iProperties Ltd

2 Bedroom Apartment, Twickenham £420,000.00

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 04:13:13 GMT

iProperties is pleased to offer this beautiful two double bedroom apartment located in the heart of Twickenham. This property benefits from wooden flooring, modern kitchen, spacious rooms, local to Twickenham High Street, Station and England Home Rugby Stadium. Off street parking is available.

10 Bedroom Hotel, Kent £575,000.00

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 04:14:20 GMT

iProperties are pleased to offer this beautiful hotel on the coast of Margate overlooking the Sea with ample of parking space. Accommodating in Margate Kent situated along Cliftonville seafront.

3 Bedroom Semi-Detached, Harrow On The Hill £685,000.00

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 04:15:27 GMT

iProperties Ltd are pleased to offer this beautiful newly developed Three Double Bedroom House, with Two Large Bathrooms and a Large Study/Office. The property has a small front garden and a large rear garden. This property is situated in the heart of Harrow, close to local amenities and stations.

2 Bedroom Apartment, Chiswick £745,000.00

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 04:16:34 GMT

iProperties Ltd is pleased to offer this newly built luxury 2 double bedroom apartment in a completely new building with 24 hour concierge service and situated in the heart of Chiswick.

1 Bedroom Terrace, London £455,000.00

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 01:48:04 GMT

iProperties Ltd are pleased to present this beautiful large period conversion garden flat situated in a popular residential street, walking distance to Acton Town Station.

1 Bedroom Terrace, London £1,475.00

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 11:35:55 GMT

iProperties Ltd are pleased to present this beautiful large period conversion garden flat situated in a popular residential street, walking distance to Acton Town Station.

1 Bedroom Terrace, London £399,950.00

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 02:40:08 GMT

iProperties Ltd are pleased to present this beautiful large period conversion garden flat situated in a popular residential street, walking distance to Acton Town Station.

2 Bedroom Apartment, Hayes £2,100.00

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 03:33:43 GMT

iProperties Ltd is pleased to offer this newly refurbished stunning 2 bedroom luxury Penthouse apartment in this modern development with lift access situated minutes away from Hayes & Harlington Station, including Private Gym and Swimming Pool

0 Bedroom Studio, Iver £925.00

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 01:16:55 GMT

iProperties are pleased to offer this newly built Studio Apartment in Richings Park, with direct access to Central London via Iver train station - benefiting from the Elizabeth Line (Crossrail). (London Paddington 25 minutes).

4 Bedroom Semi-Detached, Isleworth £950,000.00

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 09:30:46 GMT

iProperties Ltd are pleased to offer this newly-refurbished large semi-detached house for sale in Isleworth. The property is situated on Harewood Road and comprises 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 1 WC.

3 Bedroom Flat, Shepherds Bush £2,300.00

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 09:22:07 GMT

iProperties Ltd is pleased to offer this newly renovated three bedroom first floor Massionette flat in Shepherds Bush. The property comprises of a large separate living room, separate good sized kitchen, two double bedrooms and a single bedroom finished all finished with brand new carpet.

2 Bedroom Flat, Ealing £310,000.00

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 01:52:25 GMT

iProperties Ltd is pleased to offer this two bedroom first floor flat in a highly demanding area. The property has been recently painted throughout, new kitchen fitted along with new double glazed windows and wooden flooring throughout. The flat is situated close to local shops and amenities.

0 Bedroom House Share, Acton £950.00

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 01:03:59 GMT

We are pleased to offer this large double bedroom situated in a 4 bedroom house share. The room is fully furnished and is shared with 4 other rooms, this includes a large separate kitchen, access to garden and a bathroom.

0 Bedroom House Share, Acton £730.00

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 01:06:28 GMT

0 Bedroom House Share, Acton £750.00

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 05:44:06 GMT

3 Bedroom Terrace, Hounslow £2,600.00

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 09:50:16 GMT

iProperties are pleased to present a newly refurbished mid-terrace house to rent in Hounslow. The property is on Alderwick Drive and comprises 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom.

1 Bedroom Flat, Isleworth £1,500.00

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 09:44:11 GMT

iProperties Ltd are pleased to present this large 1 bedroom apartment in the heart of Isleworth, located within minute`s walk to Isleworth Station. This property has been recently refurbished and benefits from ample lighting and space.

Private secure parking is available for an additional

3 Bedroom Semi-Detached, Winchester £1,550.00

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 03:28:23 GMT

iProperties Ltd are pleased to offer this Newly Refurbished large three double bedroom semi-detached house to the market. The property consists of a separate kitchen, good sized reception, three double bedrooms a family sized bathroom and a garden.

0 Bedroom Commercial Property, Iver £20,000.00

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 10:45:11 GMT

NO PREMIUM. Spacious A1 commercial premises (ground floor), located in the busy part of Richings Park, Iver, opposite Iver Station (Crossrail).

1 Bedroom Flat, Hampton £1,350.00

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 10:12:18 GMT

iProperties Ltd are pleased to offer this spacious one bedroom apartment on Abbott Close, Hampton. The property is situated in a quiet residential area, comprises of a fully equipped separate kitchen, double bedroom, large reception and a good size bathroom.

2 Bedroom Flat, Hounslow £1,700.00

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 05:34:29 GMT

iProperties Ltd are pleased to present this refurbished flat to rent in Hounslow. The property is on Convent Way and comprises 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom.

Available now, covering 753 sq. ft. in living space and situated on the ninth floor, this property comes with big windows and spacious

0 Bedroom Studio, Acton £1,200.00

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 09:46:26 GMT

iProperties Ltd are pleased to offer this luxury built fully self-contained studio apartment on the borders of Acton/Chiswick area. The property is situated in a quiet residential area conveniently located near to all major amenities and transport links.

1 Bedroom Apartment, Twickenham £1,550.00

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 01:50:48 GMT

iProperties Ltd is pleased to offer this stunning ground floor apartment situated in the heart of Twickenham moments away from the station and local amenities.

1 Bedroom Flat, North Wembley £1,250.00

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 12:12:04 GMT

iProperties Ltd are pleased to offer this newly decorated one double bedroom open plan kitchen ground floor garden flat. The property consists of a double bedroom leading to a large shower bathroom, is situated under 5 minutes walk from North Wembley Overground & Underground Station.

1 Bedroom Apartment, Iver £1,300.00

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 04:39:02 GMT

iProperties are pleased to offer this recently refurbished spacious 1 bedroom apartment in Richings Park, with direct access to Central London via Iver train station - with Crossrail expected shortly (London Paddington 25-30 mins).

2 Bedroom Apartment, Chiswick £2,700.00

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 04:44:11 GMT

iProperties Ltd is pleased to offer this newly built luxury 2 double bedroom apartment situated in the heart of Chiswick, benefiting from 7 day concierge service.

2 Bedroom Apartment, Hounslow Central £1,800.00

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 01:59:41 GMT

iProperties Ltd are pleased to offer this beautiful newly renovated 2 bedroom flat in the heart of Hounslow, situated on Jersey Road. This Ground Floor Flat benefits from complete modernisation and compromises of a large double bedroom with fitted wardrobes, a single bedroom, separate kitchen.

1 Bedroom Apartment, Isleworth £300,000.00

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 09:57:32 GMT

3 Bedroom Detached, Iver £2,400.00

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 10:01:16 GMT

iProperties Ltd is pleased to offer this large three bedroom detached house with planning application approved to extend the property to its maximum potential including a large annex, taking this property from 1,700sqft to 5,000sqft+ including in and our driveway.

3 Bedroom Flat, West Ealing £2,395.00

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:19:53 GMT

iProperties Ltd are pleased to offer this newly re-decorated three double bedroom flat on the first floor with one bathroom and extra wc with sink, separate reception, fully fitted brand new kitchen, gas central heating, own parking space, double glazed windows, fully furnished.

2 Bedroom Flat, East Acton £2,000.00

Tue, 12 May 2026 09:37:21 GMT

iProperties Ltd is pleased to offer this Refurbished and newly decorated two double bedroom ground floor flat maisonette in a quiet residentail area. The property consists of two double bedrooms, BRAND NEW open plan kitchen, a modern bathroom with tub and a large beautiful garden.

1 Bedroom Flat, Acton £1,350.00

Tue, 12 May 2026 10:01:24 GMT

iProperties Ltd is pleased to offer this very well presented 1 bedroom flat on the 3rd floor. The flat comprises of a spacious reception, double bedroom, modern kitchen with dinning area, bathroom with both shower and bath tub, double glazed windows and gas central heating.

4 Bedroom House, Hanwell £2,300.00

Tue, 12 May 2026 10:01:43 GMT

iProperties Ltd are pleased to offer this brand new four bedroom house available to the market near Castle Bar Park Station. The property consists of four decent size bedrooms and reception, brand new kitchen, two bathrooms and a large garden.

4 Bedroom Semi-Detached, Langley £2,150.00

Tue, 12 May 2026 10:19:41 GMT

iProperties are pleased to present this newly refurbished 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom house completely revamped to a high standard. The refurb includes new wiring, new plumbing, new appliances, new flooring, carpet, re plastering and new roof.

2 Bedroom Flat, Neasden £1,700.00

Wed, 13 May 2026 11:58:00 GMT

iProperties Ltd is pleased to present this two bedroom property in Neasden located in a quiet area. The property consists of a large open plan reception with wooden floors, double bedroom, single and a family sized bathroom. It is located close to Neasden Station (Jubilee line) and the A406.

2 Bedroom Flat, Acton £1,200.00

Thu, 14 May 2026 03:37:26 GMT

Good conditon 2 bed flat with two double rooms & reception, fully furnished, fully fitted modern kitchen and toilet & bath. The property is located close to the local shops & High street. Viewings are Highly recommended.

0 Bedroom House Share, Acton £875.00

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:43:51 GMT

We are pleased to offer this large double bedroom situated in a 4 bedroom house share with recent refurbishing having fitted a brand new second bathroom and re-decor. The room is fully furnished with plenty of sunlight and situated on a quiet residential road.

2 Bedroom Detached, Iver £1,350.00

Wed, 27 May 2026 10:15:40 GMT

6 Bedroom Semi-Detached, Hounslow £3,300.00

Wed, 27 May 2026 10:16:07 GMT

iProperties Ltd are pleased to present this large 6 bedroom house in Hounslow. The property is on Alderwick Drive and comprises 6 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

1 Bedroom Apartment, Fulham Broadway £2,250.00

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 06:10:54 GMT

iProperties Ltd is pleased to offer this newly built high spec double one bedroom apartment with access to a private balcony, The apartment has a spacious open plan reception room, modern integrated kitchen with a dishwasher, a luxurious bathroom suite, under floor heating, wood flooring.

0 Bedroom House Share, Acton £800.00

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 06:12:40 GMT

Iproperties Ltd Are Now Recruiting

Thu, 29 Jan 2015 12:00:00 GMT

iProperties Ltd are looking for new staff ranging from Admin to Negotiators. Are you ready to kick start a career with never ending Rewards, or do you know someone that could benefit from this? Then Visit Us for updated Job Vacancies: http://tinyurl.com/iPropertiesLtd-Career

Landlords Are You Licensed???

Thu, 19 Feb 2015 12:00:00 GMT

Landlords Are You Licensed IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT A CHANGE IN THE LAW AFFECTING LANDLORDS OF PRIVATELY RENTED HOMES If you haven`t already applied and you`re running an unlicensed property in Brent, you are breaking the law and could be fined up to £20,000. From 1st January 2015 in Brent most private landlords will need a license; •Any House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) should now be licensed, and •Any privately rented property in the wards of Harlesden, Wilesden Green or Wembley Central should also be licensed. Landlords and agents should apply and pay for a license online NOW at www.brent.gov.uk/PRSlicensing . APPLY NOW BEFORE THEY FIND YOU, AS LANDLORDS FACE AN EXTRA £300.00 FINDERS FEE IF THE COUNCIL OFFICERS HAVE TO COME LOOKING FOR YOU.

Deregulation Act Deadline Approaching

Thu, 18 Jun 2015 12:00:00 GMT

Deregulation Act Deadline Approaching As a result of the Deregulation Act, any live deposits taken on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) before 6 April 2007 which you continue to hold against a Statutory Periodic Tenancy which began after 6 April 2007 must be protected before 23 June. Failure to comply could result in penalties for your landlord clients, including a fine and the inability to serve a Section 21 Notice. Deposits taken before 6 April 2007 which fell into a Statutory Periodic Tenancy before 6 April 2007 need to be protected before a Section 21 Notice can be issued, although there are no financial penalties in this instance. To find out further information about the Deregulation Act and which deposits are affected, visit our website here. You can also use our infographic as a quick tool to see if any action is required. Protect Online You can protect any affected deposits before 23 June using your online account. Simply click the button below to get started.

Smoke Alarm Regulations

Thu, 03 Sep 2015 12:00:00 GMT

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms As you may be aware, new smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarm (England) regulations are expected to come into force in October 2015, requiring private rental sector landlords to improve the fire safety of their tenants as well as offer protection against Carbon Monoxide poisoning. The regulations have been introduced with strong support following a consultation on property condition in the private rented sector. Over the next 10 years it is estimated that these new laws will result in 231 fewer deaths and 5,860 less injuries nationally. The new safety laws will be enforced by the local housing authority and will make it compulsory for all private rented sector landlords to: Fit at least one smoke alarm on each floor of their premises Fit a Carbon Monoxide alarm in all rooms containing a solid fuel appliance Check that all alarms are working when a new tenancy starts- with potential penalties up to £5,000 if they don`t comply To support private rented sector landlords in meeting this new legislation the Department for communities and Local Government are working with fire rescue services to provide free smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms for rental properties. Private landlords or managing agents can apply for free smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms and find further information, including exclusions to the new legislation, at www.london-fire.gov.uk/freesmokealarms.asp.

Petition against Buy to Let Tax changes passes 35,000 signatures

Mon, 02 Nov 2015 12:00:00 GMT

The online petition opposing the proposed tax changes for buy to let landlords has now reached 35,000 signatures – but is still some way off the target which may trigger a parliamentary debate on the issue. The tax proposal, outlined by Chancellor George Osborne back in the July Budget, means mortgage interest tax relief for buy to let owners will be restricted to the basic rate of income tax, currently 20%, even if they themselves pay the higher 40 or 45% tax rates. Osborne says the relief, which will address "unfairnesses in property taxation", will be phased out from 2017. There had been a strong reaction from the industry against the measure; in addition to the petition there has been the establishment of a ‘SayNoToGeorge` website outlining how the measure will hit not just landlords but also letting and estate agents, pensioners, tenants and suppliers. However, the online petition needs 100,000 signatures by the end of January if it is to force the consideration of whether to hold a parliamentary debate. The success of the petition received a blow in recent weeks when the National Landlords Association`s chief executive described it as "a waste of time" – although he was not actively discourage landlords from signing. Writing on the online Huffington Post website, Richard Lambert said even surpassing the 100,000 signature mark may sound impressive but meant any subsequent debate by MPs would be `when `parliamentary time allows` meaning that it could be months down the line, by which point the chance to affect change may well have passed." You can see the petition Click Here to View (iProperties Ltd) (https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/104880)

Right to Rent

Thu, 11 Feb 2016 12:00:00 GMT

New immigration law for landlords, also known as ‘Right to Rent` which was passed on 01/02/2016 by our Government. From 1st February 2016 landlords who let property in England will have to carry out checks to make sure potential tenants have the right to rent in the UK. Under the rules, landlords are expected to check documents with their tenants and ensure that the documents are original and belong to the tenant and that the dates for the tenant`s right to stay in the UK have not passed. Anyone who breaks these rules and is found to be letting a home to a tenant who is not allowed to stay will be fined £3,000 per tenant. Here at iProperties Ltd we have been carrying out these checks since it was founded in 2013, carefully making sure that all tenants have the right to rent in this country. If you would like us to take the pressure of you, and arrange for us to check the relevant documents for your properties then please do not hesitate to contact us. With the laws constantly changing, it is our duty to keep our landlords safe, therefore we would like to take this opportunity to help you avoid such fees now and in the future.

New Regulations in Ealing

Thu, 04 Aug 2016 12:00:00 GMT

Following a public consultation earlier this year, Ealing Council has agreed to introduce two new property licensing schemes to help improve standards in the borough`s private rented sector. The new additional and selective licensing schemes will both come into force from 1 January 2017 for a five year period. This will make it a legal requirement for landlords to obtain a licence to operate certain types of houses in multiple occupation (HMO) anywhere in Ealing, or to let a home in five selected wards of the borough. An HMO is a house or flat occupied by more than one household (not related or living as a couple) who rent the property and share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. At the moment only certain larger HMOs in Ealing are licensable, under the existing mandatory licensing scheme. The new additional licensing scheme will apply to all HMOs that are two storeys or more and occupied by four or more persons, but not covered by the existing mandatory scheme. The scheme will also apply to all HMOs in buildings with mixed commercial and residential use, plus certain so-called section 257 HMOs, which are buildings converted into self-contained flats. In addition, the new selective licensing will apply to all privately rented homes in Acton Central, East Acton, South Acton, Southall Green and Southall Broadway wards where the council believes this type of licensing will deliver the most benefits to the community. To obtain a licence for five years, landlords or managing agents will be required to pay a licence fee for each rented property in the designated schemes. The additional licensing fee is £1,100 for each HMO plus £30 for each habitable room and the selective licensing fee is £500. Applicants who sign up between 1st October and 31st December 2016 may be eligible to receive a 25% early bird discount and save themselves hundreds of pounds. Those who are already members of a recognised landlord`s accreditation scheme may also qualify for a further discount of £75. Once the scheme is in force failure to obtain a licence may result in prosecution and an unlimited fine. The public notices in regards to the two schemes can be found via the following link: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/downloads/download/3963/public_notices_week_ending_31_july Should you have any queries regarding the property licensing schemes please email PRSlicensing@ealing.gov.uk.

When will we get possession?

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 12:00:00 GMT

When will we get possession?

The suspension of the courts hearing possession claims was due to come to an end on 25 June but has been extended. The Practice Direction 51Z for the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) was initially issued on 27 March 2020 and suspended all Part 55 possession claims and enforcement of those claims for a period of 90 days until 25 June 2020. At the time it was issued it said it would last until 30 October 2020 which is of course a significantly later date than 25 June. We suspected, and now we know, that this was to allow for an extension to the suspension. This has now been announced and will now last until 23 August. This therefore suggests that there is the possibility of a further extension until the end of October.

The suspension applies to all possession proceedings whether that is under section 21, section 8 or indeed a mortgage provider seeking an order for repossession.

Should we serve notice or is there another way?

In many circumstances the serving of a notice may be the only option, for instance the tenant is not paying the rent and will not enter into any dialogue with you. The Government have indicated that the pre-action protocol that social landlords are required to go through before action is taken, or something akin to that, may become a requirement too in the Private Rented Sector. This would require that a landlord had completed a number of steps before starting a legal action or indeed serving a notice. One might imagine that this could become a requirement before claims start to be heard again.

The serving of the section 21 or section 8 notices is an action that can put the landlord and tenant in conflict with each other leading to a breakdown in the relationship – a line has been drawn in the sand and there is a deadline. Of course now with the extension to the stay on possession proceedings, and even when the now three month notice expires, there will be a further extended period before the courts will hear the claim. Additionally there will be large backlog of cases for the court to deal with before they can hear more recent claims.

Even before the initial stay on possession claims there were long delays amounting to many months, in some cases, before getting to court and even once a court order was granted further delays before the execution of the court order.

In reality at the moment we have no idea when proceedings may start to be heard or even how the restart will happen. It is unlikely that it will be an on/off switch – today we are not hearing claims and tomorrow it will be back to normal. As with the easing of the lockdown it is more likely to be a phased restart.

The question therefore is rather than being in a conflict situation with the tenant for many months or potentially a year or more is there another way?

Are there other options?

We have already said that there may be no other option than to serve notice and this is most likely to be the case in relation to rent arrears. Even in this scenario though there is an option, as unpalatable as it may seem. A landlord may take the view that it is better to write off some rent arrears and accept an offer to surrender the tenancy by the tenant rather than having reduced or even no rent for an indeterminate period. An agreement that the landlord can claim the full deposit will offset a proportion. The benefit for the tenant would be that they could avoid or mitigate the debt and possible county court judgement for the arrears. The downside for the tenant is that they would have to find alternative accommodation. Consequently this will not be appropriate or even possible in many circumstances, but potentially worth exploring.

Where the reason for service of notice is, for instance, that the landlord wants to sell or move back into the property or, for whatever reason, not renew the tenancy, then it may pay to let the tenant know well before it becomes necessary to serve the notice. This could be coupled with an indication that the landlord would be prepared to accept an earlier surrender of the tenancy if the tenant found a suitable property.

In this scenario the tenant is likely to appreciate the early warning and without an immediate deadline be better placed to search for an appropriate property. Most importantly the relationship remains intact.

Flexibility

We all have to rethink and relearn how we do things these days. Whether that is learning to work from home or crucially how we run our businesses with social distancing and other regulations changing our normal processes and procedures. Landlords too are considered a business and like agents will have to adapt to the new landscape and rather than immediately searching for the latest version of a notice, consider the alternatives. In our example above whilst an early offer to surrender a tenancy by the tenant may come sooner than the landlord might ideally have wished for, the goal of vacant possession may have been achieved without ever having had to serve a notice, saving potential court costs and avoiding a pressurised situation.

Money Claim Online

Whilst it may not help with securing possession of the property, raising a Money Claim Online for rent arrears, even during a tenancy, may be an appropriate action to take against a tenant who is simply choosing not to pay rather than against a tenant who can`t pay. The courts would expect the parties to conduct the pre-action protocol before starting proceedings which aims to encourage the parties to engage and communicate and to investigate whether the issue can be resolved by other means. The claim could only apply to arrears accrued to that point and not future arrears. A link to the pre-action protocol can be provided to any of our clients registered with us.

What next?

As part of this changing landscape the Government have made it clear that they wish to bring an end to the use of section 21 and probably replace it with some additional or changed section 8 Grounds. Whilst this might not be high on the Government`s priority list whilst they are dealing with the Coronavirus pandemic it will probably be close to the top of the ‘to do list` when time allows. In the meantime the Government have demonstrated that with a compliant Parliament changes can be made quickly.

We are certainly not back to the old normal, welcome to the new world.

EICR Deadline - Are you ready?

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 12:00:00 GMT

If you are renting out a property in England, any tenancy you create or renew on or after July 1st 2020 will require an electrical inspection and a report on the condition of the property (EICR) performed by a qualified person.

Renewals in this case include statutory periodic tenancies that are created at the end of a fixed term on or after this date.

For pre-existing tenancies, you will need to have an EICR performed on all existing tenancies before April 1st 2021.

What are my responsibilities as the landlord?

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 places a continuous duty on landlords in England to maintain their property to the electrical safety standards and to have evidence of this. This means your property must meet the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations and you must have a report that shows this from a qualified person.

Who do I need to give copies of the EICR to?

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 set out a number of different requirements around providing copies of the EICR to relevant people:

1. The EICR must be given to all of the tenants before they occupy the property, or at the point of renewal.

2. When you replace the EICR you must provide them with a copy of the new report within 28 days of the inspection.

3. If a tenant requests a copy of the EICR in writing, you must also provide them with one within 28 days.

4. Where the local authority requests the EICR you must provide them with a copy of it within seven days or face potential penalties.

5. Any prospective tenants who request a copy in writing must be provided one within 28 days.

What enforcement action can be taken if I do not comply with the regulations?

The local authority is responsible for enforcement and they have a number of powers to act on this.
Firstly, they can issue civil penalties of up to £30,000 per breach of these regulations.

Secondly, where they have identified non-urgent work they must serve the landlord a notice detailing the work required and giving them 28 days to perform the work. The landlord may make representations to this within 21 days of the notice being served. If they do then the local authority must respond to these representations within 7 days. Until they respond the requirement to perform the work is suspended.

Finally, if the local authority is satisfied the landlord is in breach and they have the tenant`s permission to do so, they may perform emergency remedial work on the property and bill the landlord for any costs incurred.

What does the new stamp duty holiday mean for you?

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 12:00:00 GMT

What does the new stamp duty holiday mean for you?

The government has today (8th July) unveiled a new stamp duty holiday that will run until 31st March next year.

As soon as the chancellor made the announcement we saw a rush of people looking at property on iProperties website for sale and auctions.

But what does this mean for you?

Previously, you would have paid stamp duty on homes sold for at least £125,000, or if you were a first-time buyer, on properties sold for more than £300,000.

But Rishi Sunak has now raised this threshold to £500,000.

This means that nine out of 10 people buying a main home between now and the end of March 2021 will pay no stamp duty at all, and the average stamp duty bill will fall by £4,500.

The temporary stamp duty holiday kicked in on 8th July and it`s hoped these changes will make it easier for many of you to buy a home in the coming months.

The chancellor`s announcement on stamp duty only applies to properties in England and Northern Ireland, however.

The Scottish Government is responsible for Land and Buildings Transaction Tax in Scotland, and in Wales, buyers pay Land Transaction Tax, levied by the Welsh Government.

For more information on the government`s announcement, (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/stamp-duty-land-tax-temporary-reduced-rates).

What is stamp duty and how does this all affect me?

Stamp duty is a lump-sum tax that anyone buying a property or land costing more than a certain amount must pay. The rate at which you`ll pay the tax varies depending on the price of the property and the type (i.e. residential or commercial).

What are the specifics of the stamp duty holiday?

If you buy a home between now and 31st March 2021, you only start to pay stamp duty on the amount that you pay for the property above £500,000.

You can use the table below to work out the stamp duty due:

Property or lease premium or transfer value SDLT rate
Up to £500,000 Zero
The next £425,000 (the portion from £500,001 to £925,000) 5%
The next £575,000 (the portion from £925,001 to £1.5 million) 10%
The remaining amount (the portion above £1.5 million) 12%

What do the experts say?

Property expert say: `This move will help to keep the nation and wider economy moving because keeping the current momentum going will help prevent destabilising falls in property prices as unemployment grows, and enable a quicker economic recovery.

`Lockdown prevented 175,000 would be sellers from coming to market so we hope this Stamp Duty holiday will provide the spur for those missing movers to come to market. They will find there`s currently record demand for their properties from prospective buyers.

`Home-movers will be grateful that the changes come into effect straight away so they don`t have to delay their plans, and what we could see now is people rushing to get a price agreed before some sellers put their prices up in the hope people will be able to pay more because of the tax savings.`

How do I actually pay stamp duty?

First, find your unique transaction reference number (UTRN). It`ll be 11 characters long and found on your submission receipt if you have filed online, or on your paper stamp duty return.

From here you can call up your bank, or go online, use HM Revenue & Customs` bank details, and pay it. This normally takes three working days, so take this into account and don`t miss the deadline.

But if you don`t have these options available to you, you can pay by cheque in post office branches or post – although note that these latter options require you to present a payslip.

What are the latest housing market trends?

The first five weeks since the market in England reopened showed clear signs of pent-up demand being released. We saw numerous records broken in terms of people looking on our site and people contacting us.

Supply has not increased at the same rate as demand, so this has pushed prices up by 1.9% compared with prices just before lockdown.

Stamp duty reprieve for landlords expanding portfolios right now

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 12:00:00 GMT

Landlords currently buying properties and concerned they may not make the March 31 stamp duty holiday deadline have good news - there`s likely to be an extension.

The Times has an exclusive that Chancellor Rishi Sunak will extend the tax break until the end of June in order to avoid as many as 100,000 purchasers - thousands of them landlords - missing out on the exemption because of slow transaction processes.

The formal announcement will come on Wednesday in the Chancellor`s Budget.

No mention is made in the article about Capital Gains Tax, which has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks following an Office of Tax Simplification report last year urging increases to bring it more into line with income tax - this is a critical issue for landlords seeking to maximise profits when selling their properties.

What isn`t clear yet is whether the extension is three months for all current and new buyers of properties up to £500,000 - thus creating a new cliff edge - or a `tapered` extension only for current buyers.

The furlough scheme and the business rates holiday for retail, hospitality and leisure sector will also reportedly be extended, along with the VAT cut for hospitality and tourism.

The Times article also suggests the Chancellor will commit to raising Corporation Tax over the duration of the current Parliament, which still has almost four years to run. The increase could ultimately be from a current 19 per cent to an eventual 25 per cent.

HMRC warns of `negative impacts` of Coronavirus on sales figures

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 12:00:00 GMT

HM Revenue & Customs has warned of what it calls the `negative impacts` of the pandemic on the latest property transactions figures.

HMRC says the 213,120 transactions last month meant there was a 219.1 per cent increase in residential transactions from June 2020 to June 2021, which is 74.1 per cent higher than year-on-year figures to May this year.

However HMRC warns that the housing market was almost wholly shut down a year earlier, making the annual comparison difficult - and it also says there was significant evidence of forestalling in the property market in June this year, with transactions completed early to take advantage of the stamp duty holiday, which ended for properties up to £500,000 on June 30.

Nick Leeming, chairman of Jackson-Stops, says: `We anticipate transactions dipping slightly over coming months from these record-breaking levels as the SDLT holiday tapers off, but overall we expect the market to remain highly active for the foreseeable future for several reasons.

`While many have sought to take advantage of flexible working to make a move further out into the suburbs or the countryside, the work from home message has now been lifted. Buyers will now have to consider how to best split their time between the office and remote working and how their home can best facilitate this.`

And agent and former RICS residential faculty chair Jeremy Leaf adds: `These figures clearly illustrate the frenzied rush to the finishing line for buyers to take advantage before the stamp duty holiday drew to a close.

`However, activity has reduced since, particularly in London where the savings were greatest. Early signs are that sales will be down significantly but we have noticed nearly all of our transactions are continuing with very few renegotiations. This leads us to believe prices will not be markedly different over the next few months.`

Lucian Cook, Savills` head of residential research, comments: `We expect to see a third peak in transactions in September when the final remnants of the stamp duty holiday come to an end, but given that the maximum saving has fallen from £15,000 to £2,500 it is likely to be less pronounced.`

Section 21 scrapped as Gove hands rental power balance to tenants

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 12:00:00 GMT

The government`s new Levelling Up White Paper includes a dramatic reshaping of the private rental sector.

Section 21 eviction powers will be removed from landlords and Housing Secretary Michael Gove says this will `end the unfair situation where renters can be kicked out of their homes for no reason.`

In addition all homes in the private rental sector will have to meet a minimum standard to be known as the Decent Homes Standard.

The White Paper does not stop there. It adds: `We will consult on introducing a landlords register, and will set out plans for a crackdown on rogue landlords – making sure fines and bans stop repeat offenders leaving renters in terrible conditions.`

No explicit reference is made to a national landlord register, mentioned earlier this week in a government leak about today`s announcement.

There`s more - the government says home ownership will be boosted via a new £1.5 billion Levelling Up Home Building Fund being launched, which will provide loans to small and medium sized developers and support the government`s wider regeneration agenda in areas considered a priority for levelling up.

The government is also committing to build what it calls `a more genuinely affordable social housing.` A new Social Housing Regulation Bill will be introduced following the Grenfell tragedy in 2017.

The ‘80/20 rule` which leads to 80 per cent of government funding for housing supply being directed at ‘maximum affordability areas` – in practice, London and the South East – will be scrapped, with much of the £1.8 billion brownfield funding instead being diverted to transforming brownfield sites in the North and Midlands. Metro Mayors will be allocated £120m of this funding.
The whole Levelling Up White Paper is vast and far-reaching with 12 so-called missions, given legal status in a flagship Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill. This will `shift government focus and resources to Britain`s forgotten communities throughout the 2020s.`

Here are the 12 missions:

1. By 2030, pay, employment and productivity will have risen in every area of the UK, with each containing a globally competitive city, with the gap between the top performing and other areas closing;

2. By 2030, domestic public investment in R&D outside the Greater South East will increase by at least 40% and at least one third over the Spending Review period, with that additional government funding seeking to leverage at least twice as much private sector investment over the long term to stimulate innovation and productivity growth;

3. By 2030, local public transport connectivity across the country will be significantly closer to the standards of London, with improved services, simpler fares and integrated ticketing;

4. By 2030, the UK will have nationwide gigabit-capable broadband and 4G coverage, with 5G coverage for the majority of the population;

5. By 2030, the number of primary school children achieving the expected standard in reading, writing and maths will have significantly increased. In England, this will mean 90% of children will achieve the expected standard, and the percentage of children meeting the expected standard in the worst performing areas will have increased by over a third;

6. By 2030, the number of people successfully completing high-quality skills training will have significantly increased in every area of the UK. In England, this will lead to 200,000 more people successfully completing high-quality skills training annually, driven by 80,000 more people completing courses in the lowest skilled areas;

7. By 2030, the gap in Healthy Life Expectancy between local areas where it is highest and lowest will have narrowed, and by 2035 HLE will rise by five years;

8. By 2030, well-being will have improved in every area of the UK, with the gap between top performing and other areas closing;

9. By 2030, pride in place, such as people`s satisfaction with their town centre and engagement in local culture and community, will have risen in every area of the UK, with the gap between the top performing and other areas closing;

10. By 2030, renters will have a secure path to ownership with the number of first-time buyers increasing in all areas; and the government`s ambition is for the number of non-decent rented homes to have fallen by 50 per cent with the biggest improvements in the lowest performing areas;

11. By 2030, homicide, serious violence, and neighbourhood crime will have fallen, focused on the worst-affected areas;

12. By 2030, every part of England that wants one will have a devolution deal with powers at or approaching the highest level of devolution and a simplified, long-term funding settlement.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove says: `The United Kingdom is an unparalleled success story. We have one of the world`s biggest and most dynamic economies. Ours is the world`s most spoken language. We have produced more Nobel Prize winners than any country other than America.

"But not everyone shares equally in the UK`s success. For decades, too many communities have been overlooked and undervalued. As some areas have flourished, others have been left in a cycle of decline. The UK has been like a jet firing on only one engine.

"Levelling Up and this White Paper is about ending this historic injustice and calling time on the postcode lottery.

`This will not be an easy task, and it won`t happen overnight, but our 12 new national levelling up missions will drive real change in towns and cities across the UK, so that where you live will no longer determine how far you can go.`

And Prime Minister Boris Johnson adds: `From day one, the defining mission of this government has been to level up this country, to break the link between geography and destiny so that no matter where you live you have access to the same opportunities.

`The challenges we face have been embedded over generations and cannot be dug out overnight, but this White Paper is the next crucial step.

`It is a vision for the future that will see public spending on R&D increased in every part of the country; transport connectivity improving; faster broadband in every community; life expectancies rising; violent crime falling; schools improving; and private sector investment being unleashed.

`It is the most comprehensive, ambitious plan of its kind that this country has ever seen and it will ensure that the government continues to rise to the challenge and deliver for the people of the UK.`

Landlords face massive bills to meet energy efficiency goals - Year 2025 Minimum EPC rating C

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 12:00:00 GMT

Almost a quarter of landlords say their properties are currently rated D or below for energy efficiency, according to a new report from Shawbrook Bank.

Some 23 per cent of landlords surveyed said that their properties were rated D or below, however, the number could be higher with a further 27 per cent of landlords admitting they don`t currently know the EPC rating of their properties.

Older homes are more likely to have a lower EPC rating and require improvement. 30 per cent of landlords with Victorian era properties in their portfolio said they were rated D or below.

Under new proposed regulations, landlords may be required to make changes to their properties to improve the energy efficiency by 2025 for all new tenancies. This means bringing their property`s EPC rating up to a C or above. For existing tenancies, landlords have until 2028.

For landlords with older properties, making these improvements could be a costly exercise.

Indeed, currently two in 10 landlords don`t have the necessary funds required to begin refurbishments of their properties.

This is particularly the case with older landlords - those aged over 55. A quarter of this group said they don`t currently have the funds available to make changes to their properties to bring them in line with the proposed requirements.

Should landlords be unable to make changes to their properties by the deadline they may be unable to rent their properties so could be left with properties that are unmortgageable and therefore unsellable. This could limit supply in the market, at a time when many are reliant on the private rental sector.

Many landlords are set to make changes to their properties. The English Housing Survey found that there has not been an increase in energy efficiency among housing stock in the private rental sector over the last year - despite an increase in housing stock in England overall.

In order to make changes in time for the proposed deadline, landlords have expressed the need for support from the government and industry. Close to half of landlords said they would benefit from guidance on what the EPC legislation means specifically for landlords, while 37 per cent want to see incentives to make changes such as favourable borrowing rates.

A third of landlords surveyed called for guidance on timings on how to phase the implementation of changes, and 29 per cent wanted to see signposting to suppliers who could help them make improvements to their properties. The same proportion also wanted to receive guidance on how to manage tenants during the improvement process.

Landlords were also interested in speaking with other landlords about the issue, with 21 per cent looking for a shared space to discuss problems and share solutions.

EPCs to be reviewed - so have they been wrong all this time?

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 12:00:00 GMT

A national newspaper says the current ratings of the Energy Performance Certificate are under review by the Department for Business, Energy and Industry Strategy.

A department spokesman has told the Daily Telegraph: `Energy Performance Certificates provide useful guidance for consumers and businesses outlining how energy efficient buildings are in a simple and comparable manner.

`We are already looking at ways the system can be improved through our EPC Action Plan to ensure they are as accurate and effective as possible.`

The Telegraph says this review follows fears that under the current system installing a heat pump could make some properties appear less energy efficient rather than more, because replacing a traditional gas boiler can under some circumstances automatically cut an EPC rating.

The newspaper quotes Craig Mackinlay MP, chairman of the Net Zero Scrutiny group, as saying: "Given that heat pumps can actually increase energy use, on which EPC certification is derived, they could push a property that might have been rated C under an old method into D.

"That could make it both unrentable and possibly even unsaleable, if some of the more nonsensical Net Zero measures that we hear about are realised.`

The Telegraph reports that EPCs are currently based on an estimate of what it costs to heat a home rather than the carbon emissions generated. Heat pumps - which transfer thermal energy into a property from the ground or air - produce less CO2 than burning gas, but are not necessarily recorded as being cheaper to run.

The EPC system in England and Wales dates back to 2007 when they were part of the ill-fated Home Information Pack - initially for properties with four or more bedrooms, and then over time extended to smaller properties and all of the UK.

Now several mortgage lenders offer preferential rates to borrowers purchasing properties with good EPC ratings and the government has also proposed a voluntary target for lenders to improve the average rating of homes on their books to at least band C by 2030.

It is thought that only 10 per cent of the 22m dwellings in England and Wales get the top A and B grades with around 60 per cent having an EPC rating of D and below.

Under new proposed regulations, landlords may be required to make changes to their properties to improve the energy efficiency by 2025 for all new tenancies. This means bringing their property`s EPC rating up to a C or above. For existing tenancies, landlords have until 2028.

Are private landlords doomed?

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 12:00:00 GMT

The UK property market boom is soon over, as experts predict that the rising inflation and the cost of living crisis will cause a house price correction.

The Government also proposes major changes to the private rented sector, which will end the no-fault eviction process under section 21 of the Housing Act 1988.

Currently, the property market is overheated. Property prices have increased by an average of 11% over a year. This makes it increasingly difficult for first-time buyers to get a foot on that elusive first rung of the property ladder.

The average UK house price rose by £25,000 in August, says the Office of National Statics.

Why are UK house prices so high?

The average UK home price has nearly trebled since the turn of the century. It would appear on the surface that the increasing house prices derived from simple supply and demand, a shortage of housing compared to high demand for homes.

The Bank of England says its record-low interest rates have been powering the housing market.

Rates have been at rock bottom for more than a decade and were at a record low of 0.1%. As a result, it was very cheap to borrow money to buy a home.

The Bank of England has increased the base rate four times since December 2021 in response to soaring inflation, and it is currently at 1%.

The Times reported that further rises are expected throughout 2022, which could dampen the housing market as it means mortgage repayments will increase.

The cost of living crisis is likely to be the biggest cause of a slowdown in the housing market. As household budgets come under pressure, fewer people can afford to stretch themselves to buy homes.

Since the coronavirus pandemic, rent arrears across the UK have been at a record high, making it more difficult for renters to purchase their first home.

This also caused many landlords to fall into arrears with their mortgages, notwithstanding the so-called "mortgage holidays" that were introduced by lenders.

Many experts think that some first-time buyers could hold off as they wait to see what happens to the market.

Average house prices in the UK

Growth in average house prices in the UK gathered pace in the second half of 2020, a trend that has continued throughout 2021 and into this year.

It had been expected that the end of the stamp duty holiday and furlough in October 2021 would result in less demand for house purchases, but that has not been the case.

In March 2022, UK house prices increased by more than 14%, growing at the fastest pace since 2004, according to Nationwide, the biggest mortgage lender in the UK.

However, growth has since decreased somewhat. Nationwide data has shown year on year increases of 12.1% in April and 11.2% in May, indicating a gradual slowdown.

Nationwide says the price of an average home is now £269,914, more than a fifth higher than at the start of the pandemic, or around £30,000 higher than May 2021.

Meanwhile, mortgage lender Halifax has also confirmed that house prices appear to be slowing, saying the average house price was 10.8% higher in April than a year ago at £286,079.

Month-on-month, prices rose 1.1% – down from the 1.5% recorded between February and March.
Nationwide and Halifax differ in their house price estimates because the representative properties they track are slightly different.

We have more on avoiding paying too much for a house here.

What are the regional variations?

There are several regional variations when it comes to house prices, and some areas remain highly competitive.

· House price growth is slowest in London
· But prices in the capital are still the highest in the UK at almost £520,000 – almost double the UK average
· Wales is growing faster than any other region or area in the UK, with the growth of more than 15% year-on-year

Meanwhile, prices of large, family homes are growing faster than flats. For example, prices for detached and semi-detached houses have risen 12% over the past year, compared to 7% growth for flats, said Halifax.

Will house prices crash in 2022?

What does the future hold for the UK`s housing market? A few factors could put a dampener on the recent spectacular growth.

The cost of living crisis, impacted heavily by record petrol and energy prices, alongside rising inflation and tax rises, could dampen economic growth and stall the housing market.

As a result, rising interest rates to curb soaring inflation will increase mortgage rates.

Property consultants suggests that prices could fall by as much as 10 per cent in some parts of London.

This, coupled with the squeeze on household finances resulting from the cost of living crisis, means we could see a significant slowdown in house price growth as the year goes on.

House price predictions for 2023 and beyond

Analysis from Capital Economics predicts that the Bank of England base rate will peak at about 3% in the second half of 2023, in turn pushing average mortgage rates to 3.6%. While still historically low, that is more than double the 1.6% rate recorded at the end of 2021.

Based on this data, Capital Economics has forecasted house prices to rise throughout 2022 before falling by 5% in 2023.

Russell Galley, managing director of Halifax, said the prospect of increasing pressure on households` finances could cause growth to slow:

"The headwinds facing the wider economy cannot be ignored. With interest rates on the rise and inflation further squeezing household budgets, it remains likely that the rate of house price growth will slow by the end of this year."

Section 21 Evictions

The Government has confirmed its intentions to repeal Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 in the May 2022 Queen`s Speech, as originally set out in the Renters` Reform Bill released in late 2019, and "strengthen tenants` rights."

Shelter has released statistics claiming that a Section 21 notice has been issued to a tenant every seven minutes since 2019, affecting 230,000 people – although Sajjad Ahmad, the CEO of the British Landlords Association, has stated that the overall use of Section 21 notices has in fact been falling since 2015 as more landlords want long term tenants.

Landlords are understandably concerned about repealing the Section 21 ground for possession.

Should landlords consider selling up?

With increasing mortgage rates, increased costs of living, higher risks of rent arrears than ever before, and the abolishment of no-fault evictions, it is not looking good for landlords in the private rental sector.

The CEO of the British Landlords Association, Mr Ahmad stated:

"There are grave concerns for landlords in the private rent sector with yet more red tape to come, combined with increasing mortgage rates and higher risks than ever before of rent arrears.`

`The government`s proposal to abolish no-fault evictions couldn`t have come at a worse time for landlords. Landlords should consider their options very carefully and quickly."

Many organisations providing financial advice to landlords are advising landlords to consider selling their residential investment properties and to wait and see how the market turns out over the next 2-3 years before re-investing.

If you are seeking to sell your property and want to discuss your options, you can complete an enquiry form with iProperties Ltd for a quick and easy sale. (https://www.ipropertiesltd.com/contact.aspx?menuID=90)

Brokers baffled as Bank of England drops mortgage affordability tests

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 12:00:00 GMT

The Bank of England has confirmed plans to withdraw the requirement for lenders to conduct interest rate stress tests on mortgage applications.

The Bank`s Financial Policy Committee introduced the test in the aftermath of the financial crisis in 2014 to ensure borrowers could afford changes in their monthly repayments.

It assessed how a borrower would cope if their rate in the first five years of their loan was three percentage points higher than the bank`s standard variable rate.

Critics said the test was too high given low interest rates and the Bank had been reviewing this policy since the end of last year and has now removed it.

Now the bank argues that a loan-to-income (LTI) flow limit on how many home loans can be granted beyond 4.5 times income and Financial Conduct Authority lending rules should guard against risky lending.

The stress test rule will be removed in August.

But most Financial institutes, said the move was `baffling` given the current interest rate rises and soaring inflation.

Some said: `With interest rates starting to creep up to meet the damaging impact of inflation and soaring energy and food prices you would think that people`s ability to afford their mortgage should really be under the spotlight now.

` However, this move by the Bank of England may illustrate that the long-term health of the housing market is predicted to be less than rosy, and this change is a means to guard against a real slump in house prices.

`While it is potentially bad timing for the announcement, the change in the affordability rules may not be as significant as it sounds as the LTI ‘flow limit` will not be withdrawn, which has much greater impact on people`s ability to borrow.`

The shift in rules is one of the many attempts to help first-time buyers get their foot on the ladder but may end up having the opposite effect as more people could apply for mortgages for already limited stock.

`Ultimately, one of the key strategies the government should adopt to help first-time buyers onto the ladder is simply to build more stock.

`This has a natural effect of stabilising house prices and bringing them down due to the laws of supply and demand. This will be the only way of really helping the masses get onto the housing ladder.`

Savills, said: `From a market perspective, removing the current stress testing could mitigate some of the impact of higher interest rates. In theory, at least, it should open up a little more capacity for house price growth than is currently looking fairly constrained in the mainstream housing market.

`This said, a fairly high proportion of recent buyers have worked around the `standard variable rate plus 3%` stress test by locking into five-year fixed rates, meaning it will only preserve or open up additional borrowing capacity for part of the market.

"Lenders will still stress test applicants to reflect where they expect interest rates to be five years from the start of the loan, following the Mortgage Conduct of Business rules.

`Improved capacity for growth would also be dependent on how far lenders are prepared to push loan to income multiples under responsibly lending rules and caps on what they can lend at high loan to income ratios.

"It is unlikely to open up the mortgage-credit floodgates. It should allow lenders to be slightly more flexible which will come as welcome relief to some would-be-buyers struggling to keep up with current criteria because of significant price growth of the past two years – but saving for a deposit will remain the most significant barrier to home ownership.`

Speak to one of our in house brokers for more information, call 020 8993 8807.

Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 12:00:00 GMT

iProperties Ltd is saddened by the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. We extend our sincere condolences to The Royal Family.

Remembering Her Majesty The Queen (Change in our Office Hours)

Fri, 16 Sep 2022 12:00:00 GMT

We are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth second and remember her service of our nation for over 70 years.

As a mark of respect for Her Majesty`s passing, and to give our colleagues and clients the opportunity to commemorate her funeral. We will be closing our offices from 1pm Friday 16th September 2022 and we will resume normal working hours from Tuesday 20th September 2022.

We thank you for your understanding.

If you wish to contact us during this period, email us at, Lettings@iPropertiesLtd.com.

We will endeavour to respond to your email, as soon as possible.

Festive Period Closing Times

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 12:00:00 GMT

We hope you`re looking forward to the festive period as much as we are!

Throughout the year we`ve invested in developing our services to put more focus on you.

We`ll continue to strive to be the most effective agent for you, into 2024 and beyond.

During the festive period, our offices will be closed from 22nd December 2023 and will resume our normal office hours from 4th January 2024. However, Our call centres will be open for any emergencies, Monday - Saturday 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, Sunday and Bank Holidays 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Alternatively, If you wish to contact us during this period, please do email us at Lettings@iPropertiesLtd.com and we will endeavour to respond to your emails.

We hope you have a wonderful break and thank you for your support in 2023.

We would like to take this opportunity to...

`Wish you all and your families a safe Merry Christmas & A Prosperous New Year - 2024`

Best Wishes
iProperties Ltd

The minimum energy efficiency standards are changing (EPC)

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 12:00:00 GMT

We know that net zero is coming down the line and it will affect almost every area of our life. In a previous article we looked at the consultation on changing the method for measuring energy efficiency for the EPC. In this article we consider the closely related Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards and how they may change for privately rented properties.

Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes in England and Wales:2025 update
This consultation was announced 7 February and closes for responses on 2nd May 2025. We should not be surprised by the headline proposal as this is not the first Government to propose something similar. Again, these proposals for the private rented sector (PRS) are only one part of an overall national strategy to achieve ‘Net Zero` by 2050.

The headline proposal is to raise the minimum energy efficiency standard (MEES) to a C from the current rating of E. This, under current regulations, means that all private rented properties will have to achieve the C rating or have a valid exemption registered before the property can be let. It is not yet clear how any changes to MEES requirements will dovetail with the with the proposed database under Renters` Rights legislation. Would it for instance be a requirement to ensure that a C rating is achieved before the property is let or before it is marketed?

The time scale proposed in the previous administration`s consultation, launched September 2020, was to introduce a minimum band C rating for new tenancies from April 2025 with compliance required for existing tenancies from April 2028.Clearly this cannot be achieved now. The then Government did not respond to their own consultation although the present Government has now responded. The proposals in this updated consultation build on or amend earlier proposals.

Time scales

The amended proposal is to introduce the minimum band C for new tenancies from 2028 (no month is stated). The transition period for existing tenancies to comply with the band C is 2030 (again no month stated). Under Renters` Rights legislation, Housing Act 1988 tenancies will be periodic and, as such, tenants will be able to give 2 months` notice at any time. Any following tenancy will therefore be a new tenancy to which the transition period will cease to apply.

This consultation does not end until early May. Typically, Government responses to consultation can take up to 6 months, or longer. Being generous, this will mean that there may be no more than two and half years until that initial compliance date for new tenancies. In recent history landlords struggled to comply with the requirement for PRS properties to have electrical installation condition reports (EICR) because of a shortage of electricians. Compliance with new EPC requirements will, in addition to electricians, need plumbers, builders, window and insultation installers etc. This will come on top of the stretching housebuilding commitments made by the new Government. There may be serious concerns that there will be insufficient numbers of trades people to make the necessary improvements to ‘sub-standard` properties.

The maximum spend

Currently if a property does not meet the current minimum band E then the landlord must spend up to £3,500 including VAT, per property, on relevant improvements listed on the EPC. These might include, additional insulation, new heating controls, double glazing etc. Once the landlord has spent that amount or the improvement cannot be made within this figure then the landlord can register the remainder as an exemption. That figure is out of date now. The 2020 consultation had proposed raising the minimum per property spend for non-compliant properties to £10,000 and the proposal under the updated consultation raises that further to £15,000 including VAT per property. Part of this will be down to inflation, however, the majority is likely to be for the type of improvement required. A property could potentially have been improved from a band E to band D by changing the light bulbs and adding more loft insulation for just a few hundred pounds. Getting a property from band E to band C or higher is necessarily going to require more expensive improvements such as switching from a gas boiler to an electric heat pump or installing solar panels where possible.

If cost and practicality were taken out of the equation, we would presumably want to have the greenest and most efficient systems in all our properties. For a landlord with a single rented property under band C, potentially having to find up to £15,000 may be a stretch. For landlords with multiple properties it will just get harder. On the positive side. As new technologies are developed the cost normally start to come down. The Governments own figures suggest that on average a landlord will have to spend just over £6,000 per property to achieve band C. In this consultation update, the Government has stated that they would consider a new ‘affordability` exemption. They recognise that if the landlord`s only genuine option is to sell because the improvements are too expensive, they risk the property being lost to the PRS. They suggest for instance reducing the cost cap to £10,000 where the affordability exemption could apply or linking the exemption to council tax banding or rent levels may be a more proportionate option, though likely to leave less well-off tenants not benefiting from the better energy efficiency and lower bills.

Exemptions

There have been a range of exemptions that a landlord can register for reasons such as, an improvement costing more than the £3,500 or that all the improvements have been made and the property is still below the minimum rating. Typically, the exemptions are valid for 5 years, but they are not transferable to a new landlord. The Government has proposed that the cost cap exemption and an affordability exemption (if adopted) would be extended to a 10 year exemption.

Penalties

Under the current regulations the maximum penalty a landlord may face for a breach of the MEES regulations is £5,000 per property. It would not be sustainable to say to a landlord you have to spend £15,000 or face a £5,000 penalty.

The 2020 consultation had proposed a maximum £30,000 penalty. The Government, whilst acknowledging a high percentage of respondents said they did not agree with the proposal have stuck with the £30,000 maximum penalty, with a 5 yearly review.

The way forward

These proposals would mean that we have a far better understanding of the energy efficiency of our homes. This will mean a more thorough and therefore a likely more costly assessment. Still though, spread over the proposed 10 year lifespan of an EPC, the cost will still be relatively small.

Tenant Information Sheet 2026: What it is and why it matters (Renters Right Bill 2026)

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Tenant Information Sheet 2026: What it is and why it matters

Information Sheet

The tenant Information Sheet 2026 is a key document that landlords must provide under new legislation. Introduced as part of the Renters` Rights Act, it guarantees tenants are fully informed of their rights while placing clear legal and administrative responsibilities on landlords.

Understanding and correctly issuing the tenant Information Sheet is especially important when dealing with eviction matters. Errors in documentation can delay proceedings, invalidate notices, and expose landlords to penalties

What is a tenant Information Sheet?

A tenant Information Sheet is an official government-issued document that explains tenant rights and landlord obligations under current housing law. It forms part of the broader landlord tenant Information Sheet requirements and is designed to standardise information provided at the start of a tenancy.

The tenant contact Information Sheet is used by landlords and property managers to certify that tenants clearly understand their legal position, particularly in relation to tenancy terms, rent, and eviction procedures.

As an official Information Sheet, it must be provided in its original format and reflects the most up-to-date legal framework under the Renters` Rights Act.

When must the tenant Information Sheet be given?

The tenant Information Sheet 2026 must be provided when:

• The tenancy is an assured or assured shorthold tenancy
• The tenancy was created before 1 May 2026
• There is a written or partly written agreement

If these conditions apply, landlords are legally required to issue the tenant contact Information Sheet. Failure to do so can directly affect a landlord`s ability to take enforcement action later, including eviction.

How do you provide the Information Sheet to tenants?

Landlords must follow strict rules when providing the tenant Information Sheet 2026:

• The official, unaltered document directly from the Government website must be used
• It can be printed and posted using a tracked delivery service or hand-delivered to the tenant
• It may be sent digitally, but only as an attachment (such as a PDF)

It is important to remember that you cannot send a link to the document or edit the PDF as this will not meet the legal requirements.

Providing the Information Sheet correctly makes sure landlords remain compliance.

What happens if you don`t comply?

Failing to provide the Information Sheet 2026 is a breach of legal duties under the Renters` Rights Act.

Consequences may include:

• Tenant complaints to local authorities
• Enforcement action against the landlord
• Financial penalties:
o Up to £7,000 for an initial breach
o Up to £40,000 for ongoing non-compliance

Importantly, non-compliance can also prevent landlords from serving valid eviction notices or progressing possession claims, making it essential to get the process right from the start.

Key changes covered in the 2026 Information Sheet

Transition to periodic tenancies

The tenant Information Sheet explains the move away from fixed-term agreements towards periodic tenancies, giving tenants greater flexibility.

End of Section 21 evictions

The abolition of no-fault evictions means landlords must now rely on valid legal grounds when seeking possession.

Rent increase restrictions

New rules place limits on how frequently and how much rent can be increased.

Expanded tenant rights

The Information Sheet outlines enhanced tenant protections, including rights relating to pets, accessibility, and property standards.

Requirement for clear written tenancy terms

Landlords must provide clear, transparent tenancy agreements, reducing ambiguity and disputes.

FAQs

What is a tenant Information Sheet?
A tenant Information Sheet is an official document that outlines tenant rights and landlord responsibilities under current housing law.

Is the Information Sheet legally required?
Yes, in specific cases under the Renters` Rights Act, landlords must provide it.

Can I email the tenant Information Sheet?
Yes, but only as an attachment, not a link.