September 2025 property market update and the end of the 3rd quarter

Amateur landlording is officially dead. But property profits are still very much alive. October 2025 delivers what many industry insiders are calling the final nail in the coffin for hobby landlords, as regulatory changes complete the transformation of property management into a strictly professional business requiring specialist expertise. While part-time landlords struggle with the Renters Rights Act implementation and Awaab's Law compliance deadlines, cash investors continue to enjoy strong returns without the mounting complications. Even Bristol Council—with its substantial resources—admits it can't meet the October 27th standards, highlighting the impossible burden now facing small operators. The pension age increase to 57 for those born between 1971-1973 further accelerates this shift, eliminating a crucial funding source for many landlords while creating perfect timing for cash investors to partner with established property businesses. Renters Rights Act: Now starts the fun The Renters' Rights Act has received Royal Assent, bringing the biggest changes to the rental sector in a generation. While it's business as usual for now, landlords should prepare for major reforms coming within the next six months: • Abolition of Section 21 "no-fault" evictions • All tenancies becoming periodic by default • Mandatory written agreements • Restrictions on advance rent payments New enforcement powers will activate within two months, giving local authorities the ability to issue civil penalties up to £40,000 and process rent repayment orders for up to two years. Later implementations will include a mandatory landlord database, ombudsman registration, and extended Decent Homes Standards. The government promises "sufficient notice" before implementation, but landlords should start preparing now by ensuring all documentation is current and properties meet compliance standards. Sources https://www.nrla.org.uk/news/renters-rights-bill-royal-assent-what-happens-now Bristol Council admits it may fail to comply with Awaab's Law when it comes into force on 27th October 2025. Key Points: The irony: Bristol Council has been highly critical of private landlords and campaigned for rent controls, yet now admits it can't meet the same standards it expects from others The problem: Only one-third of council homes have been surveyed, IT systems need updating, and there's a major repair backlog The scale: Over 3,000 council homes suffer from damp and mould, with 300 having repairs delayed over a year The blame game: The current Green Party administration blames the previous Labour council for "historical underinvestment" Awaab's Law requires social housing landlords to fix emergency hazards and dangerous damp/mould within set timeframes - named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak who died from prolonged mould exposure in his social housing. If you need any help with this, please contact https://www.envirovent.com/ for free advice and or free survey Sources https://www.landlordtoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2025/09/controversial-council-admits-it-might-fail-awaabs-law-next-month/ North East According to the Office for National Statistics, the average house price in the North East was about £164,000 in August 2025, with an annual increase of 6.6% compared to a year earlier. The region is therefore among the strongest performers in England in terms of price growth, benefiting from more affordability and less drag from the high-end market. From the broader Hometrack Data Systems Ltd UK index: Northern/affordable markets are showing price inflation of ~2-3% or more, while most of the South shows under 1%. Implication : For buyers or sellers in the North East, this suggests relative strength — good value compared to the national average, rising prices, and likely stronger buyer activity. Yorkshire and the Humber For this region, the ONS data show an average house price of about £207,000 in August 2025, up from ~£202,000 the previous year — an annual rise of roughly 3.0% . The Hometrack index indicates that while growth in northern/affordable markets is stronger than the South, the headline growth rate for the region is more moderate (in the “2-3%” ballpark) rather than the 5-6% seen in some pockets. Implication : Yorkshire & the Humber remains affordable relative to many southern regions, but growth is more modest than in the top‐performing northern sub‐markets. For sellers this means realistic pricing is important; for buyers it remains an attractive region with less risk of overheating. Sources https://www.ons.gov.uk/ https://www.hometrack.com/newsroom/uk-house-price-index/ Key Change: From April 2028, the Normal Minimum Pension Age (NMPA) will increase from 55 to 57 years old. Who's Most Affected: People born between 6 April 1971 and 5 April 1973 could lose up to two years of pension access Those born before 6 April 1971 are unaffected Those born after 5 April 1973 will only access pensions from age 57 Main Impact: If you were planning to retire, reduce working hours, or pay off your mortgage at 55, you might now need to wait until 57. This could mean postponing life plans, taking on debt, or missing opportunities. Important Notes: Some people may have "protected pension age" that could exempt them The rules are complex and depend on pension scheme structure and transfers People in the affected birth range can only access funds already in drawdown once the NMPA increases Professional advice is recommended to understand your specific situation Sources https://www.robson-laidler.co.uk/the-normal-minimum-pension-age-is-increasing-could-this-affect-you/ Our Thoughts The property landscape is shifting fast, and smart investors are already adapting. The compliance burden is getting heavier. When even Bristol Council admits it can't meet Awaab's Law requirements for its own properties, you know the standards are demanding. Private landlords face the same obligations but with far fewer resources than local authorities. The pension rule change is forcing decisions. That two-year delay from 55 to 57 might not sound significant, but for landlords banking on pension access to fund property improvements or clear mortgages, it's disrupting carefully laid plans. The consolidation is beginning. Smaller landlords are selling to more professional operators who can handle the regulatory complexity. Properties are changing hands, but they're not disappearing from the rental market—they're just moving to landlords better equipped to manage them properly. If you're feeling the pressure of these changes, remember: exiting doesn't mean losing. With current property values and our proven acquisition process, you can unlock your equity without the stress of compliance deadlines or pension delays. This blog post was written by Chris and Anthony Hunter, founders of Chant Properties Ltd. The information provided is based on market data available as of September 2025 and represents our current understanding of the property market. Always seek professional advice before making investment decisions. Please fact-check all information before publishing, particularly the statistics, dates, and specific details about policy changes.

Most landlords are holding their breath. The property market is shifting beneath our feet. With interest rates falling and new tax proposals looming, August 2025 brings both opportunities and challenges for property investors across the UK.

The market resets as prices dip, supply rises, and reform looms The property market is finally catching its breath. After years of volatility driven by inflation, interest rate hikes, and pandemic aftershocks, we're now seeing a more stable—though still competitive—landscape shaped by falling prices, improved affordability, and active policy debate. Here's what's happening across the UK housing market in July 2025: 📉 Asking Prices: A Historic July Dip This month, Rightmove reported that average asking prices fell by 1.2% to £373,709 , marking the steepest July decline in over two decades . Inner London saw the sharpest regional fall at –2.1% , followed by the South East ( Rightmove , The Guardian ). Despite this, buyer activity remained robust , with sales agreed up 5% year-on-year , showing that well-priced homes are still moving in today’s market. 🔍 Regional Overview North East England Annual house price inflation remained the strongest in North East England, at +6.3% to May 2025 — far above the national average Alastair Saville+6Office for National Statistics+6GOV.UK+6 . Asking prices rose by 1.2% in July, with average values around £196,844—one of the few regions showing resilience amid broader market softness. MoneyWeek+2Forbes+2MoneyWeek+2 . Strong rent inflation, at 9.7% year-on-year (June 2025), highlights continued demand for rental housing and supports investor interest Zoopla+3Office for National Statistics+3AInvest+3 . Property sales in hotspots like Newcastle and Sunderland continue to lead regional growth, with prices rising between 2%–5% annually in more affordable areas like Sunderland (£119K average) Office for National Statistics+13Zoopla+13AInvest+13 . Yorkshire & the Humber From the UK government data, Yorkshire posted the highest monthly house price increase in May (+2.4%), with year-on-year growth of 5.1% The Times+3AInvest+3HomeOwners Alliance+3 . North Yorkshire recorded average house prices of around £204,000 by May 2025, up from £194,000 a year earlier. Semi-detached homes rose the fastest (+6.4%), Office for National Statistics . Rental markets here remain more subdued compared to the North East: rental inflation in Yorkshire & the Humber averaged just 3.5% to June 2025 Savills+15Office for National Statistics+15guildproperty.co.uk+15 . 🏘️ Government Data: Prices and Transactions According to the ONS , the average UK house price rose by 3.9% in the 12 months to May , reaching £269,000 . Meanwhile, rents climbed 6.7% , driven by tight supply—particularly in the North East , which saw a staggering 9.7% rent increase ( ONS ). The Land Registry confirmed these trends, showing an average sale price of £268,652 in May, reflecting 1.1% annual growth , with newer data due in mid-September ( Land Registry ). Transaction activity also rebounded: HMRC reported 81,470 completed residential transactions in May , up 25% from April , but still 12% below May 2024 levels . Much of this is attributed to buyers rushing to beat stamp duty threshold changes in April ( HMRC ). 🏦 Mortgage Rates & Lending Affordability is gradually improving. The average two-year fixed mortgage rate fell to 4.53% , down from over 5.3% a year earlier. This equates to a monthly saving of around £150 for the average borrower ( The Guardian ). The Bank of England’s easing of affordability stress tests is also expected to unlock lending for an estimated 36,000 extra first-time buyers annually , making it easier for households with good credit but limited deposit capacity to enter the market ( The Guardian ). 🧱 New Builds & Rental Trends In the new-build sector, buyer demand remained strong in areas like Southampton (35% sold subject to contract) , Sheffield , and Bristol , while weaker interest was noted in Swansea and Liverpool ( WealthWise ). The rental market is bracing for transformation. The anticipated Renters’ Rights Bill , likely to pass in early 2026, would ban Section 21 evictions, cap rent hikes, and introduce an independent ombudsman. Some landlords warn this could restrict rental supply further and increase upward pressure on rents ( The Week ). ⚖️ Policy Pressure: Stamp Duty & Downsizer Relief Calls for stamp duty reform are growing louder. According to Rightmove, only 40% of homes now fall under the SDLT exemption threshold , down from 53% in 2017. The current thresholds are seen as outdated and a barrier to mobility ( FT ). There’s also a push to offer stamp duty relief for downsizers , with the potential to free up 2.5 million homes over five years , improving availability for younger families and first-time buyers ( Country Life ). 🔮 What’s Next? Forecasts for 2025 Rightmove cut its full-year house price forecast from +4% to +2% , citing competitive supply and affordability caps ( Rightmove ). Zoopla expects price growth to hold near 2.5% , focused mostly in affordable northern markets. Savills and others have downgraded 2025 expectations to just +1% , with recovery forecasts shifted toward 2026–2027 ( The Times ). ✅ Summary: A Market in Reset Mode The UK property market in July 2025 shows clear signs of recalibration: Prices are cooling, especially in the South, while demand remains resilient Affordability is improving, but buyers are increasingly price-sensitive Stock levels are rising, giving buyers more leverage Policy changes and lending reforms are reshaping the market For buyers and investors, this is a moment of opportunity—if you're prepared. For sellers, it's more important than ever to price realistically and understand local dynamics. The property market is finding its new balance after years of extremes. Those who understand these shifting dynamics will be best positioned to make smart decisions in the months ahead. Note: All facts and statistics in this report are accurate as of the publication date in July 2025. Property market conditions change frequently, so please verify the latest data before making any investment decisions.