Landlords could be forgiven for approaching the 2026 Budget with some trepidation. Over recent years, property investors have had to contend with higher Stamp Duty, restrictions on mortgage interest relief, additional regulation and significant increases in the cost of financing and maintaining rental properties. The 2026 Budget brings another tax increase for some landlords. However, Continue Reading…
For landlords who own leasehold flats, rising service charges have traditionally been viewed as a profitability problem. Increasingly, however, they could become a mortgageability and property value problem too. Every additional pound in costs ultimately reduces a landlord’s net return. But if service charges become sufficiently high to concern mortgage lenders, the consequences could extend Continue Reading…
For motor traders, perhaps the most important question following the 2026 Budget isn’t simply what changed for businesses. It’s whether customers will feel more confident about buying and running a car. Ahead of the Budget, the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) called for action on rising dealership costs, business rates, employment costs, EV charging and Continue Reading…
Trust has always mattered when selling used cars. But could a severe lack of trust now be making the sales process harder for dealers as well as customers? Research commissioned by Cazoo, involving 2,025 used car buyers, found that just 35.5% said they trusted second-hand car dealers. More than half expected friction or difficult negotiations, Continue Reading…
The Renters’ Rights Act was introduced with a clear objective: to provide greater security and fairness for tenants. Supporters argued it would create a more balanced rental market, while critics warned it could lead to higher rents, reduced access to housing, and landlords leaving the sector altogether. Several months on, the reality appears more nuanced. Continue Reading…
The automotive sector is entering one of the most disruptive periods in its history, with established manufacturers facing growing pressure from a wave of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brands, changing consumer expectations and rapid technological development. That warning comes from industry veteran Jon Wakefield, UK boss of Aion, the electric vehicle marque owned by Chinese Continue Reading…
Used Car Dealers in the UK are calling for a review of the Consumer Rights Act (CRA). The Act was introduced to give consumers confidence when making purchases and to provide clear remedies when products fall short of expectations. From a consumer protection perspective, few would argue with that objective. However, recent feedback from motor Continue Reading…
Recent media coverage suggests Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are moving firmly into the political spotlight. Concerns about neighbourhood character, parking pressures, anti-social behaviour and the loss of family housing are driving calls for tighter planning controls. At the same time, local authorities are increasingly using Article 4 Directions to restrict landlords’ ability to convert Continue Reading…
Reports had suggested the Government was considering one of the biggest overhauls of property taxation in decades. The proposal, put forward by the Fairer Share Campaign, would have replaced both council tax and stamp duty with a single annual charge based on a property’s current market value. However, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has now firmly Continue Reading…
Seven of the UK’s largest housebuilders are facing a proposed class action worth up to £4.5 billion over allegations that commercially sensitive information was shared between competitors, potentially affecting the pricing of new-build homes. The claim follows a Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation and is being brought on behalf of more than 700,000 people Continue Reading…
