Latest Property News | Warwick Estate Agents

Details: Published: 22 July 2026; Hits: 314

A council says it’s inviting residents, landlords, tenants, letting and managing agents and “other stakeholders” to have their say on new HMO rules.

The proposed standards set out the council’s expectations for the quality and management of HMOs, including requirements for bedroom sizes, kitchen and bathroom facilities, communal space, storage, refuse and recycling arrangements and other amenities.

The aim is to ensure that shared housing provides safe, healthy and suitable accommodation for residents while giving landlords clear and consistent guidance on the standards expected.

A spokesperson for Hertsmere council says: “HMOs play an important role in providing accommodation for many people, including young professionals, students and those seeking safe and affordable housing.

“These proposed standards are designed to help ensure that everyone living in shared accommodation has access to safe, well maintained, and good quality homes.

“We encourage anyone with an interest in HMOs to take part in the consultation and share their views.”

The proposed standards have been developed to:

Improve the quality and safety of HMO accommodation
Promote the health and wellbeing of residents
Provide clear and consistent guidance for landlords and property managers
Support effective and proportionate regulation of HMOs
Help maintain high standards across the private rented sector

A number of changes have been made to the Amenity Standards in light of updated legislation and resident and tenant feedback. These changes include additional requirements for landlords to ensure:

· Fire and gas safety precautions are in line with new national requirements

· Refuse is appropriately stored and disposed of

· Garden areas are kept tidy and free from rubbish and debris

· HMOs are inspected on a quarterly basis

· New expectations on the size of rooms within the property, including bedrooms, living areas and bathrooms

Details: Published: 14 July 2026; Hits: 300

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: 457

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: 509

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.”