27.1% of landlords plan to exit sector by 2029
A Property118 survey of 2,096 landlords reveals 27.1% plan to exit buy-to-let by 2029, with 67.7% expecting to sell some properties, citing taxation and the Renters' Rights Act.
Category : Housing Issues
Birmingham mums reveal rat and fly ordeal in temporary housing
New mums in Birmingham temporary housing report rats, flies, and rubbish. One family's GP warns of health risks for newborn. Council apologizes and arranges moves.
Birmingham loses 400+ council homes yearly to Right to Buy
Birmingham sells over 400 council homes a year via Right to Buy, outpacing new builds 4:1. Critics demand abolition, citing housing crisis.
Pensioners Over £35k to Lose £300 Winter Fuel Payment
State pensioners earning above £35,000 annually will have approximately £33 deducted monthly from tax as HMRC recovers Winter Fuel Payments, with up to £600 deductions possible in 2027-28.
Birmingham rat hotspot: 950% rise in one postcode
Birmingham is the UK's rat hotspot, with the B postcode area recording 315 call-outs in a year. The B15 area saw a 950% rise, and JG Pest Control says rodents are no longer just a winter issue.
Solihull housing scheme delayed, delivery to 2032
The Accelerated Housing Delivery programme in Solihull faces delays, with a change request to extend delivery to April 2032 and increase funding by £0.424 million, amid planning and legislation issues.
HMRC confirms tax-free gift rule for couples' savings
HMRC confirms the tax-free gift rule for couples moving money between personal savings accounts, clarifying whose income the interest is for and how allowances apply.
Birmingham mum's horror as fire destroys family home
A Birmingham mum and her four children lost everything when a fire destroyed their Ward End home of 23 years. Two family cats died. Neighbours and a fundraiser offer support.
146 unclaimed estates in Birmingham could mean a fortune
There are 146 unclaimed estates in Birmingham, with residents potentially entitled to inheritances. The Bona Vacantia list includes estates of people who died intestate with no known next of kin. Claimants have 12 years to stake a claim.
Wolverhampton cramped HMO appeal rejected
A government planning inspector has thrown out an appeal to convert a home in Woden Road, Wolverhampton, into a six-bed HMO, agreeing with council that rooms would be too cramped and uncomfortable.
Birmingham woman left TUI Kos hotel after £2,000 nightmare
Dani Baker and partner Keiran left their £2,000 TUI holiday in Kos after one day, finding stained carpets, broken AC, and no door lock at the Kipriotis Panorama Hotel and Suites.
Telford 3,400-home scheme would swallow good crop land
A 273-hectare site near Telford, mostly arable farmland, is earmarked for 3,400 homes, with 118 hectares rated as 'good' quality agricultural land, raising concerns over food production.
Birmingham mum admits hiding children info from DWP
Selina Begum, 24, from Frankley, pleaded guilty to two counts of dishonestly failing to disclose information to the DWP to obtain Universal Credit, involving two children between March 2023 and October 2024.
Birmingham firm denies unlicensed HMO flats claims
A Birmingham real estate firm has denied accusations of operating unlicensed flats in two HMOs, following a council investigation into housing standards.
Stourbridge fire: 19 homes destroyed, residents displaced
A grass fire in Stourbridge destroyed 19 homes and damaged 18 more, displacing many residents. Over 100 firefighters battled the blaze, which covered 500 acres.
Councillor praises wartime spirit as wildfire hits Stourbridge
A Dudley councillor has praised the wartime spirit of residents as a wildfire raged through homes in Stourbridge, causing significant damage but no injuries.
Homes on fire near Daisy Farm Park, major incident declared
A fire broke out on August 13 opposite Daisy Farm Park in Highters Heath, destroying homes on Gorleston Road and forcing evacuations, with Warstock Community Centre opened as shelter.
Compass urges Burnham to back 100% second home tax
Compass urges PM Andy Burnham to introduce a 100% tax on second home purchases, plus a review of council tax and stamp duty, to tackle the housing crisis.
Burnham urged to introduce renters triple lock with three metrics
Andy Burnham is urged by Compass to introduce a renters triple lock, capping rent rises at the lowest of RPI, wage growth, or 6%, following similar calls for pension protections.
Handsworth crime hotspot 'breakthrough' as new plan emerges
A derelict Handsworth alleyway, Barn Lane, known for anti-social behaviour and drug-taking, could be transformed into housing for over-55s after community charity Legacy WM expressed interest.
Sainsbury's Streetly store plans rejected by inspector
A government planning inspector has dismissed Sainsbury's appeal to build a convenience store on a pub car park in Streetly, citing green belt harm and lack of very special circumstances.
Burnham urged to back 2% wealth tax on every £1m
Compass report urges Andy Burnham to introduce a 2% wealth tax on every £1m of individual wealth, targeting 673,143 homes valued at £1m+ across the UK.
Solihull residents oppose grey belt housing over infrastructure fears
Residents near a proposed grey belt site in Solihull say infrastructure can't support more homes, despite council reassurances that not all 72 sites will be developed.
Balsall Common residents fear 'disastrous' green belt plan
Residents near Balsall Common green belt sites say they feel powerless as 72 grey belt sites are identified, with fears over infrastructure and village character.
Burnham land tax could cost homes £30,534
Experts urge Andy Burnham to adopt a land value tax, which could see band H homeowners pay £30,534 annually, replacing council tax and stamp duty.
Cash ISA 22% charge on savings over £10,000 from 2027
From April 2027, households with over £10,000 in savings face a 22% tax on cash held in stocks and shares ISAs, as the cash ISA limit drops to £12,000 for under-65s.
3 Million Pensioners to Repay Winter Fuel Payments
Around 3 million over-65s face automatic state pension deductions as HMRC claws back Winter Fuel Payments from households earning over £35,000, with monthly repayments starting at £17.
Dudley Council SEND cuts as deficit could hit £94m
Dudley Council is developing a SEND reform plan after a £15m overspend, with the DSG deficit potentially reaching £94m by 2028 without action.
HMRC bills for 2 million over-65s on savings interest
Two million over-65s face HMRC tax bills on savings interest, with total liability forecast at £3.34bn in 2026/27, as Andy Burnham keeps thresholds frozen.
Burnham PM confirms crackdown on dodgy high street shops
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has confirmed plans to extend closure orders for dodgy barbers, vape shops, and nail salons to one year, giving police more time to investigate organised crime links.
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