NWLA

17/10/2026

PROPERTY MARKET: Buyers are securing properties at 9% below asking prices

New research 16 October 2026

Property consultancy Knight Frank has published new research examining the UK housing market ahead of the October Budget.

One particularly interesting finding is that properties completing sales during the third quarter of 2026 achieved an average of just 91% of their original asking prices.

That represents an average difference of 9%.

The report also highlights the growing financial pressures facing buyers.

According to Bank of England figures quoted by Knight Frank, the average interest rate on existing mortgages was 4.0% in August, compared with 4.6% on newly issued mortgages.

Knight Frank believes higher borrowing costs and uncertainty about future property taxes are contributing to weaker buyer demand.

Why it matters

For property investors, this could create negotiating opportunities.

A property advertised at £200,000 might potentially sell for substantially less if the owner is motivated and there is limited competition.

However, the 9% figure is an average across Knight Frank’s analysed transactions, not a discount available on every property.

16/10/2026

NEW BUILDING SAFETY BILL: Property owners face stronger enforcement powers

Government announcement 14 October 2026

The Government has introduced the Building Safety (Remediation of Unsafe Cladding etc) Bill to Parliament.

The proposed legislation aims to accelerate the removal of dangerous cladding from residential buildings in England.

If enacted, the measures would introduce:

* A clearer legal duty for responsible building owners to identify and address unsafe cladding.
* Financial penalties of up to £500,000 for certain failures to comply with remediation orders.
* A register of medium-rise residential buildings.
* Powers allowing public authorities to intervene where those responsible repeatedly fail to act.
* Greater accountability for manufacturers of unsafe construction materials.

The Government estimates that the legislation could help accelerate remediation for approximately 12,000 residents.

These are proposed legal changes. The Bill has been introduced but has not yet become law.

Why it matters

For landlords and property investors owning flats, particularly in multi-storey buildings, building safety can significantly affect property values, insurance, mortgages and the ability to sell.

15/10/2026

New Private Landlord Database: What Private Landlords Need to Know -

Original article by MSB Solicitors New Private Landlord Database: What Private Landlords Need to Know England’s new “Register your rental property” service will introduce a statutory Private Rented Sector Database which will be rolled out by region from 15 December 2026. Private Landlords shou...

14/10/2026

Mortgage lenders say buy-to-let remains resilient despite new regulations

Senior representatives from Fleet Mortgages, MT Finance and OSB Group have challenged suggestions that the private rented sector is heading towards collapse.

Speaking at the recent Brightstar Specialist Lending Expo, lenders acknowledged that the Renters’ Rights Act and increasing costs are placing additional pressure on landlords.

However, they reported that buy-to-let lending remains resilient.

According to UK Finance figures quoted in today’s report, buy-to-let loan advances increased by 3.26% year-on-year to 58,272 in Q1 2026.

Average gross rental yields also increased from 6.93% to 7.21% over the same period.

The lenders suggested that the sector is becoming increasingly professional, with larger operators treating property ownership as a business rather than a passive investment.

Why it matters

This is an interesting development for individual landlords and property investors.

While some landlords are selling because of higher costs and regulation, experienced investors are continuing to operate and expand.

The market may increasingly favour landlords who understand financial management, compliance and long-term investment planning.

14/10/2026

🏡 PROPERTY NETWORKING IN DARWEN — TWO PLACES FOR £16.50!

Join me at our next Property Expert Network meeting on Tuesday 20 October at Springbank Manor.

This month, our guest speaker Victoria will be talking all things planning a topic that will interest anyone considering changes to a property or their next project.

There will also be time to meet other people in property, share experiences and make useful connections.

🎟️ Two-for-one offer: bring a friend or colleague and pay just £16.50 for both of you — £8.25 each!

📅 Tuesday 20 October 2026
🕥 10.30am–2pm
📍 Springbank Manor, Ross Street, Darwen, BB3 2JU

Whether you’re a landlord, investor, developer, property professional or just getting started, I’d love you to join us.

👉 Book here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1995663897439

Coming along on your own? You’ll be very welcome too.

Who would you bring with you? Tag them below!

Elaine

13/10/2026

NEW TODAY: Government announces Flood Performance Certificates for properties

Announcement — 13 October 2026

The Government and Flood Re have announced plans to introduce Flood Performance Certificates (FPCs) to help homeowners and insurers understand a property’s flood risk.

The certificates are intended to work in a similar way to Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).

They will provide information about a property’s exposure to flooding, existing protective measures and what improvements could reduce potential damage.

Initial pilot schemes will begin during 2026, with further testing throughout 2027.

The longer-term ambition is for insurers to recognise improvements that property owners make to reduce flood risk.

Importantly, these certificates are not currently a mandatory requirement for landlords or homeowners.

Why it matters

Flood risk already affects property values, insurance premiums and mortgage availability.

A standardised certificate could eventually make that information more visible to prospective buyers and lenders.

Properties with effective flood protection might become more attractive than similar properties without preventative measures.

For landlords, this could become another important consideration when purchasing or improving rental properties.

10/10/2026

🏡 AWAAB’S LAW – WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR PRIVATE LANDLORDS?

The Government has launched a consultation on extending Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector in England.

At NWLA, we fully support the principle that every tenant deserves to live in a safe, healthy and well-maintained home.

The tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak should never have happened, and no family should have to experience anything similar.

However, we also believe that any new legislation must be fair, proportionate and practical for responsible landlords to implement.

The consultation is looking at:

✅ Which hazards should be covered, including serious damp and mould.

✅ How quickly landlords should investigate reported hazards.

✅ The timescales landlords should have to carry out necessary repairs.

✅ When the new requirements should come into force.

Our concern is ensuring that responsible landlords are not unfairly penalised for circumstances genuinely outside their control, such as difficulties obtaining specialist contractors, accessing properties or completing complex repairs.

There must be a sensible balance between protecting tenants and recognising the practical realities of managing rental properties.

📢 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM LANDLORDS!

NWLA will be reviewing the consultation and considering a response on behalf of our members.

We would particularly welcome your thoughts:

👉 Do you believe the proposed approach is reasonable?

👉 What challenges do you foresee in meeting strict repair deadlines?

👉 What safeguards should be in place for landlords who are actively trying to resolve an issue?

The consultation closes on 18 December 2026.

You can read the proposals and respond directly here:

https://consult.communities.gov.uk/leasehold-and-private-rented-sector/awaabs-law-prs-and-licences/

💬 Please share your views in the comments. Your experiences matter, and we want responsible landlords’ voices to be heard.

NWLA – Your Nationwide Property Service

Find and participate in consultations run by Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

30/09/2026

Another great meeting with amazing speakers. Thank you to all our members and speakers. Hopefully we will see you all again at our AGM on 27th October

26/09/2026

Another council licensing scheme went live yesterday a warning for portfolio landlords everywhere

From 25 September, Croydon landlords became subject to two new property-licensing schemes. Selective licensing now covers qualifying single-family rented homes in designated areas, while additional licensing applies to smaller HMOs occupied by three or four people. These sit alongside mandatory HMO licensing for properties occupied by five or more people from two or more households.

Although this particular scheme is in London, the wider issue is national: landlords increasingly have to monitor local council licensing as well as national regulation. A property can comply with national requirements yet still breach local rules if a new selective or additional licensing scheme is missed.

Portfolio landlords should add a “local licensing” column to their compliance register. At least twice a year, check every property’s council website for selective licensing, additional HMO licensing and consultations on proposed schemes. This is particularly important when acquiring in an unfamiliar authority check licensing before exchange, because it can materially alter net yield

23/09/2026

North West landlords now have a firm PRS database deadline: 14 August 2027

RICS issued a fresh warning yesterday, 22 September, telling landlords to prepare for England’s new mandatory Register Your Rental Property service. The system begins rolling out on 15 December 2026. For properties in the North West, compulsory registration starts on 15 May 2027 and must be completed by 14 August 2027. RICS reports an annual registration charge of £65 per property, with landlords required to supply property, rent, occupancy and safety/compliance information such as EPC, gas and electrical certificates.

This is moving from a future policy into a practical compliance job. The database is intended to give councils much better information for enforcement, and failing to register can lead to financial penalties. Portfolio landlords with properties in several regions will also have different statutory deadlines depending on where each property is located.