Preston, Chorley & Leyland Property Blog

Preston, Chorley & Leyland Property Blog Offering informative property news, updates and tips to our local community. Your essential local property blog!

Preston Starter Homes 13.3% Cheaper Today Than 35 Years AgoIt might surprise many that, despite significant inflation ov...
05/08/2024

Preston Starter Homes 13.3% Cheaper Today Than 35 Years Ago
It might surprise many that, despite significant inflation over the past few years, buying a house today is still more affordable as a percentage of take-home pay.

The average value of a typical Preston first-time buyer property has surged by 401.5% since 1989 (35 years ago), reaching £127,100 in 2024. So, the title of this article sounds wrong.

Yet the headline price one pays for your home is almost irrelevant. Indeed, it is what it costs each month out of one's salary. You see, despite this increase in house prices, the monthly mortgage payments that first-time buyers in Preston need to make today are significantly lower as a proportion of their take-home pay compared to 1989.

According to data from the Nationwide Building Society, today's first-time buyers in Preston spend 28.6% of their household take-home pay on mortgage payments, a substantially lower amount than the 33.0% required in 1989. This is because wages were lower, and the Bank of England's base rate was 14.88%. This represents a 13.3% reduction in the financial burden of monthly mortgage payments today for Preston first-time buyers compared to 1989.

One might argue that 1989 was long ago and irrelevant to today's economic climate. I would disagree. However, a more recent comparison from 2007 reveals that first-time buyers in Preston had to allocate 37.9% of their household income to mortgage payments. This is still 24.5% higher than today's figures, underscoring the improved property affordability in Preston over the past few decades.

So why has this happened? Real incomes (after inflation) have risen, and interest rates are much lower. That is true.

UK household incomes have grown in real terms in the last 35 years by 25.02% (i.e., after inflation), while interest rates are at 5.25%
Yet the improved affordability of housing in Preston for first-time buyers is influenced by several factors beyond lower interest rates and increased household incomes. One significant aspect is the overall change in the housing market dynamics, including government policies, the availability of mortgages, and demographic shifts.

UK Government Policies and Mortgage Availability
Government policies supporting first-time buyers, such as Help to Buy schemes and favourable mortgage products, have made homeownership more accessible. These policies often provide financial assistance or guarantee parts of the mortgage, reducing the initial financial barriers for first-time buyers. Moreover, the availability of competitive mortgage products with lower interest rates and longer repayment terms (over 30 and 35 years) has eased the burden on first-time buyers.

Demographic Shifts and Urban Development in Preston
Demographic changes, including the growth of urban areas and improved infrastructure, have also contributed to the housing market's evolution. With its strategic location and improved transport links, Preston has become an attractive option for commuters and young families. This has increased demand for housing, driving development projects that cater to the needs of first-time buyers with affordable housing options.

Rent vs. Buy in Preston: Economic Considerations
As new rental prices continue to rise at an alarming rate, the economic advantage of buying over renting becomes more pronounced. Renting often involves annual rent increases, offering no long-term financial security. In contrast, buying a home with a fixed-rate mortgage provides predictability in monthly payments and the potential for property value appreciation.

However, many people will counter that by saying first-time buyers must find large deposits. The average first-time buyer deposit in 2023 was an eye-watering £53,414. Remember, though, that this is just an average, and 95% mortgages (meaning a 5% deposit would need to be found) have been available for over 14 years and are comparatively easy to obtain with a decent credit history! Of course, a large deposit (25%) will get to a lower interest rate (at the time of writing, the best 95% mortgage/5% deposit was at 5.2%, versus a 75% mortgage/25% deposit mortgage at 4.24%), yet if one extends the number of years one has for the mortgage, then the monthly payments will come down. (Remember to take advice from someone qualified to advise you on this).

One advantage is that homeowners build equity, which can be a significant financial asset over time, whereas renters do not gain any ownership benefits despite continuous payments.
If you don't buy a home, once you retire and have no significant assets, you should receive support from the government for your rental payments. However, as your family will have probably flown the nest by the time you retire, you will only qualify for support for a smaller home (meaning you will either need to move home when you reach retirement or supplement the rent from personal funds).

Final Thoughts
The Preston property market has seen a roller coaster shift in affordability for first-time buyers over the past 35 years. While property prices have increased substantially, the proportion of household income required for mortgage payments has decreased due to lower interest rates, real-term income growth, and supportive government policies. This improved affordability, combined with the rising cost of rent, makes buying a more attractive and financially sound option for many.

The economic landscape has changed significantly, favouring first-time buyers in ways that were impossible in 1989 or even 2007. As the market continues to evolve, first-time buyers in Preston can take advantage of the current conditions to secure their financial future through homeownership. The reduced financial burden and the potential for long-term gains make now a suitable time for those considering stepping onto the property ladder.

Making Sense of the Preston Property Market's £207 per Square Foot Value.Preston, a vibrant city with a diverse property...
23/06/2024

Making Sense of the Preston Property Market's £207 per Square Foot Value.

Preston, a vibrant city with a diverse property market, offers countless opportunities for homeowners seeking their next home. However, navigating this landscape requires a strategic approach to avoid common pitfalls. If you're a current homeowner weighing up your options for a potential move, this guide will shed light on some key factors to consider.

The Diverse Landscape of Local Properties

Preston boasts an array of properties varying in age, size, and style, which means there's something for everyone. Some homebuyers prefer newly built homes for convenience and low maintenance, while others opt for established homes. These older homes offer more space for your money and sometimes renovation potential.

However, this diversity makes it crucial to look beyond surface-level data to understand a property's value truly. Other distinctions that impact a property's value include location, layout, bedrooms, condition, and unique features.

A prime example is the disparity in price per square foot among properties across the town.

Currently, the average Preston property is
on the market at £207 per square foot

Yet, this only tells half the story.

The problem with averages is they hide the outliers and exceptions. Outliers/exceptions are the statistics and numbers that go far outside the average value of a group of statistics, yet they are where the magic happens.

Therefore, I suggest we look at the 'central 80% range' instead of just the average. This is, in essence, the core 80% cut of the stats, thus excluding the top and bottom 10% of stats. Consequently, looking at the 'central 80% range’ for Preston …

80% of properties currently for sale in Preston are
between £133 per square foot to £291 per square foot

This broad range highlights the importance of not relying solely on square footage averages when valuing your next home.

Another example is bedrooms. Typically, a 4-bedroom home is expected to be valued higher than a 3-bedroom home, and this generally holds true. However, there is some overlap between their price ranges.

In Preston, the average asking price of a 3-bedroom home is £209,000, compared to £328,000 for a 4-bedroom home

Everything is in order there, as would be expected.

Yet when examining the 'central 80% range' - the prices for 3-bedroom homes in Preston fall between £130,000 and £300,000. Meanwhile, the 'central 80% range' for 4-bedroom homes spans from £225,000 to £475,000.

As you can see, there is quite an overlap!

Finding the Right Balance: Practicality vs. Emotional Connection

When considering your next Preston property, it's important to strike a balance between practicality and the stuff you can't measure with a statistic - i.e., the emotional appeal.

On the practical side, you could create a list of essential features - such as desired neighbourhoods, reception rooms, layout, garden size, and local amenities - to help you prioritise properties that meet your needs. For instance, proximity to good primary schools will be vital if you plan to start a family or already have children. Similarly, desirable features like south-facing patios and gardens, modern kitchens, and open floor plans can significantly impact your enjoyment of the home.

On the practical side, evaluate the duration of your stay in the new property. Most homeowners of smaller to medium-sized Preston homes move every five to six years, so considering the marketability of your home when it's time to sell is crucial. An area with convenient transport links, a vibrant local community, and proximity to shops or leisure facilities will appeal to future buyers.

However, your personal ‘emotional connection’ to a property should not be overlooked. The feeling you get when you walk through the door, the view from the kitchen, and the unique atmosphere of each home influence long-term satisfaction and value. The blend of rationality and emotional resonance will ultimately guide you toward a decision that reflects your aspirations.

Recognising Hidden Costs and Potential Returns

When moving into a new property, it's essential to factor in hidden costs like Stamp Duty, legal fees, surveys, and mortgage arrangement fees. You should also be mindful of the maintenance costs, renovation expenses, and unexpected repairs that can arise, especially with older properties.

Conversely, consider the potential for returns if you invest in upgrades or improvements. A well-thought-out renovation could significantly increase the value and desirability of your home, providing excellent returns if you decide to sell. However, assessing the cost-benefit ratio before embarking on a project is essential, as over-investing might not always yield a profitable return.

Ready for Your Next Move?

In conclusion, finding your ideal property involves much more than crunching numbers. Your decision should reflect a careful blend of practicality and emotional resonance with the home, all while understanding market conditions.

If you are considering a move and would like expert advice on your property's value or the current property market, don't hesitate to reach out.

Preston’s £1.76 Billion Inheritance from Baby Boomers Won't Save Gen X and MillennialsMany people we talk to in their la...
20/04/2024

Preston’s £1.76 Billion Inheritance from Baby Boomers Won't Save Gen X and Millennials

Many people we talk to in their late 30s to late 40s are relying on the inheritance from their Baby boomer generation parents to help them in their home buying and retirement future.

It is true there is £2 trillion (£2,040,861,524,790 to be exact give or take a few pennies) tied up in equity in the property of everyone in the UK who is aged 65 years and older (to add context to that the NHS costs £181bn per year, well under a tenth of the equity tied up in property).

With additional investments in stocks and shares including buy-to-let properties of around £2 trillion to £3 trillion, it is estimated there is a total of between £4 trillion and £5 trillion that will be inherited in the next two decades from Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) to both Generation X (born 1965 to 1980) and in some part Millennials (born 1981 to 2000).

This financial realignment, already in motion, is expected to unfold over the next few decades, reshaping the economic landscape for many and offering a glimmer of hope to younger generations facing many financial uncertainties.

The narrative surrounding this monumental transfer of wealth has captured the media's attention, not only due to the staggering magnitude of the figures involved but also because of the potential implications for the financial well-being of younger generations.

Many Preston and Chorley Generation X and Millennials have navigated a turbulent economic landscape marred by skyrocketing student loan debt, escalating living expenses, and a series of economic downturns, including the Global Financial Crash.

These challenges have cast a shadow of financial insecurity over this group of people, leaving many to question their prospects for achieving a stable and secure retirement.

So how much equity is tied up in homes locally? Looking at numbers for our Local Authority.

Preston Baby Boomers own 9,994 homes outright, worth £1,618,348,408 with a further 852 homes with a small mortgage on it, worth an additional £137,966,064 (an impressive £1.76 billion in Preston alone).



Despite the allure of this impending wealth transfer, the reality is more nuanced and complex.

A considerable portion of this equity is poised to circulate within already well-off property-owning families. This stark reality serves as a sobering reminder of the wealth disparity that characterises the current economic landscape, tempering expectations of a widespread windfall.

Adding another layer of complexity to this scenario is the looming spectre of healthcare costs for the ageing Baby Boomer population. According to Age UK, on average, it costs around £800 a week for a place in a care home and £1,078 a week for a place in a nursing home. The exorbitant expenses associated with elderly care, including long-term care facilities and home health aides, pose a significant threat to depleting the savings (and equity) of many Baby Boomers, potentially leaving little to be passed on to their heirs.

This predicament underscores the precariousness of relying on inheritance as a financial safety net.

The Preston Baby Boomer generation, having reaped the benefits of significant economic growth and wealth accumulation opportunities, particularly in their property and stock market investments, now faces the daunting challenge of ensuring financial resilience in the face of escalating care home and healthcare costs. The dream of bequeathing a substantial inheritance to the next generations may be at risk, as the financial burdens of healthcare threaten to consume a significant portion of their accumulated wealth.
As the nation grapples with an aging demographic and the accompanying financial challenges, the narrative surrounding this wealth transfer necessitates a closer examination, calling for a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between wealth, healthcare, and intergenerational equity.

Moreover, younger generations' reliance on inheritance as a means of financial security highlights a deeper systemic issue within the economy.

The challenges Preston Gen X and Millennials face, from the burden of student loans to the volatility of the job market, underscore the need for structural reforms that empower individuals to build financial stability independent of familial wealth.

As we navigate this pivotal moment in our country’s history, we must engage in thoughtful dialogue and policy-making that address these critical issues, ensuring a more prosperous and equitable future for all.

Do share your thoughts on the matter with a comment.

P.S. Not all is lost for you older Millennials or Generation Y-ers (those born after 2000), as you will inherit an additional £3.4 trillion in equity owned by the Gen X-ers (those born between 1965 and 1980). Yet how much locally?

Preston Gen X-ers own 6,011 homes outright, worth £973,373,252 with a further 5,667 homes with a mortgage on it, worth £917,668,644 (an equally impressive £1.89 billion in Preston alone).

Preston Property Blog - 2-Bed or 3-Bed  Homes: Which Sells the Fastest?Understanding the nuances of property sales is es...
20/04/2024

Preston Property Blog - 2-Bed or 3-Bed Homes: Which Sells the Fastest?

Understanding the nuances of property sales is essential for both homeowners and investors in the dynamic Preston property market.

A few weeks ago, the Preston properties that sold subject to contract (stc) in the three months of Dec, Jan & Feb, took an average of 63 days to sell.

Now time has moved on, looking at the Jan, Feb and March Preston house sales, this has slightly improved, so now …

The average Preston home in Q1 2024 was on the market for an average of 55 days before agreeing on a sale.

This change, though minimal, is noteworthy against the backdrop of the UK's economic environment.

As a seasoned local estate agent, our interactions with landlords and homeowners eager to navigate the local property market have revealed a common query: the impact of property type and the number of bedrooms on its saleability.

Saleability can be measured in several ways. One method is to calculate what percentage of homes of that type, etc, sell compared to how many do not. Another is to calculate how long it takes to agree on a sale. A few weeks ago, we looked at how the price range affects how long it takes to agree on a sale. Therefore, for this article, we wish to look at how quickly a property sells when looking at the type of property or the number of bedrooms.

Detached, Semi-Detached, Terraced or Flat –
Which sells the quickest?

Looking at the home sales that have taken place in the last three months, this is how long it has taken to find a buyer for the different property types:

• Detached homes in Preston - 115 days to find a buyer.
• Semi-Detached homes in Preston - 36 days to find a buyer.
• Terraced/Town houses in Preston - 49 days to find a buyer.
• Flats/Apartments in Preston - 78 days to find a buyer.

Preston 1 beds, 2 beds, 3 beds, 4 beds or even 5+ beds –
Which sells the quickest?

Looking at the home sales that have taken place in the last 3 months, this is how long it has taken to find a buyer for the different bedroom types:

• One bed homes in Preston - 94 days to find a buyer.
• Two bed homes in Preston - 54 days to find a buyer.
• Three bed homes in Preston - 47 days to find a buyer.
• Four bed homes in Preston - 94 days to find a buyer.
• Five bed (or more) homes in Preston - 165 days to find a buyer.



Drilling down into the numbers, it becomes apparent that semi-detached homes are the quickest to sell when it comes to type of property and properties with three bedrooms sell the quickest.

The Current Preston Property Market Landscape

The present-day property scene presents a mixed bag. An increase in listings compared to 12 months prior suggests a vibrant market, yet it must be remembered that there has been an increase in selling times, which hints at a shift towards a buyer's market (in 2022, it took an average of 46 days to secure a home sale, whilst, in 2023 it was 68 days). This nuanced change underscores the importance of strategic selling and investment approaches in today's climate.

Understanding and adapting to these shifts is critical for those selling their homes. The proper presentation and pricing strategy can significantly enhance your Preston property's appeal, aligning it with current buyer preferences and market trends.

On the investment side, properties that have lingered on the market might represent hidden gems. These situations often allow for more negotiation leeway, potentially leading to advantageous deals.

As we enter Q2 of 2024, the local property market is ripe with opportunities. Sellers must be attuned to what resonates with today's buyers, leveraging insights on preferred property types and sizes to their advantage. Meanwhile, Preston buyers and buy-to-let investors can find value in exploring properties that have been on the market longer than average, where negotiation can yield significant benefits.

Expert Advice for Navigating the Local Property Market

In navigating the local property market, several strategies can prove invaluable.

For Sellers: Emphasise your property's unique selling points, be its location, size or specific features. Ensure your property is well-presented. Setting a realistic price based on current market trends and comparable sales will expedite the selling process.

For Buyers and Investors: Conduct thorough research to identify areas with high growth potential or market-undervalued properties. Consider properties others may have overlooked, as these can often be negotiated to a more favourable price.

For Everyone: Stay informed. Our Preston property blogs and national property news can keep you abreast of local market trends and provide a strategic edge, whether you're selling buying or investing.

With its ever-shifting dynamics, the property market presents many opportunities and challenges. For sellers, aligning with market preferences and presenting your property in the best light is crucial. Buyers and investors, on the other hand, should look for potential in less obvious places where patience and negotiation can unlock significant value. Navigating this landscape requires market knowledge, adaptability, and strategic action.

Whether you're looking to sell your cherished home or make a savvy investment, understanding the pulse of the local property market is your key to success. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by telephone, email, direct message or text 01257 273324 – 07956 469225.

🎯 Local Property Market News...Is now a good time to buy, or should people wait?As we go into the second quarter of 2023...
21/05/2023

🎯 Local Property Market News...
Is now a good time to buy, or should people wait?

As we go into the second quarter of 2023, there is significant uncertainty in the UK economy, leading to uncertainty in the property market.

The number one issue is the fight against inflation and the cost-of-living crisis. The Bank of England is working hard to decrease inflation, and hopefully, in summer, we should see British inflation coming down. From that, we should expect interest rates to come down later in the year (and that is what the money markets believe with the 5-year swap rates).

This has driven mortgage pricing to the same levels seen the week before Liz Truss' budget in September 2022. This will make homes more affordable because the mortgage payments would be lower.
Then there is the issue of house prices. Will they crash?

Later in the article, we explain why 2023 differs entirely from 2008 (the last property market crash).

Yet it cannot be denied that the house prices achieved for homes today are lower than that completed in 2022. So why have house prices risen in the last few months in?

The Land Registry states house prices
are 0.6% higher than three months ago.

The devil is always in the detail. When the Land Registry reports on house prices from a particular month, it is actually from sales agreed six to nine months ago (because it takes on average four to five months from sale agreed to legal completion, then the solicitors have another two/three months to send the house paid data to the Land Registry).

That means the above increase in local ouse prices is really from the sales agreed upon in the late summer of 2022.

Looking at what properties have been selling for this autumn and winter, there are some minor reductions in the pipeline that will show later in the summer (because of the time lag of the Land Registry). Yet, as I discussed a few weeks ago when we was looking at £/sq. ft on sales agreed in February (not completed sales like the Land Registry), it is minor stuff.

Why do people buy a property?

Life events often drive someone to buy (or sell) a home. Every potential home buyer should ask themselves these two questions if they are considering a purchase.

1. Am I in a stable financial position? Do I have a deposit and enough savings (or access to them via, say, family) should an unforeseen disruption occur in my life?

2. Do I plan to be in this neighbourhood (or the village) for at least the next five years?

If you answer yes to both questions, then buying now makes sense. But if the answer is no to either of these two questions, consider waiting until both answers are yes.
Being in the local property market for as long as I have, the one thing I have learned, both personally and dealing with many people moving home over the years, is this.

The time to buy is when your ‘life events’ merit purchasing a home.
Note I say home and not a house. A house is a physical structure, whilst a home is a feeling. Don't lose sight of the real reason for your endeavour – to build a home for yourself and those you care about.

Of course, house prices may fluctuate up or down in a 12 to 24-month period, but if you plan to have a minimum of at least five years in your new home, there are clear benefits to buying and owning a home.

In September 2022, there were 146 properties for sale in locally; today, it is 229 properties.

Also, house prices achieved today are slightly lower than last year. That was to be expected as the ‘inflated’ house prices achieved in 2022 (because of the queues outside open houses, multiple offers to one place, rocketing house prices, and limited homes for sale etc.) aren’t being achieved today.
That means many people who couldn't buy a home over the past couple of years are finding the market much more accommodating now.

What is the property market outlook for the rest of this year and the future?

Some people are trying to compare the current 2023 UK property market with the 2008 property market, yet there are significant differences between the two years.

Difference #1 is there is a massive amount of equity in homes today compared to 2008 (£189,500 today vs £135,900 in 2007).
Difference #2 was the stock levels of properties for sale.
The number of properties for sale locally jumped from
761 in early 2007 to 820 in late 2007.

Even though there has been an increase in properties for sale in over the last six months (as mentioned in the article earlier), it has yet to be on the scale of the jump in 2007. This oversupply of the property market was a significant cause of house prices dropping in 2008.
Difference #3 is there is a lot less unemployment in the economy today than in 2008 (3.2% today vs 5.6% in 2008).
Difference #4 is that most people (87%+) are on fixed-rate mortgages compared to 56% in 2008, so the increase in interest rates is not so much an issue compared to the run-up to the Credit Crunch in 2008.

There are other differences, but I want to avoid this turning into War and Peace!

Next, you must remember that it isn’t just ‘one property market’.
There are ‘micro’ property markets within the whole local property market.

There is still an undersupply of certain types of properties, meaning in those ‘micro’ property markets, supply can only partially satisfy the number of buyers wanting to buy a home, meaning house prices in those sections are holding up.

Yet on the other side of the coin, there is an oversupply of some other properties. Some of the increase in the overall number of properties on the market comes from overpriced homes in the 'oversupplied' micro property market.

If you want to know which ‘micro’ property market you are potentially selling in and potentially buying in (i.e., whether they are in an under or over-supplied 'micro' property market, drop me a line or send me a DM.

These are my thoughts, are you currently selling or buying, how are you finding the local market, do let me know yours in the comments.

Best regards
Paul Forbes

Many local tenants are annoyed with competing for rental properties at high rents. Therefore, over the last 12 months, m...
21/05/2023

Many local tenants are annoyed with competing for rental properties at high rents. Therefore, over the last 12 months, many renters have been stretching their finances to get on the housing ladder, despite sky-high mortgage rates.

With just under 1 in 3 house purchases made by first-time buyers in the last 12 months, it might surprise many that this has been steadily growing since 2010 when only 1 in 5 house purchases were made by first-time buyers.

Surprisingly, first-time buyers have remained the most resilient group of property buyers, even during these difficult times.
Meanwhile, demand for local rental properties is high.
With demand outpacing supply, some renters are forced to accept higher prices or offer more than the asking price to secure new tenancies.

This situation has made many local renters move forward with their plans to buy a home for themselves, despite the increasing costs of home ownership.

But what about the deposit?
It appears the ‘Bank of Mum & Dad’ are helping first-time buyers with their deposits. The national average deposit paid by first-time buyers was just over £63,000 in January '23, which was 23.4% of their purchase.

The lowest rate for a two-year fixed first-time mortgage with a 23% deposit is 4.13%, up from 2.86% a year ago.

So, how can first-time buyers reduce their monthly payments? They can do it by increasing the length of their mortgage. For example, increasing your mortgage term from 25 to 30 years will save you £45 per month in mortgage payments for every £100,000 borrowed.

But what about those buyers with a low deposit?

According to the Moneyfacts website, the number of available 95% mortgage deals has risen from the early 160s in early March to nearly 210 last week. This is the highest level since September 2022, showing that banks are not worried about a property price crash. Moreover, the Coventry and Nationwide Building Societies have reduced their mortgage rates on low deposit (90% to 95%) mortgages over the past few weeks. The average 2-year fixed 95% mortgage is 5.64%, and the best rate is 4.9%.

However, Skipton Building Society has even launched structured products for certain first-time buyers that will not need a 5% deposit if the buyer can prove their rental history (about time too).

🎯 Breaking News: Renters Reform Bill Unveiled What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know...The most critical piece of legis...
21/05/2023

🎯 Breaking News: Renters Reform Bill Unveiled
What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know...

The most critical piece of legislation affecting the private rented sector in England has been announced today in the Houses of Parliament.
The Renters Reform Bill, which has been long-awaited since its initial promise in 2019, encompasses a range of measures designed to enhance the quality of housing within the private rented sector while also offering protection to tenants against 'no fault evictions' and easing the process of keeping pets.
Many Landlords have been eagerly anticipating the details of this bill, as it will provide them with much-needed clarity regarding new regulations, enabling them to plan accordingly.
Contrary to widespread concerns, this bill should not instigate alarm within the Private Rental sector. On the contrary, it aims to simplify the procedure for landlords to reclaim their properties from tenants engaged in anti-social behaviour or persistently failing to meet rent obligations.
If we delve deeper into the matter, it becomes apparent that its impact on landlords is less substantial than portrayed.
The bill involves replacing Section 21 with a bolstered Section 8, which still provides landlords with a means to regain possession of their properties.
In fact, this change makes it even easier for landlords to reclaim their properties.
The introduction of a Private Renters' Ombudsman is expected to reduce the costs associated with disputes between tenants and landlords, while a new property portal will provide greater clarity regarding compliance.
Consequently, the bill does not deserve the label of a ‘Landlord Bashing Licence’ that some in the Press have given to it.
The pressing issue of the housing crisis cannot be ignored, as the sector currently harbours numerous substandard homes where tenants endure unacceptable living conditions.
However, the government must exercise caution to ensure that responsible landlords, who constitute a substantial majority, are not penalised for the actions of a minority of rogue operators.
Landlords have faced mounting scrutiny over the past decade. Maintaining the Private Rented sector as an attractive option for responsible landlords is crucial, significantly, as rental prices rise and not enough homes are being built.
With the implementation of this bill, the aim is to level the playing field for both tenants and landlords in England as the Bill endeavours to improve the overall quality of housing in the sector and alleviate concerns regarding no-fault evictions.
As more details of the proposed changes emerge and when these new rules will come into play (it is estimated it will be sometime in 2024), both landlords and tenants will be able to navigate the sector with increased confidence and certainty.

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