Landlord Planning for 2026: How to Start the Year Compliant and Protected Why January Is a Critical Month for Landlords January is the best time to set your landlord strategy for the year ahead.Clear planning reduces voids, disputes and compliance risks. Review All Compliance Requirements Ensure certificates are valid and
Why January Launches Perform Well January buyers are not browsing — they’re acting.Homes that launch correctly often receive early interest and competitive offers. Price Accurately from Day One Early-year momentum rewards realism.Overpricing in January can stall what should be a strong launch. Professional Marketing Is Essential High-quality photography, floorplans and
Why Year-End Reviews Matter December is the ideal time for landlords to review compliance, documentation, property condition, and rental strategy for the year ahead.Small updates now can prevent voids, improve returns and ensure smoother tenancies in 2026. Review All Compliance Certificates Check expiry dates for: Gas Safety EICR (Electrical Safety)
Why December Is a Great Time to Sell While it’s not the traditional “selling season,” December can be incredibly effective: Buyers are more committed There’s less competition Homes feel warm, inviting and cosy A well-presented home during winter can truly stand out. Use Warm, Inviting Lighting Natural daylight is
A Surprisingly Active Winter Market While many assume December is quiet, the SW London market continues to move steadily.Motivated buyers, soft seasonal pricing, and strong rental demand create distinct opportunities — whether you’re selling, buying or letting this month. Winter Buyer Behaviour: More Serious, Less Browsing Unlike spring, December buyers
Rate backdrop (quick facts) Bank Rate: 4%; BoE to update again on 6 Nov (this week). (bankofengland.co.uk) Lenders have been edging pricing down through autumn as inflation cools; averages around ~5% for mainstream 2- and 5-yr fixes have been common in recent months. (Direction varies by lender/product.) (Zoopla) Your decision
Why November works Stock is up vs last year but pricing is measured—good homes still move fast when launched right (Rightmove shows October asking prices +0.3% MoM with activity above 2024). (rightmove.co.uk) Your 3-week Sharpes plan Week 1 (Prep & Positioning) Street-level comps + buyer heatmap; light staging (kerb appeal,
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
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
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
