They say “luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity”. But many will be feeling decidedly unlucky within the property space – whether that be through their own lack of preparation or a perceived lack of opportunity. But with next week’s budget, there will at least be something else – more certainty. And this clarity will be bestowed upon a sector where, right now, various organisations continue to highlight the importance and need for private landlords – whilst also pointing to the need for professionalisation, judicial reform and incentives like tax reductions for restoring properties and increasing supply. And with average yields at 7.2% and high tenant demand, there is certainly still opportunity. As those actively investing in the market adapt to regulatory shifts – forming companies and optimising portfolios – property still offers promising opportunities to secure long-term gains while enhancing rental standards for tenants. It remains a dynamic landscape, and we shall see what Wednesday brings into sharper focus.

The Radix Big Tent Housing Commission report emphasised the essential role of private landlords in providing sustainable, high-quality rental housing. It supports the National Residential Landlords Association’s call for judicial reform and standards alongside the Renters’ Rights Bill, highlighting the need for improved rental supply and tenant protections.

The looming threat of increased taxes in next week’s Wednesday budget has led to a surge in UK landlords forming limited companies to manage buy-to-let properties. Recent data shows a significant rise in incorporations as landlords seek to reduce tax liabilities in response both to historic changes in mortgage interest relief and looming potential changes to capital gains tax benefits. This push may actually benefit tenants as well as landlords in the long-run, as more landlords will be professionalising. It’s possible we’ll see overall perhaps slightly fewer landlords overall, but whom each control larger numbers of properties each, and perhaps purchase investment properties from others. Somewhat interesting changes were seen in Scotland while rent controls were being introduced (and rents increased hugely due to fearful landlords who had perhaps not increased rent for many years, increasing rents between tenancies). While rent controls were really hitting home, the number of Landlords appeared to plateu and even dip little, whilst the number of registered rental properties actually rose (see graphs below). This could be what professionalisation looks like (although part of this could just be the registration data catching-up with reality). Notwithstanding all that, the days of the “accidental landlord” may be numbered – especially the self-managing ones. Hopefully one positive to come out of this will be a rise in standards generally. And if the sector were somehow to become more attractive for Landlords, that can only mean an increase in rental supply (and subsequent stabilisation of rental increases) – which may be a welcome breath of fresh air to tenants facing fierce competition from their peers for properties.

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More stories of fraudulent tenant behaviour being exposed, such as attempting to sub-let their property illegally. The actions of these individuals highlights the importance of thorough tenant checks and vigilance to prevent rental fraud by the minority of dishonest tenants.

Who are M2P? Married2Property are a family-run property company that aims to build social good through property.

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) urges Chancellor Rachel Reeves to reduce the 3% stamp duty levy on rental properties. The association suggests removing this levy for landlords restoring empty homes or increasing housing supply in order to incentivise investment and address rental shortages amid rising competition for properties.

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The Radix Big Tent Housing Commission report also calls for the UK government to treat landlords equally to house-builders, emphasising landlords’ essential role in addressing the housing crisis and maintaining a good level of rental property. It supports the National Residential Landlords Association’s call for court system improvements to handle changes from the Renters’ Rights Bill effectively. With a current average of around 15 tenants chasing every 1 rental property in England, it’s an important point to highlight.

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Criticisms of the Renters’ Rights Bill abound, with arguments that it undermines property owner’s rights, especially with the Section 21 eviction ban and delayed rent arrears action. There are continued warnings it could shrink the private rental sector, worsening tenant issues by reducing property availability and escalating rental prices.

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The buy-to-let market in England and Wales has reached record-high gross rental yields, averaging 7.2%. Rising rents, particularly in Wales and the North East, are outpacing house price growth. Despite high yields, rising mortgage rates, tax changes and regulatory uncertainties pose challenges for landlords, though some investors remain optimistic about potential returns.

And Finally… Jim Rohn once said, “We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.” Words to live by…

What do M2P do? Married2Property aims to create social good through by property – by housing more vulnerable groups of people – giving them a stable platform from which to try and improve their lot in life.

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Darren de Wal