward.

So, what now for landlords?

If the Conservatives are elected, we can anticipate the progression of the Renters (Reform) Bill as it stands, which will abolish Section 21. However, this will only happen once the court system is equipped to handle the expected increase in Section 8 proceedings. A clear commitment to timely court reforms is essential for maintaining a healthy rental market. Both landlords and tenants need assurance that any changes will be accompanied by measures to streamline the legal process and provide timely resolutions to disputes.

While nearly all parties agree on abolishing Section 21, a Labour victory would lead to its immediate abolition. Unfortunately, this could overburden an already strained legal system, resulting in further delays for landlords needing possession of their property. Labour has also pledged to extend the eviction notice period.

The Liberal Democrats and the Green Party have also promised to eliminate “no-fault” evictions, which are already banned in Scotland. Reform UK, on the other hand, has indicated that it would abolish the Renters (Reform) Bill, suggesting it would retain Section 21.

All major parties support a national landlord register to ensure compliance with legal and safety requirements and a Decent Homes Standard similar to that used in the social housing sector.

There is also broad consensus among the parties on making discrimination against tenants with children or those receiving benefits illegal, as well as allowing tenants to keep pets at home, with the option to pay pet insurance to cover property damage.

One significant move which is likely to spark the interest of landlords, is the promise by Reform UK to scrap the

interest relief restrictions which have been a major catalyst for the exodus of landlords from the PRS over the last 5 years.

The Conservatives have also pledged to abolish Capital Gains Tax for landlords who sell to sitting tenants if they win the General Election. This scheme, intended to last for two years, aims to incentivise landlords to release more housing stock and benefit long-term renters by increasing their opportunities to get on the housing ladder.

As we await the outcome of the upcoming election, landlords are once again left in a state of uncertainty. The general public has grown weary of unfulfilled promises from politicians, and the consensus is leaning towards a majority Labour government. If this prediction holds true, the Renters (Reform) Bill will likely be revisited, starting afresh under the new government.

However, it’s important to remember that any new iteration of the Bill will still need to pass through the House of Lords, where Conservative MPs hold a majority. This process is likely to delay the implementation of the Renters (Reform) Bill for another 18 months to 2 years.

My advice to landlords at present is to stay calm and sit tight, as we have faced similar situations before. Regardless of the election outcome, we must continue to push for a rental market that is fair, stable, and efficient for all parties involved. Despite any political promises, the reality is that our country needs landlords, and without you, there is no PRS.

On a personal note, I remain committed to supporting landlords through these uncertain times and ensuring their voices are heard wherever possible at the highest level in the ongoing dialogue about the future of the rental sector.

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