The Property Cast

In our final episode of 2023, we unpack the year’s top property stories. Our special guest, award-winning property journalist Nigel Lewis, has for the past three years been providing hot off the press property news and insights for the rental sector as LandlordZONE’s Head of Content. A ‘perfect storm’ of factors led to 2023 being the year we reached a real tipping point in the private rented sector, with tenant demand far outstripping the supply of rented property in most of the UK. But what were the top property stories that most piqued peoples’ interests this year? Listen to Eddie, Paul and Nigel’s lively and insightful discussion to find out the top topics that captured landlords’ attention in 2023, and hear their top tips for 2024 and beyond.

In this episode of The Property Cast, Eddie and Paul are joined by special guest Paul Sowerbutts, Head of Legal at Landlord Action, to discuss how the proposed changes to evictions will affect landlords. How will scrapping Section 21 really impact tenancies and, given the delay in implementing the changes proposed under the Renters (Reform) Bill, what are Paul’s tips for navigating current and future tenancies? From a potted summary on how Section 21 works as it stands and how landlords can avoid the pitfalls of getting it wrong, to retaliatory evictions, the implications of changes to Section 8, and insights from the experts on what is happening on the ground with the courts, the bailiff shortage and the wider private rented sector, this episode is packed with advice from the coalface.

In this bonus episode of The Property Cast, Sean Hooker, Head of Redress at the Property Redress Scheme and Kate Faulkner OBE, one of the UK's leading property experts, explore their thoughts on the much anticipated Renters (Reform) Bill. Is it the game changer it is being billed as, and how will it make a difference to redressing the balance between landlords and tenants in the private rented sector? Sean and Kate explore some of the key components of the Bill, from the implications of scrapping Section 21 to whether the introduction of rolling tenancies will actually make tenants more or less secure. What do Kate and Sean think are the best bits of the Bill, and what are the biggest issues that will need to be addressed before it becomes law? Tune in to hear what the experts think and what landlords should do now. ‍

In this episode of The Property Cast, Eddie is joined by Sean Hooker, Head of Redress at the Property Redress Scheme and special guest - a big hitter in the property market - Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, the leading membership body for property agents. With the private rented sector about to go through the biggest reform in 20 years, we explore Propertymark’s perspective on the impact of the proposed legislation on lettings, landlords and agents. We often talk about what makes a good agent, but what in Nathan’s view makes a bad agent? How do landlords avoid the bad ones? How can agents make sure they are a good one? And what are the most common errors and serious issues Propertymark comes across? Tune in to hear Nathan’s tips for landlords and agents and to hear more insights - from what one thing Nathan would change to keep landlords in the sector to whether landlord redress is the right way to raise standards, how market conditions are affecting agents, and much more.

In this in-depth private rented sector legislation special, Eddie and Paul are joined by David Smith, head of property litigation at JMW Solicitors. The discussion kicks off with the recent landmark Rakusen v Jepsen rent repayment order case, where David represented the NRLA and which, he explains, highlights how the interpretation of legislation changes over time. In the light of the Supreme Court case and with an increasing number of ‘property gurus’ damaging the reputation of the sector, should the Government be looking to reform rent to rent rules as part of the Renters’ Reform Bill? Property condition is already a major focus for reform through the proposed application of the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector, but will the tragic death of Awaab Ishak be a game changer? And how will regulatory change be matched by enforcement? With so many legislative changes to contend with, is it time for landlords to take on a professional to manage their property, or should landlord education be compulsory, as it now is in Wales? What might the proposed new property portal for landlords in England look like – the ‘light touch’ version adopted by Northern Ireland, or the ‘harder touch’ Welsh approach? What are David’s concerns about the Renters’ Reform Bill from a lawyer’s perspective?  They may not have all the answers, but this podcast is jam-packed with expert insights and challenge around the often-overlooked details of private rented sector legislation.

In this episode of The Property Cast, Eddie and Paul are joined by Richard Donnell, Executive Director at Zoopla. Drawing on Zoopla’s latest data and Richard’s expertise, the trio explore the most important trends in the housing market, sharing their predictions for buy to let in 2023 and what they mean for landlords looking to invest or divest. As the nation re-evaluates its housing needs, we ask - what really needs to be done about the rental stock crisis? Why, despite the need for a vibrant and professional private rented sector, are so many landlords exiting? And why, despite an average 10% rent increase over the last 12 months and seven to ten enquiries per property, are so few new landlords entering the sector? Packed with insightful commentary and informed advice, this podcast is a must listen for anyone looking to understand the challenges and opportunities of the private rented sector today.

In this episode of the property cast, Eddie and Paul are joined by Nigel Lewis - award-winning property journalist and Editor in Chief at LandlordZONE, the most visited landlord news website in the UK. As we approach the end of an extraordinary year characterised by economic turmoil and political uncertainty, Eddie, Paul and Nigel explore the impact of the year’s events on the private rented sector. Drawing on over 25 years’ experience as a property newshound, Nigel cherry picks the issues which have dominated and captured LandlordZONE readers’ attention. From rental yields to redress, stock shortages to stamp duty, pets, EPCs and so much more, this is a podcast packed with passion and predictions about what lies ahead for landlords. Between the three of them, Eddie, Paul and Nigel bring decades of expertise and informed opinion to our final podcast of the year.

In this episode of The Property Cast, we discuss the myriad of issues surrounding damp, mould and condensation – a common problem for landlords and letting agents alike. To explore this topic, Sean Hooker, Head of Redress at the Property Redress Scheme, steps into Eddie’s shoes as host alongside Paul Shamplina, founder of Landlord Action and COO of the HFIS group. Sean and Paul are joined by Julie Ford, HF Assist advisor, and Suzy Hershman, Head of Dispute Resolution at mydeposits. Tune in to hear tips, tricks and guidance from the experts and learn all you need to know about damp, mould and condensation. From prevention to what you should you do if the property does become affected, when to call in the experts, the role of the agent and advice on how to claim against the deposit.

In this episode of Hamilton Fraser’s Property Podcast, Eddie and Paul are joined by Maxine Fothergill, President of the leading membership body for property agents, ARLA Propertymark. The trio discuss the topical issue of rental reform and ROPA, delving into the detail of what lies ahead for agents and landlords, and how the industry should respond. With her extensive experience founding and running a highly successful residential lettings and property management agency, what does Maxine think the future holds for the sector, and what does she hope will be her legacy? Tune in to find out.

In this episode of Hamilton Fraser’s Property Podcast, Eddie and Paul welcome energy expert and Head of Tenancy Services at Goodlord, Rik Smith. Drawing on his in-depth knowledge of the residential energy market, Rik cuts through the jargon to explain what is happening in the energy market at large, revealing the real reasons why the majority of people are seeing soaring energy bills and his predictions for the future. From the energy price cap and financial support to the small steps you can take today to get your home heat pump ready tomorrow, this podcast is packed with practical advice to help landlords make informed decisions about how to future proof their homes and their profits for a more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable future. Tune in to hear Rik’s tips and tricks to help you navigate these turbulent times.

In this episode of Hamilton Fraser’s Property Podcast, we discuss how landlords and agents can stay on top of their legal obligations. Landlords now have to meet 168 rules and regulations to let a property legally, but what are the latest legislative updates that landlords and agents need to know about? And what challenges and opportunities lie ahead? To explore this constantly evolving topic, Eddie and Paul are joined by leading UK property expert and market analyst, Kate Faulkner, and Sean Hooker, Head of Redress at the Property Redress Scheme.

Eddie Hooker, CEO of Hamilton Fraser, Paul Shamplina, Founder of Landlord Action & COO of Hamilton Fraser are joined by Special guest Ben Beadle, CEO of the NRLA. EPC rules are changing and standards are likely to continue to increase in line with the Government’s legal commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. So what is the Government’s strategy to achieve decarbonization of the private rented sector? What is the NRLA doing to support landlords? And what do landlords need to know? Learn more online NRLA website Hamilton Fraser website LandlordZONE website

In this episode of Hamilton Fraser’s Property Podcast, Eddie and Paul are joined by special guest, leading property expert, market analyst and commentator, Kate Faulkner, to discuss the biggest changes landlords can expect to see over the short to medium term and explore what landlords can do now to navigate the future of lettings successfully. Eddie, Paul and Kate discuss the vital need to counter anti-landlord rhetoric if we are to change hearts and minds about a sector which is all too often on the receiving end of largely undeserved negative publicity. And Kate identifies the most pressing challenges that lie ahead for landlords, providing tips to help them future proof themselves - from the importance of educating tenants to how to make sure the numbers add up and much more.

In this episode of Hamilton Fraser’s Property Podcast, the tables are turned as Eddie and Paul are joined by their host, journalist and broadcaster, Ian Collins, to celebrate twenty-five years of Hamilton Fraser and the private rented sector. How has Hamilton Fraser helped to shape and influence the sector over the last quarter of a century? And what are the secrets of its success? Eddie and Paul spill the beans as they reflect on the past and share their tips and ambitions for the future with the renowned LBC and talkRADIO presenter and regular on BBC’s Five Live, Daily Politics and This Week, Ian Collins.

In this episode of Hamilton Fraser’s Property Podcast, Eddie and Paul are joined by special guest, Steve Barnes, Associate Director at Hamilton Fraser Total Landlord Insurance, to discuss the causes of the current hardening insurance market and what landlords can do to mitigate any problems with their portfolio. Eddie, Paul and Steve delve into what is really meant by the term ‘hardening insurance market’, what direct impact this has on landlords and their policies, why rate increases happen and the importance of understanding the ins and outs of your landlord insurance policy to get best value for money. Steve also explains why it is vital that landlords secure a comprehensive landlord insurance policy that is tailored to their specific requirements, and how this can help to reduce your premium.

Hamilton Fraser’s Property Podcast is back for the first podcast of 2021. After what was a testing year, Eddie and Paul discuss the changing nature of the sector, and what the year ahead likely has in store for landlords, including how to navigate any hurdles along the way. Eddie and Paul are re-joined a year on by Matt Hooker and Nick Hamatsos, Co-founders of deposit replacement membership scheme, Ome, who discuss what it was like to launch their new deposit membership during a global pandemic. After a year of working hard to help increase choice and transparency within the market, Matt and Nick also review the results of their latest co-branded private rented sector sentiment survey which gained incredible industry insights from over 14,200 tenants, landlords and agents throughout the UK. The results help to remind us that with a new year come new opportunities.

And just like that, the year is over! In what has been a strange and tumultuous year to say the least, Eddie and Paul sprinkle some festive property magic into the last Hamilton Fraser property podcast of 2020. Eddie and Paul reflect on the lows, highs and everything in-between as they examine the unprecedented, bizarre and at times frankly unbelievable year. In a round of quick-fire questions, Eddie and Paul discuss how the private rented sector has adapted and overcome the trials and tribulations of a pandemic, continued to offer investment opportunities, healed fractious landlord/tenant relations, and supported the rise of Proptech like never before. With a forward-thinking view, Eddie and Paul conclude their final podcast of the year by providing their best advice for landlords and letting agents in preparing for 2021.

In the latest episode of Hamilton Fraser’s property podcast, Eddie and Paul are joined by special guest, Daniel Lee, a Mortgage Broker at Total Landlord Mortgages, Hamilton Fraser’s latest property product. With over 20 years’ experience in the industry, Daniel explains that, irrespective of whether you are a budding new landlord or an existing landlord looking to expand your portfolio, understanding the benefits of using a specialist mortgage broker is invaluable. Daniel dives into the current demand for specialist buy to let mortgages over high-street lenders, the importance of responsible lending, how to find the best mortgage rate and how to access the best broker for your personal property needs. Eddie, Paul and Daniel also discuss the buoyancy of the rental market, long term property opportunities and how COVID-19 has inevitably impacted lending – is now the right time to invest?

In the latest episode of Hamilton Fraser’s property podcast, Eddie and Paul are joined by special guest, Steve Bowen, a Mediator at the Property Redress Scheme with over 40 years’ experience in the property industry, and an experienced landlord himself. With courts closed for six months during the first COVID-19 lockdown, landlords face an uphill battle securing an eviction and reclaiming outstanding rent arrears. As an industry veteran, Steve provides his unique insights into mediation and how it can benefit landlords and tenants by helping them to avoid court proceedings through effective communication, pre-action protocols and rent payment instalment plans.   Eddie, Paul and Steve delve into what mediation really means, why a customer focus could benefit landlords in the long run and how setting reasonable expectations between parties can resolve issues far quicker than you may think (especially in the current climate). Having mediated cases from £500 all the way up to £50,000, Steve explains a typical mediation journey, relationship management and why the pen, or in this case effective communication, is mightier than the sword.

In the latest episode, Eddie and Paul are joined virtually by their special guest, Jonathan Schuman, an established portfolio landlord with 400 properties under management. With extensive expertise in the property industry, Jonathan provides his unique insights into growing a large-scale diverse portfolio of residential, commercial and retail properties. Jonathan has seen his fair share of changes throughout the property industry and discusses with Paul and Eddie how the current financial climate related to COVID-19 could impact property investments long-term, and whether this mirrors challenges faced by landlords during the 2007 financial crisis. Looking to the future of property investment Eddie, Paul and Jonathan also discuss the future of the sector post-COVID, encourage landlords to work with their tenants through mediation and explain why landlords should think like a business for long-term success.