Reliance Residential

Reliance Residential An independent estate agency, full of knowledge and expertise in Lettings and Property Management.

We offer over 25 years of combined experience and have developed an extensive knowledge of the local property market enabling us to offer bespoke property services that is both friendly and professional to our clients. As a member of ARLA Propertymark and The Property Ombudsman (TPO), we adhere to their code of practice, allowing for real peace of mind for all the clients we serve. Whatever your property needs are, we are here to help, so please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Property tax reform is back on the agenda.A recent report from Centre for London has called for the replacement of Stamp...
12/06/2026

Property tax reform is back on the agenda.

A recent report from Centre for London has called for the replacement of Stamp Duty and Council Tax with a new Proportional Property Tax (PPT) based on property values.

Supporters argue that:

✔️ Stamp Duty can discourage people from moving or downsizing
✔️ Council Tax is often criticised as being regressive
✔️ Reform could help improve housing mobility
✔️ Additional revenue could support social housebuilding

The report estimates that abolishing Stamp Duty could unlock thousands of additional homes each year by making it easier for people to move into properties that better suit their needs.

While any major reform would require careful consideration across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the discussion highlights an important question:

Does the UK need a modernised property tax system?

At Reliance Residential, we closely monitor the policy changes and market developments shaping the future of UK property.

🌐 https://relianceresidential.co.uk/

The HHSRS changes on 23 June 2026 – what you need to know...From June 2026, updates to the Housing Health and Safety Rat...
09/06/2026

The HHSRS changes on 23 June 2026 – what you need to know...

From June 2026, updates to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) will change how housing hazards are described, scored and categorised by local authorities.

The core duty remains the same, homes must be safe, but the system is being simplified to improve consistency and clarity across inspections.

Key changes include:
• Hazard categories reduced from 29 to 21
• A–J bands replaced with High, Medium and Low risk ratings
• Harm classes renamed for clearer interpretation
• Simplified scoring based on likelihood and severity
• Expanded fire hazard definitions

Category 1 hazards will broadly align with “High” risks, where enforcement action is required.

For agents and landlords, this increases the importance of regular inspections, clear record-keeping and early risk identification.

Common areas of focus remain falls, excess cold, damp and mould, and fire safety risks.

At Reliance Residential, we help landlords and agents stay compliant in a changing regulatory landscape.

🌐 http://relianceresidential.co.uk/

HMRC has reminded landlords that the Furnished Holiday Lettings (FHL) tax regime ended on 6 April 2025, meaning holiday ...
05/06/2026

HMRC has reminded landlords that the Furnished Holiday Lettings (FHL) tax regime ended on 6 April 2025, meaning holiday lets are now taxed in the same way as standard residential rental properties.

Some key changes include:

✔️ Holiday let income no longer normally counts towards pension tax relief calculations
✔️ Full mortgage interest deductions are no longer available
✔️ Mortgage interest is now relieved through a 20% tax credit, in line with residential landlord rules

For many holiday let owners, these changes could have a significant impact on tax planning and investment returns.

If you own, manage, or are considering investing in rental property, understanding the latest regulations is more important than ever.

🌐 http://relianceresidential.co.uk/

UK house prices continue to show resilience in 2026 🏡The average UK house price now stands at £271,900, up 1.5% year-on-...
04/06/2026

UK house prices continue to show resilience in 2026 🏡

The average UK house price now stands at £271,900, up 1.5% year-on-year, with values increasing by more than £4,000 per property over the last 12 months.

While the market has largely stabilised following the rate-driven slowdown of recent years, growth remains highly regional. Northern Ireland, the North West, North East, Scotland, and Wales are all outperforming the national average, while parts of southern England continue to see flatter pricing.

For buyers, sellers, landlords, and investors, understanding local market conditions has never been more important.

At Reliance Residential, we help clients navigate changing market conditions with professional advice and local expertise.

🌐 http://relianceresidential.co.uk/

A new MHCLG strategy will combine surveys, court data, local authority reporting, and the new PRS Database to better und...
02/06/2026

A new MHCLG strategy will combine surveys, court data, local authority reporting, and the new PRS Database to better understand how rental reforms are working in practice under the Renters’ Rights Act.

The aim is clear: more accurate, transparent, and consistent data to assess whether policy is improving standards, protecting tenants, and maintaining rental supply.

With evaluation reports expected in 2028 and 2031, the coming years will be crucial in shaping the future of the UK rental market.

At Reliance Residential, we believe clarity and reliable information are key to a healthy property sector.

🌐 http://relianceresidential.co.uk/

The UK property market continues to show resilience in 2026.Despite fewer active buyers in the market, more homes are se...
30/05/2026

The UK property market continues to show resilience in 2026.

Despite fewer active buyers in the market, more homes are selling than this time last year, highlighting the importance of realistic pricing and strong market positioning.

Some key trends from the latest House Price Index:
📈 Average UK house prices have risen by 1.5% over the past year, reaching £271,900
🏠 First-time buyers are spending around £10,000 more than they were a year ago
📍 Northern regions continue to see the strongest price growth, while London and parts of the South remain broadly flat

The market remains active, but with buyer numbers softening in some areas, accurate valuations and local market expertise are becoming more important than ever.

Whether you're buying, selling, investing, or letting, understanding local market conditions can make all the difference.

🌐 http://relianceresidential.co.uk/

The archaic leasehold system continues to add pressure to an already strained UK housing market.It has now been nearly a...
28/05/2026

The archaic leasehold system continues to add pressure to an already strained UK housing market.

It has now been nearly a decade since the “Leasehold: A Life Sentence” report, yet many of the same issues remain, rising service charges, limited transparency, building safety concerns, and ongoing uncertainty for leaseholders.

Despite the introduction of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, only a small portion of its provisions are currently in force. Meanwhile, leaseholders are still facing significant financial strain, with some service charges increasing by more than 50% and little clarity provided to justify these costs.

Recent reporting has also highlighted a worrying trend: some leasehold properties are now selling for less than half their previous value, as buyer confidence continues to weaken in response to ongoing risks and uncertainty.

While further reform has been proposed, including the Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill, progress remains slow, and many of the most pressing issues, particularly around service charge regulation, are still unresolved.

At the same time, increased transparency requirements under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (2024) are putting further pressure on the system. However, in practice, key leasehold information is still fragmented across multiple parties, making transactions slower and more complex than necessary.

The result is a market where buyers are more cautious, transactions are more fragile, and leaseholders are often left carrying disproportionate financial and legal burdens.

As debate continues in Parliament and the House of Lords, one point is becoming increasingly clear: without meaningful reform, leasehold risks continuing to act as a barrier within the wider housing market rather than a functioning form of ownership.

A fairer, more transparent system isn’t just desirable — it’s necessary to restore confidence for future homeowners.

Happy Spring Bank Holiday from all of us at Reliance Residential 🌼A well-earned pause for many, and also a great moment ...
25/05/2026

Happy Spring Bank Holiday from all of us at Reliance Residential 🌼

A well-earned pause for many, and also a great moment for landlords to reflect on how their portfolios are performing heading into the busy summer market.

Whether you’re managing a single property or a full portfolio, staying on top of market conditions, rental demand, and compliance can make all the difference.

🌐 http://relianceresidential.co.uk

Accurate property values are set to become a key part of the UK’s upcoming High Value Council Tax Surcharge (HVCTS) refo...
22/05/2026

Accurate property values are set to become a key part of the UK’s upcoming High Value Council Tax Surcharge (HVCTS) reforms.

The Government has launched a consultation following the 2025 Autumn Budget, with the surcharge expected to apply from 2028 to homes in England valued at £2 million or more.

A major concern within the proposals is ensuring property values are consistent, transparent, and regularly updated, so homeowners and authorities can clearly understand liabilities and calculate council tax fairly.

Key points from the policy:

✔ Fewer than 1% of properties in England are expected to be affected
✔ The surcharge is forecast to raise around £430 million annually
✔ Valuation Office draft listings are expected in 2027
✔ First bills are expected to be issued in March 2028
✔ Properties will be revalued every five years, with the next review planned for 2033
✔ Charges will increase annually in line with CPI

There is also growing focus on the role of property agents, with proposals suggesting managing agents may be required to provide ownership information, and potentially face penalties for non-compliance.

The wider discussion highlights a long-standing issue in the UK tax system: significant inconsistencies in how property values translate into council tax bands. In some cases, lower-value homes currently pay proportionally more than high-value properties, raising questions around fairness and accuracy.

As the consultation progresses, one thing is clear, the success of the HVCTS will depend heavily on robust, up-to-date and transparent valuation data across the market.

Why do so many homes fail to sell? 🏡Recent data shows that 44% of UK homes listed for sale in the past 3 years failed to...
19/05/2026

Why do so many homes fail to sell? 🏡

Recent data shows that 44% of UK homes listed for sale in the past 3 years failed to reach completion, and unrealistic pricing appears to be one of the biggest reasons.

What are successful sellers doing differently in 2026?

✔️ Pricing in line with local market conditions, not future plans or desired budgets
✔️ Getting a professional valuation before viewing or offering on another property
✔️ Taking guidance from experienced estate agents
✔️ Maintaining presentation, including repairs, cleanliness, and kerb appeal
✔️ Monitoring local market trends before listing

Interestingly, over half of sellers who eventually sold had to reduce their asking price, with average reductions around 7%.

Selling isn’t only about the property itself, timing, local demand, pricing strategy, and preparation all play an important role.

Thinking about selling or monitoring the market?

🌐 http://relianceresidential.co.uk/

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Suite 6A, Ingram House, Churchgate, Herts
Cheshunt
EN89XB

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Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 2pm

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