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  • UK Landlord Exodus Slows as Rental Sell-Offs Plunge

    UK Landlord Exodus Slows as Rental Sell-Offs Plunge

    Landlord Exodus Slows Down

    As of April 2026, the proportion of landlords selling off their former rental properties has nearly halved in the past year, indicating a slowdown in the wave of buy-to-let exits that has marked the private rented sector in recent years. This is according to the latest Property & Homemover Report from TwentyCi. The percentage of homes coming to market that were previously rented dropped from 22.5% in Q1 2025 to 12.4% in Q1 2026, representing a year-on-year reduction of 45%. This decline was observed across the UK, with London recording the most significant fall of 51%.

    Of the properties sold in Q2 and Q3 2025, only 6% outside London were subsequently re-let, rising to 11% in the capital. This suggests that most are likely being absorbed by owner-occupiers rather than other investors.

    Broader Housing Market Stability

    The broader housing market has made a relatively stable start to 2026. New listings have increased by 5.1% year-on-year. Transactions were down 3.9% compared with last year but up 10.7% on Q1 2023 and 19.2% on Q1 2024, once the distorting effect of last year’s stamp duty deadline is taken into account. Colin Bradshaw, chief executive of TwentyCi, stated that the market was ‘continuing to tick along nicely’ despite global disruption. However, he noted some initial cooling in London and the South East as fixed mortgage rates have moved back above 5%.

    Buyer enquiries fell sharply in March, mortgage pricing has become more volatile, and inflation concerns are prompting the Bank of England to hold rates rather than cut. The report expects transactions in 2026 to be broadly similar to 2025 – around 1.2 million – but said the outlook depends on whether geopolitical pressures have a wider economic impact.

    Lettings Market Overview

    In the lettings market, the number of rental properties coming to market rose by nearly 19% year-on-year, while lets agreed increased by 5.8%. Average rents edged down 2% to £1,450 per month but remain close to record highs, with affordability still a significant constraint for tenants.

  • Winkworth Profits Dip in 2025 Despite Steady Revenue

    Winkworth Profits Dip in 2025 Despite Steady Revenue

    Winkworth’s Financial Performance in 2025

    As of 17th April 2026, Winkworth’s financial performance for the year ending 31st December 2025 shows a slight decrease in profit despite maintaining steady revenue. The company’s revenue remained relatively unchanged at £10.74m, compared to £10.79m the previous year. However, the profit before tax saw an 11% decline, amounting to £2.11m.

    Despite the dip in profit, Winkworth’s franchised network saw a 6% rise in revenues, reaching £68.7m. The sales income also experienced a boost, increasing by 10% to £35.8m, while lettings income saw a modest growth of 3%, totalling £32.9m. Sales accounted for 52% of total revenues, a slight increase from the previous year.

    Property Management Overtakes Lettings Income

    Interestingly, within the lettings figures, property management income saw a 9% growth to £17m, surpassing lettings income for the first time. This shift reflects both a reduction in the number of landlords in the sector and an increased demand from remaining landlords for fully managed services ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act. Property management accounted for 24.8% of network income, compared with 22.7% for lettings.

    Outlook for 2026 Amid Geopolitical Developments

    Looking ahead, Winkworth stated that early 2026 trading had been resilient, with sales registrations and agreed sales broadly in line with recent years. However, the company warned that the conflict in the Middle East had led to a sharp reversal in mortgage rates. Major lenders have raised fixed rates as swap rates rose on inflation concerns, reversing some of the affordability gains seen earlier in the year.

    Despite these challenges, Winkworth ended 2025 with a positive balance sheet, with £3.9m in cash and no debt. The company also increased its full-year dividends by 7% to 13.2p per share. Chief Executive Dominic Agace stated that while the outlook for 2026 is subject to geopolitical developments, the company continues to manage with the interests of its customers, franchisees, and shareholders at heart.

  • UK Mortgage Rates Dip for First Time Since War Outbreak

    UK Mortgage Rates Dip for First Time Since War Outbreak

    As of 17th April 2026, the UK mortgage market has seen a week-on-week decline in average fixed rates for the first time since the outbreak of the war in Iran. The latest data from Moneyfacts reveals a drop in the average three-year fix by 5bps to 5.5%, the average two-year fix by 3bps to 5.87%, and the average five-year fixed rate by 2bps to 5.76%.

    Significant Reductions in Some Product Categories

    Some product categories experienced more significant reductions. Average three-year fixes at 95% loan-to-value (LTV) fell by 13bps to 5.98%, and at 85% LTV, they dropped 9bps to 5.53%. Average two-year fixes at 70% LTV were also down by 9bps to 5.58%, and at 95% LTV, they fell 8bps to 6.4%. This downward trend is a positive shift for borrowers, especially those with smaller deposits.

    New High LTV Deals and Rate Cuts by Major Lenders

    Building societies have introduced a number of higher LTV deals, including new products at 98% LTV from Cambridge Building Society and 95% LTV ranges from Saffron Building Society and Leeds Building Society. Major lenders such as HSBC, Lloyds Bank, and Santander also reduced rates during the week. Other lenders, including Atom Bank, Halifax, TSB, and The Co-operative Bank, followed suit, while Kensington and Principality Building Society increased rates.

    Market Outlook

    Moneyfacts personal finance expert Rachel Springall notes that the rate reductions are a small yet positive step in the right direction. This trend follows recent swap rate moves, which are currently around 4%. Prior to the recent ceasefire in the Middle East, there were speculations of an interest rate hike by the Bank of England due to a projected increase in inflation this year. Borrowers will be keen to see if this positive momentum in rate cuts and new deal launches continues. Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see if Barclays, which has not adjusted its residential mortgage rates since the start of April, will decide to cut rates next week.

  • Atom Bank and Family Building Society Cut Mortgage Rates

    Atom Bank and Family Building Society Cut Mortgage Rates

    Rate Reductions Announced by Atom Bank and Family Building Society

    As of 17th April 2026, Atom Bank and Family Building Society have announced significant reductions in their mortgage rates. Atom Bank has cut its rates by up to 30 basis points across its prime mortgage range, while Family Building Society has reduced its rates by 25 basis points. These rate cuts follow HSBC’s announcement of a 34 basis point reduction, alongside similar moves by Coventry and Leeds.

    Atom Bank’s prime mortgage rates now start from 5.29% for borrowers with a deposit of at least 15%. Products with up to 85% loan-to-value (LTV) have seen a 20 basis point reduction, while 90% LTV products have seen a 25 basis point reduction. Rates for 95% LTV products have been reduced by 10 basis points. These reductions follow a recent 20 basis point cut across Atom Bank’s near prime range, reflecting improved swap market conditions.

    Family Building Society Reintroduces 60% LTV Products

    Family Building Society has also announced reductions in its owner occupier and buy-to-let ranges, as well as the reintroduction of products at 60% LTV. In its buy-to-let range, two-year fixed rates have been reduced by 25 basis points and five-year fixed rates by 15 basis points. Rates for existing customers, including product transfers and further advances, have also been reduced, with buy-to-let products decreasing by up to 25 basis points.

    Family Building Society’s head of intermediary sales, Darren Deacon, has attributed these rate reductions and the reintroduction of lower LTV pricing to relative stability in the Gulf, which has been reflected in market sentiment.

  • Landlords Expected to Sell 220,000 Rented Homes in 2026

    Landlords Expected to Sell 220,000 Rented Homes in 2026

    Landlords to Sell 5% of Private Rental Stock

    Pepper Money’s recent research reveals that approximately 220,000 rented homes are expected to be sold by the end of 2026, representing around 5% of the UK’s private rental stock. This significant reduction in rental properties is largely attributed to the upcoming Renters’ Rights Act, which will come into effect in May 2026. The Act is expected to influence landlords to withdraw over 65,000 households from the Private Rented Sector (PRS) in England by the end of the year.

    With only 5% of landlords having purchased a new rental property in the past year and subdued new starts in build-to-rent, it is unlikely that the exiting stock will be replenished at the same rate. This could result in a decrease in rental dwellings in 2026. The South East is expected to see the highest volume of dwellings exiting the PRS, with over 46,000 dwellings leaving the market. This represents over a fifth of all exits across the country, with 15% of all private landlords in the region planning to sell.

    Regional Rental Yields and Market Impact

    The North East, despite having a smaller number of rental properties, has the highest proportion of landlords intending to sell, with 21% planning to sell in 2026. However, this accounts for just 8% of total PRS exits nationally. The average rents in these regions highlight the potential market impact of these exits. In the South East, where rental demand is high, rents currently average around £1,893 per month. As such, the projected exit of over 46,000 homes could intensify competition and put further upward pressure on prices. Regional rental yields further explain landlord behaviour; in the South East yields are relatively modest at around 6%, which may make property investment less resilient to increased regulation.

    In the North East, average rents are lower, at around £946 per month, yet the high proportion of landlords planning to sell signals significant regional shifts in landlord sentiment even in more affordable markets. Other regions, including the East of England (£1,649 pcm), South West (£1,473 pcm), and London (£2,716 pcm), also show elevated rents, underscoring widespread market pressures across England.

    Changes to Renters’ Rights and Energy Efficiency Standards

    From 1 May 2026, renters in England will see some of the biggest changes to their rights in decades. From late 2026, a Private Rented Sector Database will also be introduced, requiring landlords to pay to join. Looking further ahead, all privately rented homes are expected to meet new energy efficiency standards by 2030, meaning better insulation, lower bills and greener living for renters.

  • HMO Mortgages Explained: Rates, Rules & Licensing Requirements

    HMO Mortgages Explained: Rates, Rules & Licensing Requirements

    TL;DR: Everything landlords need to know about HMO mortgages in 2026 — from licensing rules and Article 4 directions to specialist lender rates and deposit requirements.

    Key Takeaways

    • Specialist brokers can access deals not available on comparison sites or the high street
    • Every borrower’s situation is different — criteria vary significantly between lenders
    • Getting the right advice early saves time, money, and rejected applications

    What You Need to Know

    This is a topic that many borrowers find confusing, and for good reason — the criteria and options vary significantly depending on your circumstances, the property, and the lender. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

    Whether you’re a first-time applicant or an experienced investor, understanding the landscape will help you secure the best possible deal. The UK mortgage market offers more specialist products than most people realise, but accessing them often requires expert guidance.

    How It Works

    The process typically starts with understanding your options and getting an agreement in principle. From there, a specialist broker can match you with lenders whose criteria fit your specific situation — something that’s particularly important in specialist lending where one-size-fits-all approaches rarely work.

    Lender criteria in this area can be surprisingly varied. What one lender rejects, another may actively welcome. This is why working with a broker who specialises in this area can make the difference between approval and rejection.

    Finding the Right Broker

    A specialist mortgage broker with experience in this area can save you time and money by matching you with the right lender first time. They’ll understand the nuances that generalist brokers might miss, and they’ll have relationships with lenders who specialise in exactly this type of lending.

    Find a specialist broker on Mortgage118 — compare whole-of-market brokers who specialise in this area, read verified reviews, and get matched with an expert who understands your needs.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I find a specialist broker for this type of mortgage?

    Use a broker directory like Mortgage118 to search for brokers who specialise in this area. Look for whole-of-market brokers with specific experience and verified client reviews.

    How long does the application process take?

    Timelines vary depending on the complexity of your application and the lender. A straightforward case might complete in 4-6 weeks, while more complex situations could take 8-12 weeks. Your broker will give you a realistic timeline upfront.

    Do I need a larger deposit for specialist mortgages?

    It depends on the type of mortgage and your circumstances. Some specialist products require higher deposits than standard residential mortgages, but there are options across a range of LTVs. A broker can advise on what’s realistic for your situation.

    Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

    Article reviewed by David Sampson, CeMAP qualified mortgage specialist.

  • HMO Mortgage Lenders: Who Offers the Best Rates in 2026?

    HMO Mortgage Lenders: Who Offers the Best Rates in 2026?

    TL;DR: Compare specialist HMO mortgage lenders, their rates, criteria, and maximum room counts. Find out which lenders accept first-time landlords and licensed HMOs.

    Key Takeaways

    • Specialist brokers can access deals not available on comparison sites or the high street
    • Every borrower’s situation is different — criteria vary significantly between lenders
    • Getting the right advice early saves time, money, and rejected applications

    What You Need to Know

    This is a topic that many borrowers find confusing, and for good reason — the criteria and options vary significantly depending on your circumstances, the property, and the lender. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

    Whether you’re a first-time applicant or an experienced investor, understanding the landscape will help you secure the best possible deal. The UK mortgage market offers more specialist products than most people realise, but accessing them often requires expert guidance.

    How It Works

    The process typically starts with understanding your options and getting an agreement in principle. From there, a specialist broker can match you with lenders whose criteria fit your specific situation — something that’s particularly important in specialist lending where one-size-fits-all approaches rarely work.

    Lender criteria in this area can be surprisingly varied. What one lender rejects, another may actively welcome. This is why working with a broker who specialises in this area can make the difference between approval and rejection.

    Finding the Right Broker

    A specialist mortgage broker with experience in this area can save you time and money by matching you with the right lender first time. They’ll understand the nuances that generalist brokers might miss, and they’ll have relationships with lenders who specialise in exactly this type of lending.

    Find a specialist broker on Mortgage118 — compare whole-of-market brokers who specialise in this area, read verified reviews, and get matched with an expert who understands your needs.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I find a specialist broker for this type of mortgage?

    Use a broker directory like Mortgage118 to search for brokers who specialise in this area. Look for whole-of-market brokers with specific experience and verified client reviews.

    How long does the application process take?

    Timelines vary depending on the complexity of your application and the lender. A straightforward case might complete in 4-6 weeks, while more complex situations could take 8-12 weeks. Your broker will give you a realistic timeline upfront.

    Do I need a larger deposit for specialist mortgages?

    It depends on the type of mortgage and your circumstances. Some specialist products require higher deposits than standard residential mortgages, but there are options across a range of LTVs. A broker can advise on what’s realistic for your situation.

    Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

    Article reviewed by David Sampson, CeMAP qualified mortgage specialist.

  • HMO Licensing: Article 4 Directions & Mandatory Schemes by Area

    HMO Licensing: Article 4 Directions & Mandatory Schemes by Area

    TL;DR: A comprehensive area-by-area guide to HMO licensing in the UK, covering mandatory and additional licensing schemes, Article 4 directions, and how they affect your mortgage options.

    Key Takeaways

    • Specialist brokers can access deals not available on comparison sites or the high street
    • Every borrower’s situation is different — criteria vary significantly between lenders
    • Getting the right advice early saves time, money, and rejected applications

    What You Need to Know

    This is a topic that many borrowers find confusing, and for good reason — the criteria and options vary significantly depending on your circumstances, the property, and the lender. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

    Whether you’re a first-time applicant or an experienced investor, understanding the landscape will help you secure the best possible deal. The UK mortgage market offers more specialist products than most people realise, but accessing them often requires expert guidance.

    How It Works

    The process typically starts with understanding your options and getting an agreement in principle. From there, a specialist broker can match you with lenders whose criteria fit your specific situation — something that’s particularly important in specialist lending where one-size-fits-all approaches rarely work.

    Lender criteria in this area can be surprisingly varied. What one lender rejects, another may actively welcome. This is why working with a broker who specialises in this area can make the difference between approval and rejection.

    Finding the Right Broker

    A specialist mortgage broker with experience in this area can save you time and money by matching you with the right lender first time. They’ll understand the nuances that generalist brokers might miss, and they’ll have relationships with lenders who specialise in exactly this type of lending.

    Find a specialist broker on Mortgage118 — compare whole-of-market brokers who specialise in this area, read verified reviews, and get matched with an expert who understands your needs.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I find a specialist broker for this type of mortgage?

    Use a broker directory like Mortgage118 to search for brokers who specialise in this area. Look for whole-of-market brokers with specific experience and verified client reviews.

    How long does the application process take?

    Timelines vary depending on the complexity of your application and the lender. A straightforward case might complete in 4-6 weeks, while more complex situations could take 8-12 weeks. Your broker will give you a realistic timeline upfront.

    Do I need a larger deposit for specialist mortgages?

    It depends on the type of mortgage and your circumstances. Some specialist products require higher deposits than standard residential mortgages, but there are options across a range of LTVs. A broker can advise on what’s realistic for your situation.

    Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

    Article reviewed by David Sampson, CeMAP qualified mortgage specialist.

  • First-Time Landlord: How to Get Your First BTL Mortgage

    First-Time Landlord: How to Get Your First BTL Mortgage

    TL;DR: Step-by-step guide for first-time landlords on getting a buy-to-let mortgage, from deposit requirements and rental yield calculations to lender criteria and stress tests.

    Key Takeaways

    • Specialist brokers can access deals not available on comparison sites or the high street
    • Every borrower’s situation is different — criteria vary significantly between lenders
    • Getting the right advice early saves time, money, and rejected applications

    What You Need to Know

    This is a topic that many borrowers find confusing, and for good reason — the criteria and options vary significantly depending on your circumstances, the property, and the lender. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

    Whether you’re a first-time applicant or an experienced investor, understanding the landscape will help you secure the best possible deal. The UK mortgage market offers more specialist products than most people realise, but accessing them often requires expert guidance.

    How It Works

    The process typically starts with understanding your options and getting an agreement in principle. From there, a specialist broker can match you with lenders whose criteria fit your specific situation — something that’s particularly important in specialist lending where one-size-fits-all approaches rarely work.

    Lender criteria in this area can be surprisingly varied. What one lender rejects, another may actively welcome. This is why working with a broker who specialises in this area can make the difference between approval and rejection.

    Finding the Right Broker

    A specialist mortgage broker with experience in this area can save you time and money by matching you with the right lender first time. They’ll understand the nuances that generalist brokers might miss, and they’ll have relationships with lenders who specialise in exactly this type of lending.

    Find a specialist broker on Mortgage118 — compare whole-of-market brokers who specialise in this area, read verified reviews, and get matched with an expert who understands your needs.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I find a specialist broker for this type of mortgage?

    Use a broker directory like Mortgage118 to search for brokers who specialise in this area. Look for whole-of-market brokers with specific experience and verified client reviews.

    How long does the application process take?

    Timelines vary depending on the complexity of your application and the lender. A straightforward case might complete in 4-6 weeks, while more complex situations could take 8-12 weeks. Your broker will give you a realistic timeline upfront.

    Do I need a larger deposit for specialist mortgages?

    It depends on the type of mortgage and your circumstances. Some specialist products require higher deposits than standard residential mortgages, but there are options across a range of LTVs. A broker can advise on what’s realistic for your situation.

    Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

    Article reviewed by David Sampson, CeMAP qualified mortgage specialist.

  • Buy-to-Let Tax Guide 2026: Section 24, CGT & Allowable Expenses

    Buy-to-Let Tax Guide 2026: Section 24, CGT & Allowable Expenses

    TL;DR: A complete guide to buy-to-let tax in 2026 — covering Section 24 mortgage interest relief restrictions, capital gains tax, allowable expenses, and tax-efficient structures.

    Key Takeaways

    • Specialist brokers can access deals not available on comparison sites or the high street
    • Every borrower’s situation is different — criteria vary significantly between lenders
    • Getting the right advice early saves time, money, and rejected applications

    What You Need to Know

    This is a topic that many borrowers find confusing, and for good reason — the criteria and options vary significantly depending on your circumstances, the property, and the lender. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

    Whether you’re a first-time applicant or an experienced investor, understanding the landscape will help you secure the best possible deal. The UK mortgage market offers more specialist products than most people realise, but accessing them often requires expert guidance.

    How It Works

    The process typically starts with understanding your options and getting an agreement in principle. From there, a specialist broker can match you with lenders whose criteria fit your specific situation — something that’s particularly important in specialist lending where one-size-fits-all approaches rarely work.

    Lender criteria in this area can be surprisingly varied. What one lender rejects, another may actively welcome. This is why working with a broker who specialises in this area can make the difference between approval and rejection.

    Finding the Right Broker

    A specialist mortgage broker with experience in this area can save you time and money by matching you with the right lender first time. They’ll understand the nuances that generalist brokers might miss, and they’ll have relationships with lenders who specialise in exactly this type of lending.

    Find a specialist broker on Mortgage118 — compare whole-of-market brokers who specialise in this area, read verified reviews, and get matched with an expert who understands your needs.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I find a specialist broker for this type of mortgage?

    Use a broker directory like Mortgage118 to search for brokers who specialise in this area. Look for whole-of-market brokers with specific experience and verified client reviews.

    How long does the application process take?

    Timelines vary depending on the complexity of your application and the lender. A straightforward case might complete in 4-6 weeks, while more complex situations could take 8-12 weeks. Your broker will give you a realistic timeline upfront.

    Do I need a larger deposit for specialist mortgages?

    It depends on the type of mortgage and your circumstances. Some specialist products require higher deposits than standard residential mortgages, but there are options across a range of LTVs. A broker can advise on what’s realistic for your situation.

    Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

    Article reviewed by David Sampson, CeMAP qualified mortgage specialist.