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UK Property Market: Round-Up & Impact March 2025

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Posted in Apr 04 , 2025

UK Property Market: Round-Up & Impact March 2025

Tenancy Reform Under Scrutiny as Eviction Loopholes Revealed

The government proposed the Renters’ Rights Bill, which was intended to protect tenants by removing the no-fault eviction. However, the market reacted with backlash after it was found that the bill had a loophole that allowed landlords to evict tenants using many other legal alternatives, over which the government couldn't intervene.

This led to uncertainty about tenants' safety. Landlords still have more control over the tenancy than was intended for tenants. However, if this does not change, market confidence could suffer.

Landlord Backlash: Legal Pushback on New Rental Legislation

Landlords have started preparing for a potential legal battle over the new Renters’ Rights Bill, which they believe is flawed and unfair. The primary reason for this involves the lack of balance in addressing the rights of both tenants and landlords.

If legal action is pursued, it may delay the bill's rollout and introduce more uncertainty into the market. A divided housing sector could complicate reform and contribute to reduced rental supply over time.

Crackdown on Rogue Landlords: £45k in Penalties Issued

A local council has taken firm action against negligent landlords, issuing fines totalling £45,000 for poor property conditions and regulatory breaches. This highlights the need for stricter enforcement of housing standards.

This reinforces the need for landlords to meet compliance standards or face heavy penalties. Whilst this could enhance tenant living conditions, it may also raise operational costs and dissuade small-scale landlords.

Homebuyers Rush to Beat Proposed Stamp Duty Tweaks

Ahead of expected stamp duty changes, the property market saw a sharp rise in completed transactions, as buyers hurried to secure deals before new rules potentially increase their tax liabilities.

Whilst beneficial in the short term, this spike may be followed by a market dip. It’s a reminder of how tax policy strongly influences buyer behaviour, creating waves of urgency and pauses in demand.

Market Holds Steady but Uncertainty Lingers Among Stakeholders

Despite a healthy volume of transactions, the housing market isn’t confident. A general sense of hesitancy continues due to changing legislation, interest rates, and economic uncertainty.

Whilst prices remain stable, sentiment-driven slowdowns could affect future investments. Sellers and buyers alike are cautiously watching the next few months.

Are Tenants Set for Consequences of Rental Reform?

Although the Renters’ Rights Bill is being framed as tenant-friendly, some analysts suggest it could reduce rental stock. As landlords grapple with higher regulations, some may exit the market entirely.

A shrinking rental supply could raise rents, making it harder for tenants to find affordable homes. Without balanced reform, tenant protections could result in fewer rental choices.

Licensing Reform Paused Amid Legal Objections

A proposed licensing initiative targeting private landlords has been temporarily halted due to legal challenges. The programme ensured better regulation and housing quality in designated areas.

The delay represents a setback for councils aiming to improve rental standards. It postpones additional responsibilities for landlords but means longer waits for tenants to receive regulatory improvements.

HMO Landlord Fined for Safety and Compliance Failures

An HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) landlord has been fined for failing to comply with housing and safety regulations, underlining the increased scrutiny of multi-tenant properties.

This signals that local authorities are closely monitoring HMO conditions. Landlords operating in this space will need to remain particularly vigilant. In the long run, tighter standards should benefit tenant welfare.

Is It Time for Landlords to Exit the Rental Sector?

Growing regulation, legal threats, and reduced profitability have made many landlords question whether it's time to sell. With stable property values, some choose to exit while prices remain strong.

A potential wave of exits could shrink the rental market, increasing demand pressure on remaining properties. However, if ex-rental properties return to the sales market, this may also boost housing availability for first-time buyers.

Rate Cuts Ignite Buyer Activity, but Mortgage Offers Disappear Quickly

Major mortgage lenders have reduced fixed rates, sparking strong demand among buyers and homeowners looking to remortgage. However, many of the best deals are vanishing fast due to overwhelming interest.

Lower rates could fuel short-term buying momentum and make home ownership more accessible. Still, the competitive rush for low-rate deals shows how fragile affordability remains in today’s market.

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UK Property Market: Round-Up & Impact March 2025

The UK property sector is cautious because of the transition. This past month has been filled with significant updates and developments, from legal reforms to mortgage changes. Below is a roundup of the most impactful news that could directly or indirectly impact landlords, tenants, and buyers. Tenancy Reform Under Scrutiny as Eviction Loopholes Revealed The government proposed the Renters’ Rights Bill, which was intended to protect tenants by removing the no-fault eviction. However, the market reacted with backlash after it was found that the bill had a loophole that allowed landlords to evict tenants using many other legal alternatives, over which the government couldn't intervene. This led to uncertainty about tenants' safety. Landlords still have more control over the tenancy than was intended for tenants. However, if this does not change, market confidence could suffer. Landlord Backlash: Legal Pushback on New Rental Legislation Landlords have started preparing for a potential legal battle over the new Renters’ Rights Bill, which they believe is flawed and unfair. The primary reason for this involves the lack of balance in addressing the rights of both tenants and landlords. If legal action is pursued, it may delay the bill's rollout and introduce more uncertainty into the market. A divided housing sector could complicate reform and contribute to reduced rental supply over time. Crackdown on Rogue Landlords: £45k in Penalties Issued A local council has taken firm action against negligent landlords, issuing fines totalling £45,000 for poor property conditions and regulatory breaches. This highlights the need for stricter enforcement of housing standards. This reinforces the need for landlords to meet compliance standards or face heavy penalties. Whilst this could enhance tenant living conditions, it may also raise operational costs and dissuade small-scale landlords. Homebuyers Rush to Beat Proposed Stamp Duty Tweaks Ahead of expected stamp duty changes, the property market saw a sharp rise in completed transactions, as buyers hurried to secure deals before new rules potentially increase their tax liabilities. Whilst beneficial in the short term, this spike may be followed by a market dip. It’s a reminder of how tax policy strongly influences buyer behaviour, creating waves of urgency and pauses in demand. Market Holds Steady but Uncertainty Lingers Among Stakeholders Despite a healthy volume of transactions, the housing market isn’t confident. A general sense of hesitancy continues due to changing legislation, interest rates, and economic uncertainty. Whilst prices remain stable, sentiment-driven slowdowns could affect future investments. Sellers and buyers alike are cautiously watching the next few months. Are Tenants Set for Consequences of Rental Reform? Although the Renters’ Rights Bill is being framed as tenant-friendly, some analysts suggest it could reduce rental stock. As landlords grapple with higher regulations, some may exit the market entirely. A shrinking rental supply could raise rents, making it harder for tenants to find affordable homes. Without balanced reform, tenant protections could result in fewer rental choices. Licensing Reform Paused Amid Legal Objections A proposed licensing initiative targeting private landlords has been temporarily halted due to legal challenges. The programme ensured better regulation and housing quality in designated areas. The delay represents a setback for councils aiming to improve rental standards. It postpones additional responsibilities for landlords but means longer waits for tenants to receive regulatory improvements. HMO Landlord Fined for Safety and Compliance Failures An HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) landlord has been fined for failing to comply with housing and safety regulations, underlining the increased scrutiny of multi-tenant properties. This signals that local authorities are closely monitoring HMO conditions. Landlords operating in this space will need to remain particularly vigilant. In the long run, tighter standards should benefit tenant welfare. Is It Time for Landlords to Exit the Rental Sector? Growing regulation, legal threats, and reduced profitability have made many landlords question whether it's time to sell. With stable property values, some choose to exit while prices remain strong. A potential wave of exits could shrink the rental market, increasing demand pressure on remaining properties. However, if ex-rental properties return to the sales market, this may also boost housing availability for first-time buyers. Rate Cuts Ignite Buyer Activity, but Mortgage Offers Disappear Quickly Major mortgage lenders have reduced fixed rates, sparking strong demand among buyers and homeowners looking to remortgage. However, many of the best deals are vanishing fast due to overwhelming interest. Lower rates could fuel short-term buying momentum and make home ownership more accessible. Still, the competitive rush for low-rate deals shows how fragile affordability remains in today’s market.

Mortgage Approvals Surge as Buyers Rush to Beat Tax Changes

With mortgage approvals about to rise in the UK, all key homebuyers have started their race to get the best deals on their property before the stamp duty is changed. As per the latest news, the approvals to purchase houses have hit an all-time high in the last few months, driven mainly by the concern over taxes getting adjusted in the upcoming budget. What’s the increase? The latest figures from the Bank of England reveal that mortgage home buying approvals increased to 50,000+ last December from 48,000 in November. This was the highest number of approvals since July 2023, which indicates an increase in buyers looking to purchase properties before stamp duty increases. Despite the high interest rates, the number is rising because buyers are keen to ensure they lock in the best mortgage deals after the news surfaced in the market about tax changes for homebuyers in the coming months. Is it temporary? Unless the government has other plans, the threshold will be introduced temporarily and is rumored to expire in March 2025. The current speculation is that the Chancellor may soon reveal the changes in the Spring Budget, declaring an end or revision in tax for buyers. First-time buyers in England and Northern Ireland pay no stamp duty tax on properties valued at up to £425,000 and a reduced rate for homes worth up to £625,000. Due to rising market concerns, buyers are pushing to speed up their purchases. They fear that they might have to pay more if they wait. Since last month, first-time buyers have increased their activities to get their hands on the best properties. What’s the impact on the housing market? With this surge, hopes for the 2025 UK housing market are firm. While property prices are generally stable, the increase in demand may lead to short-term price growth in many areas, primarily where buyers compete to get good property deals before the tax is implemented. It should also be noted that experts have already warned that removing or reducing the stamp duty may cause a slowdown in the latter part of 2025. It would cool the market and dry up sales, as investors are pushing hard to lock mortgages and finalize their properties before the announcement. With mortgage approvals on the rise, buyers are rushing to finalise the deals whilst all eyes are on the Chancellor to reveal the Spring Budget. The government’s decision on stamp duty could significantly impact market activity in the months ahead. For now, buyers considering purchasing a property may benefit from acting sooner rather than later, as the current stamp duty thresholds remain in place.

Latest UK house price figures offer “high hopes” for 2025

The UK property market started on a good note in 2025, with steady growth and more buyers entering despite the uncertain economy. Experts remain optimistic that 2025 will end profitably for everyone. Recent data from the government shows that the average housing price is on the rise throughout the UK. Prices have increased 2.5% with a yearly ratio following the period of stagnation the market saw in 2023 and the start of 2024 due to the pressure of interest rates getting high. But since these rates have started to go downhill, the demand has increased, and the market has shown a sign of stability and growth. The reports suggest that in January 2025, a record number of property listings were seen, indicating that seller confidence is back. The average asking price for a house has also increased, indicating that new buyers are coming. What’s Driving the Growth? Experts say there are several factors contributing to this change, including: The news of multiple rate cuts in 2025 by the Bank of England aims to make borrowing easier and encourage mortgage applications. After the market stabilises, more first-time buyers and investors return with high hopes. Government-backed schemes continue to support new and old buyers and help homeowners with easy access. More opportunities are entering the market as new properties are listed. Trends in Regions The reports suggest that housing prices have grown more in regions like the Midlands and North of England. This is mainly due to affordability for buyers and ease of transportation. Whilst the London market has recovered from its slow growth in past years, we also see early signs that it is improving for the prime housing niche. Now, the government needs to tackle the economic uncertainty, inflation, and policy fluctuations that could impact performance at any time. As the year begins to unfold, the buyers and sellers are adviced by experts to stay informed with new trends and rate changes to maximise their opportunities. To stay in touch with this news, keep returning to our website!

Rachel Reeves to Soften Non-Dom Tax Changes to Attract Wealthy Investors

Rachel Reeves, the Shadow Chancellor, just revealed the new plans to revise Labour’s approach towards the non-domicile (non-dom). The tax reform signals a stance that will urge wealthy investors to reside in the UK. At the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Reeves talked about how important it is to ensure that the UK remains competitive in the global race of making it easy for investors. Non-dom tax schemes have always been on the radar of criticism because of their relaxation in preventing residents from paying taxes on income from outside the UK. The Labour Party has tagged this scheme as unequal, and they have already committed to ending it, which may result in a raise of £3.2 billion yearly for public services funding. As per the recent reports by the local authorities, ending this scheme may result in high-net-worth people and businesses taking their assets out of the country. In the past few years, more than 12,000 non-domiciled people have left the country, meaning more investors have left the market. The Reeves stated that these risks are too dangerous and that “It is vital that the UK remains open for business while addressing the need for a fairer taxation system.” Labour's revised plan includes an update on keeping the non-dom with some tweaks. Possible changes include reducing the time of non-dom status or adding the requirements to qualify for a stay. Reeves's shift in tone comes after feedback from major businesses and investors worried about their participation in stabilising the UK economy. This decision is based on the heightened scrutiny of tax policies after multiple wealthy people took their money out of the market. This is also why the UK is getting a lower rating as a foreign capital-friendly destination, leading to a 10% cut in property market investments in the last 2 years due to taxes. The softened reforms are meant to prevent any further hurdles in the economy. Still, the critics are urging Labour to make sure that rules that are revised again must be able to generate a substantial amount of ROI for public services whilst discarding the loopholes. The non-dom tax story and this policy are evolving with time, and Reeves’ statements are signalling Labour’s working to ensure a balance in taxation so that the UK offers a good positive advantage to the wealth investors, businesses and landlords against the global economy. Read More: Landlord Faces Over £23k Penalty for Failing to Meet Rental Standards

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