Idy Barnes

The Pros and Cons for Homeowners and Investors
Debate over Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) has reignited in recent weeks. At the Conservative Party Conference, Kemi Badenoch announced that a future Conservative government would abolish stamp duty on main residential purchases. Meanwhile, reports suggest Chancellor Rachel Reeves may be exploring alternative models to replace the current system.
The proposal has drawn broad support from property professionals and economists alike. But the real question isn’t whether it’s popular — it’s how abolishing stamp duty might reshape the housing market, property prices, and the wider economy.
Here are five key ways the end of stamp duty could change the landscape — and what it could mean for both homeowners and investors.

The UK Government has announced sweeping reforms to modernise the home buying and selling process — a move that could fundamentally reshape how property transactions are conducted in the years ahead.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed unveiled the initiative, which aims to simplify the process, enhance transparency, and raise professional standards across the housing market. The Government claims the changes will reduce transaction times by up to four weeks, cut failed sales by half, and save first-time buyers an average of £710.
While many of the proposals may sound familiar to those in the industry, together they represent a significant shift toward a more digital, data-driven, and accountable property ecosystem.

Buying a home is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. Once you’ve worked out your budget and location, one of the biggest questions is: should you go for a brand-new home, or choose an old build property?
The truth is, there’s no single answer that works for everyone. Both new builds and old builds have their strengths, and the right choice depends on what matters most to you. Do you prefer modern design and low maintenance, or do you love the character and space that older homes often provide?

In this guide, we’ll explore the top 5 advantages of new build properties and the top 5 advantages of old build homes. To make it simple, we’ve put them side by side so you can compare at a glance.

A surge in supply, coupled with buyers’ sensitivity to higher borrowing costs, is putting significant downward pressure on prices.
• According to Rightmove, the average asking price in June 2025 fell by 0.3%, while newly listed sellers in July cut their asking prices by 1.2% — an unusually weak performance for the summer period. These declines are concentrated in higher-value regions such as Southern England and London.
• The key driver is a substantial increase in housing choice: the number of properties for sale is up about 14% compared with the same period last year, with London seeing an even larger rise of 16–19%. Buyers are no longer rushing to outbid competitors, instead using their improved bargaining power to negotiate lower prices, forcing sellers to cut to attract interest.

🏙️ Population Growth Continues to Drive Housing Demand
Reading’s population is steadily increasing, with the Reading Chronicle reporting a current figure of around 182,907 residents. Official data from the ONS and Reading Borough Council confirms consistent growth, with the local population exceeding 178,000, and even higher when surrounding towns and suburbs are included.
So, what’s attracting people to Reading? A combination of thriving businesses, excellent transport links, and strong appeal to students and young professionals.
👉 What this means for landlords: More people = more demand for housing. Whether it’s students, young professionals, or growing families, Reading’s rental market remains very active.

A recent BBC Panorama investigation has raised serious concerns about how some of the UK’s largest estate agencies are operating. The report revealed that certain agents were prioritising buyers who agreed to use in-house financial or legal services—rather than acting in the best interests of the sellers they represent. In some cases, sellers missed out on better offers, resulting in delayed sales or significant financial loss.
As a professional estate agent who values transparency and integrity, I want to help property owners understand how to identify the right agency—one that truly works for them. Below are essential tips to protect yourself from unfair practices and ensure a smoother, more profitable sales journey.

In recent months, the UK has seen a surge in shocking rental scams, and disturbingly, many of these involve legitimate Airbnb or privately rented properties being misused by fraudsters.
What’s most concerning? Scammers are not just inventing fake listings—they’re hijacking real properties owned by unsuspecting landlords or Airbnb hosts.
These real-life stories should serve as a wake-up call for every property owner and host.

As a letting agent, one of the most common questions we hear from landlords is: “Will I still be able to refuse pets in my rental property when the new Renters’ Rights Bill becomes law?”

It’s a fair concern. The rules around pets in rental properties are changing, and landlords need to understand their rights and responsibilities moving forward.

Let’s break down what the current law says, what’s changing, and what landlords can do to protect their property while staying compliant.

As a landlord, it’s almost certain that you or your managing agent will need to access the rental property during the tenancy—whether for repairs, inspections, legal compliance, or viewings. However, just because you own the property doesn’t mean you can enter whenever you like.
Let’s break down when you can access your rental, when you can’t, and what to do if a tenant refuses entry.

A client recently raised a highly practical and insightful question that I believe is worth sharing with a wider audience: