My picks from the headlines: March 2021

It’s been a year since the start of lockdown in the UK and I’ve been impressed by how well letting agents have adapted and kept delivering great service throughout. Now things are slowly returning to normal, but as ever, there are big changes afoot in our sector.

As always, you’ll find the most important ones in the PayProp Rent Report delivered to subscribers this month.

• This month’s Budget extended the stamp duty holiday, but tax hikes are coming for letting agencies – and possibly landlords too. In our first article, we consider the costs for the industry.
• Property professionals also received little support in their battle to cut a growing arrears bill. In our second article, we look at the relevant announcements.
• Third, the eviction ban has been extended again – though reportedly for the last time. We investigate how much longer landlords will have to wait to reclaim their properties.
• In our fourth story, we check on preparations for the client money protection deadline on 1 April. Officials are already on the lookout for agencies breaking the rules, so what do you need to do to stay compliant?
• Lloyds Bank is getting into residential rentals, and they aren’t the only ones. In our fifth story, we ask if institutional mega-landlords could replace individual buy-to-let investors.
• Finally, in a new feature for the Rent Report, we’re sharing stories of property professionals giving back to the community. This month, meet the agents getting muddy for charity – and find out how you can join in the fun.

Get all the latest news and analysis in the March 2021 issue of the PayProp Rent Report today and subscribe to get future issues delivered to your inbox every month.