Investment Archives - Fleet, Hartley Wintney, Odiham McCarthy Holden Estate Agents

The Budget and The Property Market

October 29, 2026 by John Holden

Looking at the Budget from a property perspective, the fiscal environment was defined by tight constraints. For the UK residential property market, a sector already navigating complex affordability challenges, the announcements bring a mixture of targeted support for buyers and continued fiscal pressure on investors. Generally this October 2026 Budget was underwhelming and lacked initiatives for economic growth, whilst at the same time avoided tackling matters such as the cost of welfare.

Supporting the First Steps: Buyers and New Entrants

The most significant headline for prospective buyers is the introduction of the “Your First Home” initiative. By providing a structured pathway for first-time buyers, the government appears aimed at addressing the barriers to entry that have plagued the market for years. Complementing this is the new First-Time Buyer ISA, which incentivizes long-term saving by providing a government contribution toward deposits.
While these measures are a welcome injection of optimism for those struggling to get a foot on the ladder, the long-term impact on house prices remains to be seen. Historically, targeted demand-side support can inadvertently inflate prices unless met with a commensurate increase in supply. For the broader market, this signals a government intent to keep the dream of homeownership alive, potentially sustaining buyer demand in entry-level segments even if wider economic conditions remain testing.

There wasn’t a sniff of expanding the dreaded ‘Mansion Tax’ so some short term respite on that front for owners of larger properties.

The Investor Landscape: Pressure on Landlords Continues

For property owners, particularly those in the buy-to-let sector, the Budget offers little respite. The announcement confirmed a further rise in tax on rental income. This continues a well-established trend of tightening the fiscal environment for private landlords.

The Chancellor announced that tax on income from property rental will increase by a further 2% from April next year. It was already due to go up to 22% from 1 April next year and will now go up to 24%.

When coupled with the existing burden of stringent regulatory compliance and high interest rates, this latest tax hike creates a challenging paradox. On one hand, the government is looking to extract revenue from property investment; on the other, the cumulative impact of these measures risks further reducing the supply of private rental stock.

Many good landlords exited the rental market following the Renters Rights Act in May 2026 and this further tax squeeze will add to that exodus. If landlords continue to exit the market in search of more tax-efficient investments, the result may be increased pressure on an already overstretched rental sector, potentially leading to further upward pressure on rents—a burden ultimately borne by tenants.

Conclusion

The Autumn Budget 2026 was a balancing act. By offering tangible support to first-time buyers, the government is attempting to keep the residential sales market moving and support aspirational homeowners. However, by further increasing the tax burden on landlords, it risks exacerbating the supply issues in the private rental sector.

For house sales, the outlook remains cautiously optimistic, driven by initiatives to assist buyers. For rental owners, the narrative remains one of endurance against fiscal headwinds. Ultimately, while today’s measures provide immediate clarity, the most significant impact on the property market may well come later from the long-term structural reforms currently being debated behind the scenes in Westminster.

There wasn’t any signs of radical changes and some of the big decisions around the cost of welfare and the cost of borrowing have been kicked down the road.

Landlords, Pets And Tenants

October 28, 2026October 27, 2026 by John Holden

At McCarthy Holden we are from time to time asked what is a ‘reasonable refusal’ for a Landlord to prohibit a tenant having a pet in their rental property, so here is a brief insight.

Pets In Rented Properties became a subject of focus in the Renters’ Rights Act, which came into force on 1st May 2026.

Firstly, Landlord are still able to say no to a pet request, but there needs to be a valid reason. Under the Renters’ Rights Act, all private tenants now have a legal right to formally request to keep a pet in their rented home. Regardless of what the contract says, this right is implied into every tenancy agreement, which means that even if a current tenancy agreement includes a “no pets” clause, the tenant can still submit a formal written request.

A Landlord can still refuse a pet request, but any refusal must be reasonable, specific to the property and pet in question and communicated in writing within 28 days.

What is reasonable refusal?

The government hasn’t published a comprehensive list, but the following are considered likely to constitute reasonable grounds for refusal:

A property isn’t suitable for the pet requested, so for example a large dog in a small flat without outdoor space, is a genuinely property-specific reason.

If the Landlord owns a leasehold property and the freeholder has a no-pets clause, the Landlord may have no practical choice but to refuse. The Landlord must have taken reasonable steps to seek the freeholder’s consent before saying no.

If a tenancy is share and a co-tenant had a serious allergy, wellbeing of such tenants would be a legitimate consideration (this is more likely in HMO situations).

What is not reasonable refusal?

The following could be typical of issues that would not be considered reasonable grounds for refusal:

The Landlord doesn’t like animals
The Landlord had bad experiences with pets in previous tenancies
The Landlord is worried about potential damage (without specific evidence)

Of special note is the fact that assistance animals such as guide dogs cannot be refused, which has been the case under the Equality Act 2010.

Landlord and Agent Communication

In property listings and in emails or letters, the wording matters. Landlords can no longer list a property as “no pets” upfront or use exclusionary descriptions / wording.

When refusing a specific request, the wording needs to cover a blanket statement and a reasoned property-specific explanation.

At McCarthy Holden we can advise Landlords on the best approach in line with regulations.

28-day Window For Landlords

If a tenant submits a written pet request, which must include a specific description of the pet, the Landlord has 28 days to respond in writing. If more information is required to make a decision, the Landlord must request it within that same 28-day window. Once the tenant responds the Landlord has seven days to give a decision.

Landlords and their Agent should avoid missing this timeframe in order to avoid legal exposure, even if the Landlords refusal would have been justified.

At McCarthy Holden our sophisticated lettings software and our experienced team will help ensure good record-keeping and communications.

Let Your Yea Be Yea – No Reversal

If a Landlord grants permission to keep a specific pet, that consent is permanent for the duration of the tenancy.

Redress?

If a tenant thinks a refusal is unreasonable, they can apply to court. If a court agrees, it has the power to order the Landlord to allow the pet and to require the Landlord to cover the tenant’s costs.

Reality Check

We find that most reasonable landlords make decisions on a case-by-case basis and generally try to be helpful when in the process of securing a tenant.

Established nearly 40 years, McCarthy Holden is a trusted and dependable letting agency so please get in touch if you are a landlord seeking support and advice. We cover areas such as Wokingham, Crowthorne, Eversley, Finchampstead, Hartley Wintney, Fleet and Odiham.

If you are a Landlord who would benefit from further advice on how to handle a pet request on a single rental property or across your entire portfolio, our experienced lettings team is here to help – telephone 01252 622550

Is Your Rental Property Ready for Winter?

October 8, 2026 by Sam Holden

As the temperatures begin to fall and the evenings draw in, autumn is the ideal time for landlords to make sure their rental properties are prepared for the colder months ahead.

A little preventative maintenance now can help avoid inconvenient and potentially costly problems later in the winter – while also helping to keep tenants comfortable and properties well maintained.

Heating and boilers

One of the most important areas to consider is the heating system. Boilers and heating are put under considerably more pressure during the colder months, so addressing any concerns before winter arrives can help reduce the likelihood of a breakdown at the worst possible time.

Tenants should also know how to operate the heating correctly and where to find important controls.

Gutters, roofs and outside areas

Autumn leaves and heavier rainfall can quickly highlight problems with gutters and drainage. Blocked gutters, damaged roof tiles and overflowing drains can all contribute to damp and water ingress if they are left unattended.

Trees, fences, gates and other external areas are also worth checking before the arrival of winter storms and high winds.

Condensation and ventilation

Condensation can become more noticeable as temperatures drop and windows remain closed for longer periods. Good ventilation is important, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms, and extractor fans and vents should be checked to ensure they are working effectively.

It is also helpful for tenants to understand the simple steps they can take to reduce condensation while keeping their home comfortably heated.

Keeping communication open

Perhaps most importantly, encourage tenants to report maintenance concerns promptly. A small leak, dripping gutter or minor heating problem is usually much easier to resolve when it is identified early.

At McCarthy Holden, our lettings and property management teams work with landlords and tenants throughout the year to help keep properties well maintained and deal with issues as efficiently as possible.

If you have a property that you currently let, or you’re considering becoming a landlord, our local lettings team would be delighted to talk through how we can help. Call them on 01252 622550 to find out how we can help.

How the Property Industry Has Managed the New Renters’ Rights Act

May 8, 2026 by Sam Holden

The introduction of the UK’s Renters’ Rights Act marks one of the most significant reforms to the private rented sector in decades. Designed to strengthen tenant protections and rebalance landlord-tenant relationships, the legislation has forced the property industry to adapt rapidly to a completely new operating environment.

From letting agents and landlords to build-to-rent developers and legal advisers, the industry has had to rethink tenancy structures, compliance processes, and long-term investment strategies. While many organisations initially voiced concern over the scale of the reforms, the sector has gradually shifted from resistance to adaptation.

A New Era for the Rental Market

The legislation introduced sweeping reforms across England’s private rental sector, including:

The abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions
The end of fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies
The move to periodic tenancies
Restrictions on rent increases
A ban on rental bidding wars
Greater protections for tenants with children or benefits
Stronger rights for tenants to keep pets

Since 1 May 2026, landlords can no longer remove tenants without a legally valid reason, fundamentally changing how possession cases are handled.

For an industry historically built around fixed-term contracts and landlord flexibility, these reforms represented a major operational and cultural shift.

Letting Agents Have Become Compliance Specialists

One of the clearest industry responses has been the transformation of letting agents into compliance-led service providers.

Agencies have spent the last year updating tenancy agreements, retraining staff, and introducing new systems to handle the legal requirements of periodic tenancies and revised possession grounds. Many firms invested heavily in legal guidance software, digital document management, and tenant communication platforms.

The end of fixed-term agreements meant agencies could no longer rely on routine renewals as a business model. Instead, they have focused on:

Tenant retention strategies
Faster maintenance response times
Improved communication
More rigorous referencing procedures
Stronger rent arrears management

Many agents also expanded landlord education programmes to explain how the new Section 8 possession grounds work and when they can legally be used.

Rather than acting purely as intermediaries, letting agents are increasingly positioning themselves as risk-management advisers.

Landlords Have Divided Into Two Camps

The landlord community’s response has been mixed.

Professional portfolio landlords and institutional investors have generally adapted more smoothly. Larger operators already had formal management systems, legal teams, and longer-term investment models in place. For them, the reforms accelerated trends that were already emerging in the sector.

Smaller private landlords, however, have expressed greater concern. Many fear the loss of Section 21 will make it harder to deal with difficult tenants, especially in cases involving antisocial behaviour or persistent arrears.

As a result, some landlords chose to exit the market altogether before the reforms took effect. Industry commentators noted a rise in property sales and a rush of Section 21 notices prior to implementation.

This has created a growing divide between:

Professional, compliance-focused landlords remaining in the market
Smaller accidental landlords leaving due to regulatory pressure

Many analysts believe the reforms will accelerate the professionalisation of the rental sector over the next decade.

Build-to-Rent Operators Have Benefited

Interestingly, the build-to-rent sector has largely welcomed the legislation.

Institutional landlords already operate on long-term tenancy models with professional management structures. Features such as rolling tenancies, tenant retention, and customer-service-focused operations were already common in purpose-built rental developments.

As smaller landlords leave the market, larger institutional operators may gain market share. Some investors see the reforms as creating a more stable and mature rental market similar to systems already established in parts of Europe.

This could lead to:

Greater consolidation within the rental market
Increased investment in professionally managed developments
Higher operating standards across the sector

Technology Has Played a Major Role

The industry has also responded through technology adoption.

Property management platforms have introduced features specifically designed around the new legislation, including:

Automated compliance reminders
Digital tenancy records
Rent review tracking
Notice management systems
Tenant communication portals

With penalties for non-compliance increasing significantly, landlords and agents are relying more heavily on proptech solutions to reduce legal risk.

The reforms have effectively accelerated the digital transformation of the property industry.

Challenges Still Remain

Despite these adaptations, the transition has not been entirely smooth.

Many landlords remain concerned about court delays and the efficiency of the possession process. Since landlords must now rely solely on Section 8 grounds, the speed and reliability of the court system have become critical.

Industry bodies continue to argue that without faster housing courts and stronger enforcement mechanisms, legitimate possession claims may become increasingly difficult and expensive.

There are also fears that rising compliance costs could contribute to higher rents and reduced housing supply in some areas. Tenant groups, meanwhile, argue that enforcement must remain strong to ensure the reforms deliver meaningful protections in practice.

A Shift Toward Professionalism

Ultimately, the property industry has responded to the Renters’ Rights Act not by standing still, but by restructuring itself around a new reality.

The reforms have accelerated trends that were already underway:

Greater regulation
More professional management
Increased reliance on technology
Institutional investment growth
Stronger tenant expectations

While some landlords have chosen to leave the market, others have adapted by improving standards, strengthening compliance, and embracing longer-term tenant relationships.

The long-term success of the legislation will depend on whether the industry, government, and courts can work together to create a rental market that is both fair to tenants and commercially sustainable for landlords.

What is clear, however, is that the Renters’ Rights Act has permanently changed the way the UK property industry operates.

To speak to one of the McCarthy Holden Property Management and Lettings team, call them on 01252 622550

Renters’ Right Act Ready Landlord?

March 9, 2026March 9, 2026 by John Holden

If you’re a residential landlord not yet ready for May 1st., we can help and here are some useful insights…

We are helping hundreds of our landlord clients to prepare for the may 1st changes, but there are many residential landlords who are being impacted by too many commentators scaremongering about the new Renters Rights Act, so this news item is a summary to try and provide some clear information about the key factors a Landlord needs to be aware of.

With the right professional agent support there isn’t anything a landlord needs to be worried about.

At McCarthy Holden we shall be implementing these changes in line with the Government’s phased timeline and we aim to provide our Landlords with a seamless transition from May this year.

In essence the new law aims to rebalance rights between tenants and landlords by strengthening safety and security for those renting, tightening the overall standard of rental properties, and simplifying dispute resolution.

The main changes include the following;

Abolishment Of ‘no-fault’ Section 21 Evictions

Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions will no longer be available for use from 1st May 2026. For a Landlord this means that gaining possession of their property will only be possible through a defined set of approved grounds under Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988 by mean of serving a Section 8 notice citing specific grounds and the notice period shall vary depending on the ground being relied on.

Occupation By The Landlord Or Family

It will be possible to gain possession in circumstances where a landlord or close family member wishes to move into the property. This cannot be used for the first twelve months of a tenancy and the Notice period shall be at least 4 months.

Sale Of The Property

Possession will be possible in circumstances where a landlord needs to sell the property, however, this again, cannot be used for the first twelve months of a tenancy with a Notice period of at least 4 months being required.

Rent Arrears

If a tenant has at least three months rental arrears (please note this must both be at the time notice is served and at the time of a possession hearing), then a landlord can move to gain possession of the property after serving a Section 8 with 4 week notice period.

There are also other grounds within Section 8 , both mandatory and discretionary for reasons of possession.

What Happens With An Existing AST Tenancy

On the 1st May 2026, if you currently have a tenant in situ with an Assured Shorthold tenancy (AST), this tenancy shall automatically become a ‘statutory periodic tenancy’ from this date and after this date the tenant shall be able to give 2 months notice at any time. A landlord however, will only be able to give notice for specific reasons and not to end before a tenant has been allowed to live in the property for at least 12 months.

Rental Increases

Shall only be able to be administered via the service of a Section 13 notice. These notices cannot be served more than once within a 12 month period and a landlord must provide at least 2 months notice of the increase if the rent is paid monthly. If a tenant wishes to challenge a rent increase, they can do so by applying to the first tier tribunal.

Introduction Of A New Decent Homes Standard

With mandatory repairs, timelines and minimum energy efficiency requirements (EPC band C target for private rentals within a phased timetable, expected 2028).

Establishment Of A National Landlord & Letting Agent Registration And Licensing

All landlords will be required to register on the database prior to renting out their property and this will include providing all compliance documentation (Gas Safety, EICR, EPC etc). Local Authority powers are being enhanced with Sanctions for rogue landlords, including fines, civil penalties and criminal sanctions for severe breaches.

Pet Policy

As of the 1st May all pet requests must be considered and It will be difficult to say no pets, apart from specific reasons (ie: head lease does not permit).

Our Professional Lettings Team Are Here To Help

At McCarthy Holden our Landlords are looked after by real people who live and work locally, with whom you can speak to on the phone so no bots or algorithms to delay or frustrate service delivery. We believe our Landlords experience the difference and benefits.

Our professional team are always available by phone or email, so if you are a Landlord who wants a one to one reliable service, call us on 01252 622550 for a free property valuation and advice about renting property.

Early Signs Of High End Property Sales In the Blue Triangle Area

February 26, 2026February 26, 2026 by John Holden

PEATMOOR BLUE TRIANGLE SOLD MCCARTHY HOLDEN

“There are some impressive house sales occurring in early 2026 in the Blue Tringle area of Fleet, witnessed by two completions which have happened in recent days, one guided at £2.350m and the second £1.75m. It appears that the 2025 uncertainty around top end stamp duty is well and truly consigned to history now,” reports director at McCarthy Holden Richard Ebsworth.

Why Fleet?

As a company, we know that Fleet is a fantastic place to live with and we always see a good level of people moving out of London to settle in Fleet. High buyer demand is not surprising because not only is the town a great place to raise a family, but for those working from home or for those buyers who commute into the City, travel connectivity is great with the M3 or Fleet mainline railway station on our doorstep. Once established in Fleet, people continually up-size and downsize but tend to remain within the area.

Highly Sought After Blue Triangle Area

The outlook for house sales in the Blue Triangle in 2026 is one of a stable market with increased interest from buyers. For those contemplating a house sale, vendors can be confident in the potential of finding plenty of buyers willing to secure their dream home.

So if you are thinking of a house sale this year, please do consider inviting McCarthy Holden to provide you with a free no obligation valuation / property appraisal.

Experience Makes The Negotiating Difference

Our research shows that experienced personnel and high quality marketing, combined with a competitive fee level are the main reasons why house sellers chose McCarthy Holden, so below is a reminder of just a few of the reasons why we remain the agent of choice in the Blue Triangle.

• Experienced property professionals
• Property video tours – increased web engagement
• In The Country & Town Magazine
• In branch TV marketing
• Social media marketing campaigns
• Email campaigns to our 5,000 strong database
• Well connected – Mayfair Office London
• Established level of buyers
• Professional integrity and honest service delivery

Experienced personnel make a significant difference to the delivery of estate agency services, from the initial marketing through to the judgements needed around negotiating a sale and getting the transaction to exchange of contracts.

At McCarthy Holden in Fleet we have a long established and very experienced team.

Richard Ebsworth (Director): Lives in Fleet and has worked at McCarthy Holden for 22 years and has around 30 years of estate agency / property experience.

Victoria Davies (Manager): Lives in Fleet and has worked at McCarthy Holden for over 15 years and is one of our top performing managers year in year out.

Amalia Moruzzi-Lee (Property Consultant): Has worked at McCarthy Holden for 6 years and is one of our top performing house sale personnel.

Pedro Barros (Assistant Manager): With over 10 years of local knowledge in Fleet and the surrounding areas, Pedro combines 24+ years of sales negotiation experience to deliver outstanding results for his clients.

Henry David (Negotiator): Having grown up in Fleet, Henry has a good knowledge of the local area and he is confident and focused on achieving a high level of house sales.

Joanne Byford: Lives in Fleet and has worked at McCarthy Holden for over 14 years as a property viewer / sales negotiator.

Louise Looijestijn: Lives in Fleet and has worked at McCarthy Holden for over 12 years as a property viewer / sales negotiator.

Candice Walmsley: Lives in Fleet and has worked at McCarthy Holden for 12 years as a property viewer / sales negotiator.

Candice Walmsley: Lives in Fleet and has worked at McCarthy Holden for 12 years as a property viewer / sales negotiator.

Marianne Hascher: Lives in Fleet and has worked at McCarthy Holden for 5 years as a property viewer / sales negotiator.

Sophie Roberts: Lives in Farnborough and works at McCarthy Holden as an Administrator.

Harriett LLoyd: Lives in Fleet and works at McCarthy Holden as an Administrator

Our long established and experienced property sales team at our Fleet branch

Telephone 01252 62024

Budget Insights For Landlords & Homeowners

November 28, 2025November 28, 2025 by John Holden

This Autumn Budget was like no other, because the leaky lead up to it had a negative impact on the property market and the wider economy. So much uncertainty was generated in recent months and many people simply shut down and did nothing. So the Budget day is over and people can now plan their property moves and investments with the knowledge of what’s to come as a result if this Budget.

There were no rabbits pulled out of the hat and the only surprise was that the government’s financial position is nowhere near as bad as had been suggested in the run-up.

Property & Taxes

Landlords were further impacted if their investment property is held by them as an individual as opposed to a limited company.

From April 2027, property income (e.g. rents), as well as savings and dividend income, will be taxed 2 percentage points higher than today. That brings property income tax bands to 22%, 42% and 47%.

The Budget stops short of replacing or abolishing Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). Stamp duty remains in place for now, despite earlier speculation.

The so called “mansion tax” has now arrived and it’s worth remembering that Labour previously voiced this intent back in 2019 and in part it impacted on them losing that General Election. In early 2025 rumours abounded about a forthcoming “mansion tax” and for the remainder of this year the top end of the market has been on hold.

Now we know that for owners of high-value homes, a new “mansion tax” — formally a high-value council tax surcharge — was confirmed. From April 2028, properties valued at £2 million and above will face an annual surcharge.

The tax will differ depending on the value of a property and will be determined by the following four bands.

£2 million to £2.5 million– You will pay £2,500.

£2.5 million to £3.5 million– You will pay £3,500.

£3.5 million to £5 million – You will pay £5,000.

More than £5 million – You will pay £7,500.

This will be an annual tax and the charge will be imposed on top of the existing council tax. The money will go to the Treasury rather than the local authority.

What It Means For The Property Market & Landlords / Tenants

The decision not to scrap stamp duty means there is no relief for home buyers and no increased incentives to move or buy.

For landlords, higher taxation on rental income (from 2027) will erode net returns. But one thing is for certain, this added cost will be passed on to Tenants so this move alongside the Renters Right Act earlier this year will cost Tenants more for their rented homes.

There is much speculation about the new “mansion tax” suppressing demand at the very top end of the market, but we don’t believe this will be the outcome.

The buyer demand will now return because the level of the “mansion tax” is known and whilst it might keep a lid on prices in this sector, at least transaction numbers will return.

The tax isn’t coming in until 2028 and by then another General Election will be on the horizon so disgruntled home owners wary of property taxes in general will take their discontent out at the ballot box.

Summary

From a property perspective across all price sectors, the Budget has little or no impact and any “bounce back” is likely to be moderate, not a dramatic boom. The weight of new taxes and limited reforms means we’re more likely to see steady growth and cautious investor re-entry rather than a surge in building or housing-led economic growth.

In other word, a steady business as normal outlook for the short to medium term.

Overall, expect steady demand property sales and rentals, modest rental growth in strong micro-markets, and continued importance of quality and location.

Time To Start House Hunting?

A good place to start your 2026 house move could be to check out out latest property magazine, which came out today.

This 122 page property & lifestyle magazine is full for properties for sale from £295,000 to £2.0m., a selection of properties to rent and some engaging editorial such as cookery tips for Christmas from Rick Stein and Dr Clare Mosley.

To enjoy a full read of our digital magazine In The Country & Town just click the image below.

Landmark Renters’ Rights Act Becomes Law

October 28, 2025 by John Holden

Yesterday the Renters’ Rights Act received Royal Assent, delivering the most significant overhaul of the English and Welsh private rented sector in a generation. The law aims to rebalance rights between tenants and landlords by strengthening safety and security for renters, tightening standards for properties, and simplifying dispute resolution..

Key Measures

Abolishes ‘no-fault’ section 21 evictions entirely, replacing them with a clearer, limited set of grounds for possession and stricter notice periods.
Introduces a new Decent Homes standard for rented properties with mandatory repairs timelines and minimum energy efficiency requirements (EPC band C target for private rentals within a phased timetable).
Establishes a national landlord and letting agent registration and licensing regime with sanctions for rogue landlords, including fines, civil penalties and criminal sanctions for severe breaches.
Creates an independent Housing Ombudsman or expands an existing dispute-resolution body with powers to issue binding orders and compensation for tenants; fast-track arbitration for common disputes (repairs, deposits, unlawful eviction).
Strengthens protections for renters in private tenancies against retaliatory eviction and unfair rent increases by requiring justification and limits on frequency of increases.
Caps certain fees charged to tenants (administration, referencing, inventory) and reforms deposit handling and dispute timelines.
Extends possession and rehousing duties in limited circumstances, such as where poor conditions render properties uninhabitable; enhances support for vulnerable tenants facing eviction.
Provides funding and guidance for local authorities to enforce standards, and powers to issue Remedial Notices and take emergency remediation action.
Commits to data collection and reporting on the private rented sector to monitor impacts and a statutory review clause after a set period (often 3–5 years).

The Act signals a major policy shift toward tenants’ rights after years of campaigning by charities and tenant groups; ministers argue it will improve housing stability and standards, while many landlord bodies warn of reduced investment in the private rented sector and potential rent rises.

Operationally, the law places a new compliance burden on landlords and local authorities will need increased resources to enforce the regime.

As the new law bedrocks renters’ protections, its true test will be in implementation: whether enforcement is adequately funded, whether landlords adapt without shrinking supply, and whether renters actually see safer, more secure homes — not just stronger rights on paper.

It is expected that there will be a phased approach to a number of the changes, however, the creation of periodic tenancies and the abolition of Section 21 notices are expected to be at the forefront.

Footnote: If you have any questions or wish to discuss possible implications email Nicola Bremner ….

Buy To Let – Squeeze Or Opportunity For Landlords?

June 20, 2025 by John Holden

Let’s start with the bad news, then dig a little deeper to uncover what’s really happening beyond the usual headlines

Following a wave of Government policy changes and rising costs, the buy‑to‑let segment is feeling the pinch. In addition Stamp duty on second homes has jumped and upcoming EPC C energy efficiency standards (effective by 2030, possibly earlier in 2028), will create extra costs for a Landlord in some cases.

Yet, the market is far from collapsing. Since April 2025, UK rents have continued to climb, albeit at a slower pace—up roughly 7 % year-on-year UK wide.

Some small-scale or accidental landlords are exiting the sector, squeezed by cost, regulation, and compliance pressures—yet returns remain buoyant in yield-rich regions, supported by persistent tenant demand and potential lower borrowing costs.

The Shift

In many cases however, these changes are prompting landlords—especially higher-rate taxpayers—to shift into company status. That shift is backed up with some interesting facts at Companies House.

Over 400,000 companies registered solely to hold BTL properties as of February 2025

In 2024 alone, about 61,500 new limited company BTL businesses were founded — a 23% rise from 2023

No doubt landlords shifting to a company status are influenced by Limited companies offering full deduction of mortgage interest, paying corporation tax on profits, and enjoying more flexible expense claims.

It is estimated that there is about 680,000 buy-to-let properties held in a limited company structure across England and Wales, with the number rising every year. Not all of them are new rental properties – many are being moved from personal names into a limited company owned by the same landlord

In summary, the growth in BTL companies is real and substantial. Driven by tax changes, shifting investor behaviour, strong mortgage volumes, and regional yield opportunities, the UK’s BTL sector has undergone rapid corporatisation. While momentum may ease if costs rise (e.g. stamp duty hikes), current indicators suggest the trend will continue for professional landlords.

For insights into the residential rental market and advice from professional property consultant contact our lettings department by phoning 01252 622550.

A Landlord Focused Agency

At McCarthy Holden our landlords are regarded as one in a million, perhaps unlike in the very large corporate agents where a Landlord could easily become just one in a million.

Because our Landlords are looked after by real people who live and work locally, people who you can speak to on the phone and people who are taking the responsibility of looking after your property, our Landlords experience the difference and benefits.

Our professional team are always available by phone or email and guess what, there are no online bots or automated telephone systems to get in the way of good communication.

So if you are a Landlord who wants one to one reliable service, telephone 01252 622550 for a free property valuation and advice about renting property.

These 4 big tax mistakes could be draining your finances – here’s how to avoid them

September 10, 2023 by John Holden

Knowing which tax pitfalls to avoid can be a big help when it comes to being smart with your money.

Here, Shona Lowe, a financial planning expert at abrdn, highlights the common mistakes people risk making when it comes to tax, and shares her top tips on how to avoid them:

1. Not making the most of pension perks

“One way to potentially manage the amount of tax you pay on income is by saving some into your pension instead,” Lowe explains.

“This can reduce the amount you earn for income tax purposes and, on top of this, the Government will usually add money to what you save into your pension in the form of tax relief – effectively giving your retirement savings a boost.”

2. Leaving too much inheritance to the taxman

Giving gifts in your lifetime can help reduce the value of an estate and the potential inheritance tax bill.

But Lowe cautions: “One thing many people assume is that if they make a gift, that amount given away will always reduce the value of their estate straight away.

“Unfortunately, that’s not always the case, with some gifts taking seven years for the value to fully leave your estate for tax purposes. It all depends on the amount you gift, and who to. Because there are lots of different types of gifts, each coming with different rules, good record-keeping is really important.”

Lowe also suggests making sure you have an up-to-date will and power of attorney in place and that you tell your pension provider who you’d like any pension savings to pass to when you die.

3. Not managing capital gains tax

Capital gains tax (CGT) is charged when you sell, swap or give something away that has increased in value while you owned it. It can apply to investments.

Lowe says: “An option to help manage tax here is to hold your investments within a tax-efficient wrapper such as a stocks and shares ISA or pension so that the value can grow without attracting CGT. Or you might be able to spread your gain over a number of tax years. Specialist advice will often be vital here.”

4. Not making the most of your ISA allowance

Money saved into ISAs is ringfenced from the taxman and people can save up to £20,000 in ISA products in any tax year.

Lowe says: “Whether it be a cash ISA for an emergency fund, a stocks and shares ISA for longer-term goals or a Lifetime ISA which could help you save for your first home, there are various options to choose from.

“Also, if you want to save for your children or grandchildren, they get their own Junior ISA allowance of £9,000.”