With the housing market showing signs of seasonal slowdown, October brought several key updates for landlords, investors and home movers alike. Rental prices dipped sharply in parts of the country, the government outlined potential plans to modernise the homebuying process, and new insights revealed which property types are currently delivering the best returns.
Meanwhile, investors are preparing for the impact of the forthcoming Renters Rights Act, expected to reshape the private rental sector next spring. Here’s a look at some of the main news stories making headlines …
Rents slump by up to 24%
October’s figures showed a marked slump in private sector rents, according to Landlord Today recently.
The biggest falls were in the southwest of England, where rents dropped by 24%, while the decrease in rent levels in the southeast of England, Greater London, and the East Midlands also reached double figures.
It was a different picture in the northwest of England and the West Midlands, where rents dipped only slightly by some 6%.
Over the year to date, rents nationally have still risen by 3.1% (the average now standing at £1,279 compared with £1,238 this time last year).
Legislation for speedier house-moving?
In a recent posting on the online listings website Rightmove asked whether the rules for homebuyers might be changing.
The question arises following government consultation about the type of changes that might hasten the selling and buying of property. These could lower the overall cost of buying your first house or moving home. Changes under consideration include:
- searches and surveys could be made before any sale is formally agreed;
- potential buyers might be helped by sellers having to make available more information about the property or the reasons for the sale;
- speedier conveyancing could be achieved through the use of digital tools; and
- buyers and sellers may have the option to make a binding contract agreeing to the sale before the current completion of conveyancing and the exchange of contracts.
When are the changes likely to take effect?
Major shifts in government policy take time, and this one will be no exception. The first stage will see a detailed roadmap published in early 2026, setting out how and when the changes could be introduced.
The government is also inviting feedback from people who’ve recently bought or sold a home, encouraging them to share their experiences and opinions on the proposals through its consultation process.
The hottest homes for sale
Whether you’re a potential buyer or have property to sell, it will be helpful to know what types of homes are currently the most popular. Zoopla surveyed the market of recent sales of different property types, the profit made from the sale, and the average percentage gain from the transaction.
The results suggest that:
- detached homes made an average gain of 45% – an average £122,500 on a sale price of £410,000;
- semi-detached homes made an average gain of 44% – an average £80,000 on a sale price of £273,500;
- terraced houses made an average gain of 40% – an average £64,250 on a £236,000 sale price; and
- flats made an average gain of 15% – an average £27,000 on a sale price of £220,000.
For each property type, the seller had been in residence for an average of 9 years.
The Renters Rights Act for investors
The long-awaited Renters Rights Act looks likely to come into law by next Spring. The Select Property website on the 3rd of November suggested what the legislation might mean for investors.
Although many of the details of the legislation are still to emerge and some points will need secondary legislation, the website claims that it will usher in a new climate of professionalism within the rental market . It reports that some of the key benefits for investors are likely to be:
1. Greater stability
The Renters Rights Act removes Section 21 and replaces fixed-term tenancies with open-ended agreements. Tenants can stay indefinitely or leave with two months’ notice, reducing turnover and void periods. For landlords, that means steadier income and lower re-letting costs.
2. Future-ready investment
Higher property standards will favour well-maintained, energy-efficient homes. Quality stock will see stronger demand and better returns as older, non-compliant properties leave the market. Good EPC ratings and compliance records will also boost resale appeal and capital growth.
3. Clearer landlord rights
The Act defines specific, fair routes for landlords to regain possession when tenants breach contracts or circumstances change. Clearer timelines and reasons make the process more transparent and balanced for both parties.
