The rental picture (need-to-know) ONS: UK private rents +5.7% YoY (to August). Momentum is easing from mid-2024 peaks. Office for National Statistics Zoopla: New-let rents are +2.4% YoY with 2025 likely to end +2–3%; affordability is the key brake. Zoopla+1 Sharpen your position now Renewals with intent: Offer fair, evidence-based
The snapshot (data-driven, super short) Prices: Nationwide says house prices rose 0.5% in September; annual growth 2.2%. London still lags UK average. Reuters Asking prices: Rightmove shows +0.4% MoM in September (typical back-to-school bump) but 0.1% below last year; sales agreed running ~4% higher YoY. Rightmove Bank Rate: 4% today;
Where things stand The Government’s Renters’ Rights Bill ends Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, makes all ASTs periodic, updates Decent Homes Standard, and strengthens tenant protections. (GOV.UK) Timelines: widely expected Royal Assent Sep/Oct 2025; commencement from 2026 (staged). (The Independent Landlord, Connaught Law Limited, Howard Morley) Practical impacts (plain English) Possession
Why pricing right matters Homes priced correctly from day one sell ~3x faster than those that need reductions (32 days vs 99). Translation: less stress, stronger offers. (Rightmove) Your 30-Day Sharpes Plan Week 1: Prep & Positioning Data-driven valuation (street-level comps, buyer demand heatmap). Light staging checklist: kerb appeal, paint
The Snapshot Base rate cut: The MPC reduced Bank Rate to 4% on 7 August (5–4 vote). Next MPC announcement is scheduled for 18 September. (Bank of England, Equals Money) Asking prices: -1.3% MoM in August to £368,740 (UK), marking a typical seasonal dip; July saw the busiest sales-agreed month
EPC Timeline at a Glance Year Regulation Status 15 Jun 2025 RdSAP 10 methodology overhaul—more detailed assessments (may raise/lower ratings). (propertymark.co.uk) Confirmed 2025 (New Lets) Proposed Band C minimum for new tenancies. (ecoenergyservices.co.uk) Likely 2028‑30 Band C for all rentals; Warm Homes Plan consultations ongoing. (Simply Business UK, GOV.UK) In review Cost of Inaction Failure to
1️⃣ Mortgage Guarantee Scheme (5 % Deposits) Re‑launched in July’s Spending Review and extended to Dec 2026—95 % LTV on homes up to £600k. (The Sun) 2️⃣ First Homes (30‑50 % Discounts) Local first‑time buyers & key workers get lifetime discounts on selected new‑builds. (Zoopla) 3️⃣ Deposit Unlock (5 % on New‑Builds) Home‑builder scheme pairing 95 % mortgages with selected developments. (Find IFAs &
What’s Happening? Record July slide: Average UK asking prices fell ‑1.2 % to £373,709—London down ‑1.5 % (‑2.1 % in Inner London), the biggest July drop since 2002. (Rightmove, The Guardian) Buyer activity up: Sales agreed are 5 % higher year‑on‑year despite lower prices. (Reuters) Rate‑cut buzz: Markets price in a high chance the
Renting in London can be a challenge—but it doesn’t have to be. At Sharpes Estates, we believe in making renting feel personal, transparent, and easy. This month, we’re turning the spotlight on our tenants—and sharing real stories that show what sets us apart. Ana, Tooting Bec“I was still in Spain
Property maintenance isn’t just about keeping tenants happy—it’s about protecting your investment. At Sharpes Estates, we’ve helped hundreds of landlords steer clear of costly repair headaches. Here are the top 5 maintenance issues we see time and time again—and how you can avoid them. 1. Hidden Mould and Damp Especially
