Stay Informed and Maximise Your Investment
Staying informed about the latest property news and regulations is crucial for landlords in Bristol to ensure their investments thrive. The property market is constantly evolving, with new laws, trends, and challenges emerging regularly. Whether you own one rental property or manage a portfolio, keeping up-to-date with these changes is key to maintaining compliance and maximising your investment potential.
Here’s a roundup of the most significant landlord news in recent weeks, providing you with the insights you need to navigate the evolving property landscape.
1. Abolishment of the 2-Year Lease Renewal Rule
In a significant move, the government has announced that leaseholders can now extend their lease or buy the freehold of their property without having to wait two years after purchasing it. This rule, which was previously introduced in 1993, has now been abolished under new leasehold reform plans.
This change is expected to make it easier and more affordable for leaseholders to either extend their lease or buy the freehold outright. If you’re a leaseholder in Bristol and have purchased a leasehold property in the last two years, you no longer have to wait to extend your lease. Additionally, this reform will make it easier for buyers to extend the lease from the point of purchase, potentially making your property more appealing if you’re looking to sell.
2. The Rental Market 'Softening’
Recent data reveals signs that the UK’s rental market is softening, with some key indicators showing a shift. Goodlord’s latest report highlights a 4.6% year-on-year increase in average rents, which reached £1,207 per property in January 2025. However, other metrics suggest that the rental market may be starting to stabilise after the post-pandemic boom.
One significant trend is the increase in void periods—the time properties remain unoccupied between tenancies. The average void period rose from 21 days in December to 24 days in January, marking the longest period since April 2021. Additionally, final agreed rents were often below the advertised prices, with discounts reaching up to 24% in London and 20% elsewhere. While the rental market is still experiencing supply and demand challenges, it’s becoming clear that rent growth is slowing, and landlords may need to adjust their expectations.
3. Base Rate Cut Predicted by the Bank of England
The Bank of England is expected to reduce interest rates from 4.75% to 4.5% this Thursday. This move is likely in response to slowing inflation and signs of economic stagnation across the UK. For landlords with variable or tracker-rate mortgages, this reduction could lead to lower monthly repayments, though the impact might not be immediate. Lenders have already started to reduce their rates on new deals in anticipation of this change.
While this base rate cut could be beneficial for many landlords, it’s important to remember that fixed-rate mortgages will not be affected. If you’re considering remortgaging or refinancing your property, this may be a good time to explore your options.
4. The Importance of Rent Protection Insurance
Rent protection insurance is more important than ever, and it’s a service that every landlord should consider. Even with the most reliable tenants, circumstances can change, and missed rent payments can occur. This is where rent protection insurance comes in—providing landlords with the peace of mind that they’ll still receive rent even if their tenant falls behind.
For example, one of our managed landlords recently had a tenant fall into arrears, but fortunately, they had taken out rent protection insurance for just £300 per year. The landlord was able to claim over £4,000 for five months’ worth of missed payments. If the tenant does not leave following a Section 21 notice, the rent protection insurance will cover all court and eviction costs, as well as any further missed rental payments. This could save landlords thousands of pounds in potential costs, making rent protection a wise investment.
If you don’t currently have rent protection insurance in place, we strongly recommend looking into it. Contact us today to get set up, and ensure your property investment is protected.
5. Free Property Valuations and Expert Advice
As a landlord, it’s important to stay on top of market trends and ensure that your property is managed effectively. Whether you’re looking to sell, rent, or need advice on the current market conditions in Bristol, Property Indeed is here to help. Our team of experts can provide you with a free property valuation and offer tailored advice on how to maximise your investment.
We understand the local Bristol market inside and out and are committed to providing you with the highest level of service. From finding suitable tenants and ensuring ongoing compliance, to managing maintenance and investment strategies, Property Indeed is here to support you every step of the way.
Staying informed about the latest property news and regulations is essential for successful property management in Bristol. From leasehold reforms and softening rental markets to the importance of rent protection insurance, being proactive about these changes can help you make smarter decisions and ensure your property investment continues to thrive.
At Property Indeed, we’re committed to helping landlords navigate the evolving property landscape. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation valuation and to discuss how we can support you with your property needs.
