The UK Property Market Reset

Are the Headlines About Property and Renting Actually True?

If you only followed mainstream headlines, you’d be forgiven for thinking the UK property market is collapsing, rents are “spiralling out of control” everywhere, and landlords are exiting the sector en masse.

But according to property analyst Kate Faulkner OBE and Tracey Hanbury, Co Founder of the National Landlord Investment Show and wider group of LIS Media Brands, the reality is far more complex, and far more localised.

In an insightful webinar hosted by Aldermore Bank for an audience of mortgage brokers and lenders, Tracey and Kate broke down the myths, explain what’s really happening in the market, and discussed how the Renters’ Rights Act could reshape the future of the private rented sector. 

For landlords, lenders, brokers and property professionals, this webinar provides practical insight into the current market, without the sensationalism.

Watch the full webinar here

The Biggest Myth? There Isn’t One UK Property Market

One of the key messages from the webinar is simple:

“There isn’t one property market anymore.” 

Instead, performance varies dramatically depending on:

• Property type 
• Region 
• Local demand 
• Affordability 
• Rental supply 
• Economic conditions 

Kate Faulkner explains how some property values are rising, some are falling, while others have remained flat for years. Flats, houses and detached homes are all behaving differently depending on location. 

This matters enormously for:

• Buy-to-let investors 
• Mortgage lenders 
• Brokers 
• Developers 
• Portfolio landlords 

Generalised national headlines are not enough to make informed decisions.

What’s Really Happening With Rents?

Another major talking point from the webinar challenges the narrative around “extortionate” rents.

According to government affordability data discussed in the presentation:

• Rents have historically risen broadly in line with wages 
• Most regions remain within affordability thresholds 
• London heavily skews national averages 
• In many higher-priced areas, renting can still be cheaper than buying in the short term 

The webinar also highlights:

• Average mortgage payments have risen faster than rents over recent years 
• Private rents increased by around 18% 
• Mortgage payments rose by around 29% 

For brokers and lenders, this creates important conversations around:

• Affordability 
• Tenure choices 
• Long-term housing costs 
• Buy versus rent decisions 

The Renters’ Rights Act: What Landlords Need to Prepare For

A substantial section of the webinar focuses on the upcoming Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) and the practical implications for landlords. Kate and Tracey outline both the positive and more concerning aspects of the legislation.

Key Changes Include:

• Section 21 evictions being abolished 
• All ASTs becoming periodic tenancies 
• Annual rent increases only 
• New restrictions around rent bidding 
• Tougher standards on damp and mould 
• Increased compliance requirements 

The webinar also raises concerns around:

• Reduced flexibility for landlords 
• Challenges for temporary landlords 
• Pressure on landlords housing benefit tenants 
• Potential reductions in available rental stock 
• Increased risks for smaller landlords 

Importantly, the session discusses the unintended consequences policymakers may not yet fully appreciate.

Why EPC Ratings Could Become the Next Big Issue

Beyond the Renters’ Rights Act, landlords are warned to keep a close eye on future EPC requirements.The presentation highlights concerns around:

• Achieving EPC C ratings by 2030 
• Upgrade affordability 
• Older housing stock 
• Rural property challenges 
• Investor viability 

For some landlords, future compliance costs may ultimately influence whether they remain in the sector.

What Happens Next for the Private Rented Sector?

The webinar suggests the landlord market is entering a period of long-term transition rather than sudden collapse.

Key expectations include:

• Continued landlord exits among smaller or accidental landlords 
• Increased professionalisation of the sector 
• Ongoing supply shortages 
• More selective lending and investment 
• Rising importance of local market knowledge 

At the same time, experienced landlords who understand their numbers and adapt strategically may continue to find opportunities.

Why This Webinar Matters for Lenders and Brokers

For mortgage brokers and lenders, this webinar offers valuable insight into landlord behaviour and market sentiment.

Topics covered include:

• Investor confidence 
• Affordability pressures 
• Rental market resilience 
• Property market forecasts 
• Landlord decision-making 
• Buy-to-let financing challenges 

The webinar also explores how better landlord education and clearer market understanding could improve long-term outcomes across the sector.

Key Takeaways

Landlords should:

• Focus on local market data, not national headlines 
• Prepare early for RRA changes 
• Review EPC requirements now 
• Stress-test portfolio profitability 
• Understand tenant affordability trends 

Head to the next National Landlord Investment Show:

Most importantly, landlords should be staying informed, staying ahead, and connecting with the experts and education they need to navigate an ever-changing market. The National Landlord Investment Show offers ample opportunity to do this and is designed specifically for UK landlords, property investors and property developers. The shows are free to attend across multiple locations in the UK, offering UK landlords the chance to meet the expert property suppliers, network and attend educational, panel discussions and seminars. View the next show here.

Brokers and lenders should:

• Support landlords with education and strategy 
• Monitor changing landlord behaviour 
• Prepare for evolving compliance conversations 
• Focus on long-term affordability discussions 

Who Should Watch?

This webinar is essential viewing for:

• Buy-to-let landlords 
• Portfolio investors 
• Mortgage brokers 
• Property lenders 
• Letting agents 
• Developers 
• Property professionals 

Watch the Webinar for the details! 

For anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the current UK property market, the future direction of the private rented sector, and the key issues landlords and lenders should be preparing for, this webinar is highly recommended and brought to you by Aldermore Bank with expert guests from the National Landlord Investment Show and LIS Media.

Watch now

Did you know? 

Aldermore run their own Aldermore Buy-to-Let (BTL) Tracker ranking the latest property hotspots for landlords, tracking average rent-to-house-price growth and vacancies as a proportion of the housing stock per city. Access the 2026 city tracker here.