As I sip my morning coffee and take stock of the past twelve months, I’m struck by how far I’ve come—not just professionally but personally as well.
One of the most significant milestones of my year was taking a leap of faith and leaving behind a 36-year career in selling and letting properties. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the right one. I had spent decades navigating the ever-changing property market, and while it taught me resilience and adaptability, it was time for a new chapter.
Looking back, I can honestly say I don’t miss being an estate agent. When I read industry reports about how turbulent 2024 has been and the upcoming legislation changes in 2025, I feel reassured about my decision. The challenges the property industry faces today are more complex than ever, and while I respect those still in the trenches, I’ve found a new path that allows me to use my experience to make a meaningful impact in a different way.
Now, my focus has shifted to helping landlords navigate these challenges. With my years of experience, I understand the pitfalls and pressures landlords face, especially with the ever-tightening regulations. So, this morning, armed with my trusty cup of coffee and a clear head, I’ve been jotting down ideas and strategies to share with our team. Our goal is simple: to empower landlords to avoid the pitfalls of tomorrow while thriving in an evolving market.
This year has had its share of ups and downs, but through it all, I’ve grown stronger. Stepping out of a career I had known for most of my life was daunting, but it reminded me that sometimes, the hardest decisions lead to the most rewarding outcomes.
As the year draws to a close, I’m filled with gratitude—for the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the opportunities that lie ahead. If there’s one message I’d share with anyone reflecting on their own year, it’s this: don’t be afraid to embrace change. Growth often begins where comfort ends.
So what have I been reading today with my expresso this morning:
The highlights to me were as follows:
Rents are 3.9% higher over the last year, however this is the lowest rate for 3 years and values Across England, fell by almost 3% in November. This follows a significant decrease in October – when rents were down 12.6% on September figures.
Our solution we provide guaranteed rent throughout your agreement
The number of homes available to rent is higher than this time last year? Voids (loss of income is at its highest this year so far for landlords).
We provide flexible leases from 2-5 years so you don’t lose any income
Values will go up ?? Affordability will be a growing constraint on rental inflation in areas with the highest rents .
As an established company we let your home so we have no affordability issues and again offer guaranteed rent
Regardless of whether you use a professional agent or not, all landlords will have to join a new Ombudsman service which will provide complaint resolution services for tenants and have the power to compel landlords to issue apologies, provide information, carry out remedial action, and pay compensation.
I wonder how many professional tenants might use this as an opportunity to place landlords under unnecessarily stress.
With Section 21’s being abolished and a 12 month protected period so in the event you have a tenant who doesn’t pay the rent, damages your property or creates a nuisance for your neighbours eviction will be an even longer process under Section 8 grounds.
With our licenses, as a licensee we do not have to obtain a possession order to evict. We only have to give reasonable notice which can be verbal or in writing. Once this notice expires the licensee does not have a legal right to remain in the property.
The Renters Right Bill is intended to make the market fairer by preventing landlords from discriminating against tenants who have children or receive benefits. The Bill will ensure that terms in mortgages and superior leases, which restrict the letting to private tenants who do not have children or do not receive benefits, have no effect. As such, if tenants do have children or are in receipt of benefits, the lender or landlord cannot claim a breach of contract even if the contract expressly prohibits this. In addition, tenants will have the right to request to keep pets in their homes, and landlords will need a good reason to refuse such request
As we create licenses, the licensee must follow specific house rules that don’t allow pets
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