A snapshot of property news for landlords during the week to 3 April 2026.
Database pilot to take off
Trialling the government's private landlord database, included in the Renters' Rights Act reform of the buy-to-let sector, is starting in Oxford. Volunteer landlords will test the database's usability and navigation by completing registration, entering account information, and uploading documents. The 12-week pilot is expected to start in April. No date has been set for the database to go live. Landlords who want to join the trial can email rrt@oxford.gov.uk
Bungalow bill for stranded homeowners
Around 1.2 million frail homeowners adapting their homes for old age are struggling to find properties that suit their needs. One in four homeowners aged 55 or over is concerned that their homes are unsuitable for their later years, but can't find anywhere better because of a shortage of bungalows. Bungalows make up just one percent of newly built homes, says mobility firm Uplifts, and the shortage leaves older homeowners stranded in larger and more expensive homes than they need.
Auction home bargains
Auctions continue to offer investors and landlords bargain properties, according to figures from sale monitors Essential Information Group. In February, 4,025 homes went on sale across the UK, with 2,537 selling for £537.8 million - an average price of £212,000, compared to the average price of properties sold elsewhere, as posted by the Land Registry, of £268,000. Average auction prices have risen from £195,000 since February 2025.
£100m bank backing for build-to-rent
The National Housing Bank, backed by government funding, is underwriting build-to-rent schemes that offer 3,300 affordable homes for rent as part of a project in partnership with Homes England and insurance giant Aviva. The first 300 family homes are planned for Liverpool and Manchester, with the bank funding £100 million of the building costs. The homes will be in Moston Lane, Manchester, and Vescock Street, Liverpool, and are the first joint investment with bank involvement.
Low landlord confidence in buy-to-let
One in four landlords is considering leaving buy-to-let or slimming down their property portfolios, says new research from letting agent backroom firm Goodlord, and the poll further forecasts that 35 percent of landlords don't expect they will run a letting business in five years' time. Another one in five landlords is undecided about their future in buy-to-let. After speaking to 1,200 landlords, Goodlord reckons just four percent are currently seeking to grow their portfolios.
