MRF-0850-SBK-LET-Landlord Times June Issue 2026

Landlords are being urged to review their insurance cover urgently following the introduction of the Renters' Rights Act, with rent guarantee insurance now considered an essential safeguard against potential prolonged periods of unpaid rent. The Act means evictions for rent arrears must now go through the court system, and even with an online repossession service available, delays and backlogs are widely anticipated. The threshold for beginning

eviction proceedings has also risen meaning tenants can now build up three months of rent arrears before a landlord can act, compared with two under the previous rules.

Rebecca Dean, Regional Director, SBK Lettings says: “Rent guarantee has always been a sensible safeguard to have in place, but changes to the repossession process under the Renters’ Rights Act make this more critical than ever before. We are advising our

landlords to carefully consider the benefits of our rent guarantee service, provided through HomeLet, to protect them against possible rent arrears and bring peace of mind in changing times.” Buy-to-let landlords have been challenged in recent years by rising mortgage costs and changes to taxation. The introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act has added further legal complexity, increasing the need for careful

risk management. As a result, rent guarantee insurance – once seen by many landlords as optional – is increasingly being regarded as a practical and essential safeguard in today’s market.

If you would like to learn more about HomeLet’s rent guarantee service and how it can protect your investment, please speak to your local SBK Lettings team.

Local Rental Market Focus – Leamington

Leamington Spa continues to reinforce its position as Warwickshire's strongest rental market, offering landlords a compelling combination of robust tenant demand, healthy rental growth, and low vacancy rates. Supported by its vibrant town centre, excellent rail links to Birmingham and London, proximity to the University of Warwick, and the continued expansion of the internationally recognised "Silicon Spa" technology cluster, the town remains one of the region's most attractive locations for renters.

Demand Continues to Strengthen

While the local rental market was already performing strongly in 2025, demand has continued to grow throughout 2026. Recent market indicators suggest tenant demand is more than 10% higher than a year ago, driven largely by an influx of professionals working within Leamington Spa's rapidly expanding gaming, software development, and creative technology sectors.

Combined with ongoing commuter

demand and university-related activity, this has helped sustain exceptionally strong levels of enquiry across the town.

Rental Values Remain Resilient

Average rents have increased by approximately 2–9% compared with 2025, depending on property type and location. Current market rents typically range from:

combined with affordability pressures within the sales market, is expected to support ongoing demand for rented accommodation.

Premium town-centre properties and modern developments close to Leamington Spa railway station continue to command some of the highest rents in the district.

Looking Ahead

The outlook for the remainder of 2026 remains positive. Continued employment growth within the technology and creative sectors,

Average gross rental yields in Leamington Spa typically range between 4.5% and 5.0%, with higher-yielding areas such as Whitnash and South Leamington (CV31) achieving returns in excess of 5.5%. While yields in prime towncentre locations can be slightly lower, these properties continue to benefit from strong tenant demand, low vacancy rates and excellent long-term capital growth prospects, making Leamington Spa one of Warwickshire's most attractive buy-to-let markets.

Landlords urged to keep abreast of forthcoming changes to energy efficiency rules

The Government has confirmed that all privately rented properties in England and Wales will need to meet a new minimum EPC rating of C by 1st October 2030. This deadline now applies to all tenancies, after an earlier proposal for a separate 2028 deadline for new lets was dropped. Alongside this, landlord spending on improvements is capped at £10,000 per property over ten years, with expenditure from October 2025 counting toward that limit.

A new EPC methodology, the Home Energy Model, is also being

developed; the Government is expected to explain how the new model will work in due course.

Since April 2018, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards have made it a legal requirement for all privately rented properties to have an EPC rating of at least an 'E' before they are let. As of April 2020, this requirement was extended to tenancies that existed prior to April 2018.

What this means for landlords with lower-rated properties

With 2.5 million rental homes in England currently below EPC C, the scale of the challenge is

considerable. Properties that cannot reach the required rating, even after spending up to the £10,000 cap, may qualify for an exemption, that will need to be registered formally.

For many landlords, the smartest move is to start planning improvements now, particularly as grant funding schemes are available in the short term. Waiting risks higher costs, a shortage of qualified tradespeople, and potential disruption to letting your property legally from 2030 onwards. Taking early action puts you in a stronger position.

The question many investors are asking: Is buy-to-let still an attractive proposition?

For years, the private rented sector has been plagued by tax changes, rising interest rates and increasing regulation. Now, with the Renters' Rights Act in force and further legislative changes on the horizon, many investors are asking the same question: Is buy-to-let still worth it?

The answer is, yes — but the landscape has changed. The era of the casual landlord is fading, while professional investors who view property as a long-term business venture are finding new opportunities emerging.

A Market in Transition

Over the past decade, landlords have faced a series of challenges. Mortgage interest relief changes, additional stamp duty surcharges, stricter lending criteria and new compliance requirements have all increased the cost and complexity of property investment. The latest reforms under the Renters' Rights Act continue this trend, placing greater emphasis on professionalism, tenant satisfaction and property standards. While some landlords have chosen to exit the sector, others are taking a different view. They see a market that is becoming more structured, more professional and ultimately more attractive for investors willing to adapt.

One of the most significant trends currently affecting the rental market is the imbalance between

supply and demand. Across many parts of the UK, rental demand remains exceptionally strong. Population growth, affordability challenges within the sales market and changing lifestyle choices mean more people are renting for longer periods.

At the same time, a number of smaller landlords are selling properties due to rising costs and regulatory pressures. This combination is creating opportunities for investors who remain committed to the sector. Reduced competition and strong tenant demand continue to support rental growth in many locations.

Professional Management Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage

The increasing complexity of legislation means that property management is no longer simply about collecting rent. Landlords must navigate compliance obligations, tenancy legislation, maintenance requirements, safety standards, deposit regulations, and changing possession procedures. As a result, more investors are turning to fully managed services to protect their investments and ensure compliance. Professional management not only reduces risk but can also improve tenant retention, minimise void periods, and enhance overall portfolio performance.

Jo Egan MARLA Area Director

Looking Ahead

Despite the headlines, property investment remains one of the UK's most resilient long-term investment strategies. The market is undoubtedly changing, but change often creates opportunity. Investors who focus on quality assets, strong yields, professional management and long term planning are well positioned to thrive in this new era of private renting.

"The buy-to-let sector may be evolving, but for prepared and professional landlords, the future continues to offer significant potential."

Area director Jo Egan said "The buy-to-let sector may be evolving, but for prepared and professional landlords, the future continues to offer significant potential".

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At SBK Lettings, we pride ourselves in delivering an exceptional, professional and personal service to both our landlords and their tenants. Our fully trained property managers have a wealth of experience with property maintenance and will aim to care for our clients’ properties at the highest level whilst endeavouring to achieve the best possible return from their investment. For more information please call us and one of our team will be more than happy to help.

Rebecca Dean MARLA Regional Director - SBK Lettings

01789 867110

Rebecca.dean@sbklettings.co.uk

• First floor studio apartment

• Modern shower room

• No on-ward chain

• Town centre location

• The property previously generated £7,800 per annum

• EPC - C

• Prime one-bedroom investment opportunity

• Sold with a reliable and professional tenant in situ

• Convenient city centre location

• Gross annual yield of 10.9% (based on the auction guide price)

• EPC - E For auction properties click logo For auction properties click logo

• Currently generating £9,300 per annum

• A company sale offering excellent returns on investment

• 15 double and one single self-contained high quality studios within walking distance of Coventry city centre

• Modern self-contained living spaces

• Fully occupied with existing tenancies in place at good market rents

• EPC - C

• End-terraced family home

• Ground floor WC and upstairs bathroom

• Prime Earlsdon location

• Finham Park and Earlsdon Primary catchment

Price on Application

• Current rent value of £1,200 pcm

• EPC - E

Gross yield of 7.5% £190,000

• Open-plan kitchen and living room

• Two double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes

• Walking distance to mainline train station to London

• Current rent value of £1,025 pcm

• Second floor apartment which can be access via lift or stairs

• Open-plan kitchen and living room

• Two double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes

• Covered parking

• Walking distance to mainline train station to London

• Current rent value of £975 pcm

• EPC - D

£230,000

Sheldon Bosley Knight is delighted to offer an off-market, exclusive opportunity of either individual plots or multiple unit discounted packages from developer David Wilson Homes. With various property styles there is plenty to suit your investment needs.

> Luxury three- and four-bedroom homes at Heritage Grange located just a short drive from Leamington Spa and Warwick.

> Built within 14.3 acres of green space, enjoy scenic walks and a family-friendly play area.

> Energy efficient homes with solar panels and EV car charging points.

> 20-minute drive to Leamington Spa and Warwick town centres with a regular bus service available.

> Close to the M40 motorway with easy links to Birmingham and Oxford.

> Discover countryside living with city convenience.

*Discounts and exclusive multiple unit packages are only available

For more information please contact Jack Richardson and the New Homes Team on 01789 333 466

the village of Stretton on Fosse, approximately 2.5 miles southwest of Shipston on Stour, and 3.5 miles north of Moreton in Marsh.

Access The land is accessed directly from Tankards Hill, Stretton on Fosse.

Buildings

fronted brick equestrian shelter with an attached stable used for feed and hay storage, all enclosed within ring gate. In addition, there is a separately

across

Designations

A water connection is present to a trough on the land. The Agent has not tested the services and Buyers must rely on their own due diligence.

Tankards Hill, Stretton on Fosse, Warwickshire, GL56

• 5.23 acres of Grade 3 pastureland

• Open-fronted brick shelter with separate brick stable

• Self-enclosed hard standing area for parking and Shipston-on-Stour

Soil Type The land is classified as Grade 3 agricultural land, and the soils are For further information please call 01608 661666 (option 3) or email rural@sheldonbosleyknight.co.uk

• A water connection is present via a trough

• Perfect as a pony paddock or alternative uses (STPP)

• Redundant agricultural buildings extending to approximately 1,800 square feet

• 8.26 acres of Grade 3 pastureland with excellent road frontage

• Suitable for amenity or other alternative uses STPP Land off Tankards Hill, Stretton on Fosse

• Excellent connections to surrounding towns such as Moreton-in-Marsh and Shipston-on-Stour

£120,000 £200,000

Cleeve Prior, Evesham Road, Evesham,WR11 8JZ

• 21.82 acres (8.83 ha) of Grade 3 pastureland

• Located within the village of Cleeve Prior

• Direct road access form Evesham Road

• Potential for development; subject to planning

• Development potential STPP

• Investment opportunity

• Current rent £20,000 per annum

• 255m2 (2,739.81 Sq Ft)

• EPC - D Forest Road, Loughborough Gross yield of 2.9% £600,000

• Centrally located close to the town centre

• Large car park

• Former Garden Nurseries with potential for redevelopment; subject to planning

• Extending to approximately 8.7 acres (3.52 ha)

• Accessed off of Station Road via a track Blackminster Nurseries, Evesham

£650,000

Development land south of Banbury Road, Ettington

• Residential development opportunity

• Outline planning permission for up to 21 dwellings

• Eight open market dwellings and 13 self-build and custom-build • For sale by Private Treaty

*All rental values and subsequent yields are only estimates unless tenanted and subject to

£2,500,000

• Prominent high street location

• Investment opportunity

• Gross internal area: 434m (46,802 sq ft)

• Passing rental value: £47,000 per annum

• Leased to a national covenant

Court Lane, Evesham

• Modern, two-storey office extending to approx. 1,575 sq ft

• Let to Raycom Ltd on a five-year FRI lease from June 2022, providing secure income

• Current rental £14,500 per annum

• Bright office space with suspended ceilings, LED lighting, partitioned meeting rooms, kitchen and WC

• Situated in Abbey Lane Court, an established business park with on-site parking and easy access to A46 and Evesham town centre 9 Abbey

• Part exchange considered 9

• Planning permission granted to split flat into two, one-bedroom flats

• Highly desirable location

• Residential accommodation to be vacant upon sale

• Current rental £20,000 per annum

Gross yield of 2.4% £825,000