Latest Property News | Warwick Estate Agents

Details: Published: 14 July 2026; Hits: 38

Mortgage availability has increased for a third consecutive month, with product choice rising by 45 deals to 7,177 options.

The market continued its recovery from the severe withdrawals caused by unsettled markets due to the conflict in the Middle East.

But there are still 307 fewer deals compared to the start of March 2026.

Mortgage product churn continued throughout June, the average shelf-life of a deal now stands at 14 days, one day fewer than the month prior.

Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts, says: “Mortgage product choice recovery from the steep drops seen back in April may have slowed, with an uplift of 45 options since the beginning of June, but it is the combined total of 976 deals returning since the start of May that calls for celebration.

“This equates to around three-quarters (76%) of mortgage deals coming back of the 1,283 products withdrawn in April.

“Stability appeared to be a recurring theme during June, with the average shelf-life of a deal recorded at 14 days, from 15 days the month before.

“This is a much more acceptable timeframe compared to the record low of eight days recorded at the start of April.

“Borrowers with just a small deposit or equity of 10% may be pleased to know that further recovery of product choice at 90% LTV has surpassed 900 options for the first time since the start of March 2026.

“However, there is still room for improvement across the higher LTV terms, particularly for borrowers who can only amass a 5% deposit; these deals make up just 8% of the core market (5,848).”

Government data shows fixed mortgage rates have recorded their biggest monthly reductions since October 2024.

Fixed mortgage rates dropped for a consecutive month, citing the biggest monthly reductions since October 2024, with the average two- and five-year fixed rates falling by 0.16% and 0.11% respectively, with both reaching 5.52%, their lowest points since the start of March 2026.

The downward trend edges the rates away from inversion, where the two-year average rate has been priced higher than the five-year rate for three consecutive months (April to June).

The average five-year fixed rate at 95% loan-to-value (LTV) has dipped below 6% for the first time since March 2026.

Ian Harris, NAEA Propertymark President at Propertymark, comments: “Any fall in mortgage rates should help boost flexibility for both buyers and sellers, and it could perhaps be a sign that the UK housing market is overcoming what may be the worst of the mortgage rate rises witnessed in recent years.

“However, with inflation figures due next week, all eyes will likely turn to the Bank of England and its next base rate decision at the end of the month. There has been speculation that we may see a rate rise over the coming months, which could shift sentiment among lenders as the year progresses.

“Also, the appointment of a new Prime Minister could create uncertainty among buyers and sellers due to potential changes in housing policy going forward.

“So, while today’s news is welcome, it is important to consider the wider economic picture and the many different scenarios that could play out over the coming weeks and months.”

Details: Published: 11 June 2026; Hits: 246

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has confirmed the broad timetable for the next phases of the Renters Rights Act.

With the substance of the Act having been introduced on May 1, the government says phase 2 will begin “later this year”.

Late 2026 onwards – A Private Rented Sector Database 

A government statement tells tenants: “This is a register of all landlords and rental properties in England, so you can check who you’re renting from. The new online database will be rolled out gradually by area from late 2026, showing who is renting out homes across England. 

“You’ll be able to check your landlord and see if they’re properly registered once it is live in the area you live. “

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Late 2026 onwards –  A free complaints service 

The government says: “A new independent Private Landlord Ombudsman will help renters sort complaints against landlords quickly and fairly, without needing to go to court. It will also support landlords with tools, guidance and training on handling complaints from tenants early. “

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Late 2026 onwards –   Warmer and safer homes 

The statement goes on: “Government is also continuing work to improve living conditions in privately rented homes. Consultations will inform their timelines. 

New rules in the future will raise the standard of rented homes – tackling damp, mould and dangerous conditions. Landlords will need to fix serious hazards faster and make homes more energy efficient, helping tenants stay warm and cut bills. 

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The MHCLG then moves to longer term developments, headed ”This is what is coming”

Quick landlord action to fix hazards 

“The government is looking to extend Awaab’s Law to private rentals – forcing landlords to act fast when homes are unsafe. A consultation on how best to do this will be launched soon, so private tenants can benefit from protections like those already supporting social housing tenants.”

Greener homes by 2030 

“By 2030, all privately rented homes must meet new energy efficiency standards (EPC rating C or better) unless exempt. That means better insulation, lower bills and greener living. “

Decent Homes Standard by 2035 for private rentals 

“For the first time, the government will introduce a Decent Homes Standard for privately rented homes – a clear set of rules to make sure every rented property is safe, warm and in good repair. 

“This new standard will help raise the bar across the board, giving renters confidence that their home meets basic safety and quality rules – and giving councils more power to crack down on landlords who don’t meet them. “

Details: Published: 28 May 2026; Hits: 288

Rental yields across the Private Rented Sector have stabilised with average gross yields edging up to 6.5% in Q1 2026 from 6.4% in Q4 2025, according to Pegasus Insight.

Overall profitability remains solid, with 84% of landlords describing their lettings activity as profitable, though this marks a second successive quarterly decline as the gap between income and rising operational costs continues to narrow for some.

The proportion of loss-making landlords eased back to 4% in Q1, down from 6% in Q4 2025, suggesting the picture remains manageable for the majority despite an increasingly demanding operating environment.

Performance continues to vary meaningfully across portfolio types. Landlords operating Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are again the standout performers, recording average yields of 7.6% — well ahead of the market-wide figure.

At the regional level, the North West is generating the strongest returns, with average yields of 7.1%, while London-based landlords continue to achieve the lowest, at 5.3%, reflecting the capital’s higher acquisition costs relative to rental income.

Tenant demand underpins income stability

Despite the pressures facing landlords, tenant demand continues to provide a broadly supportive backdrop.

More than half of landlords, 58%, rate current tenant demand as strong, though this figure has eased by 15 percentage points compared with the same period a year ago, reflecting a gradual softening in the intensity of demand as the market rebalances.

The typical renter has now been in their current property for an average of 5.3 years, a figure that has been gradually rising, and two thirds say they plan to stay beyond their current agreement, intending to remain for a further 4.3 years on average.

Just 17% of tenants plan to leave their current property, with most citing personal circumstances such as relocating or upsizing rather than dissatisfaction with their tenancy.

Over two thirds rate their recent rental experience as positive – a figure that has held steady year on year.

Mark Long, founder and managing director of Pegasus Insight, comments: “The stabilisation of yields at 6.5% is a more encouraging signal than it might first appear.

“Coming after a period of gradual softening, it suggests the sector has found a degree of equilibrium, at least for now, even as regulatory complexity and cost pressures continue to intensify.

“What the data consistently shows is that profitability is increasingly a function of portfolio structure.

“HMO landlords, those with larger portfolios and those operating through limited company structures continue to demonstrate greater resilience, while more traditionally structured portfolios have less of a buffer as costs remain elevated.”

Details: Published: 26 May 2026; Hits: 309

Fewer than a third of landlords are fully aware that the Renters’ Rights Act bans advance rent payments of more than one month, according to new research from LRG.

The survey of 650 landlords and tenants across England and Wales found that 43% know the rules have changed but remain uncertain of the details, while 26% say the restriction is news to them entirely.

The findings come from LRG’s Spring 2026 Lettings Report, which draws on responses from landlords and tenants to examine how the private rental sector is adapting to the most significant legislative overhaul in a generation.

The Renters Rights Act abolishes fixed-term tenancies, introduces Assured Periodic Tenancies and bans advance rent payments beyond one month.

These changes represent a fundamental shift in how the private rental market operates – yet the majority of landlords are still getting to grips with what they mean in practice.

The concern is not that landlords oppose reform. It is those provisions designed to protect tenants that are already producing consequences that may work against the very people they were intended to help.

With advance rent restricted, 58% of landlords expect to receive more borderline or higher-risk applications – including 18% who anticipate significantly more.

Only 10% expect the quality of applicants to improve. Rather than opening the market to a wider range of tenants, the restrictions risk making landlords more cautious, not less.

The agency says the effect on landlord behaviour is already visible.

Some 38% of landlords say they are either reconsidering whether to continue letting at all or have become significantly more selective about who they accept – a meaningful tightening of the market at precisely the moment more tenants need access to it. A further 6% say they are slightly more selective.

The single most common response, cited by 42% of landlords, is to rely more heavily on their letting agent to screen applicants, underlining how central professional expertise has become to keeping the market functioning.

LRG insists that the risk of supply shrinking further is not theoretical.

It cites the English Private Landlord Service as revealing that the proportion of landlords intending to reduce their portfolios has risen steadily in recent years.

LRG’s own data adds a further dimension: 70% of landlords say they would not consider letting to a local council or housing association, and fewer than 1% currently do so.

For tenants who cannot compete in the open market, this effectively closes off one of the few alternative housing routes available to them.

Allison Thompson, chief lettings officer at Leaders – part of LRG – comments: “The Renters Rights Act has some genuinely important protections for tenants, and we support the direction of travel. But the data should give policymakers pause.

“When more than half of landlords expect to see higher-risk applications as a direct result of removing advance rent, and 17% are considering leaving the sector altogether, we have to ask whether the rules are working as intended.

“The tenants who most need stability are the same ones who will struggle most if supply contracts further. Agents have a critical role to play right now – helping landlords navigate the changes, stay in the market, and keep letting to a wide range of tenants.”