Buy-to-Let & Landlord News Round-Up | Nov 10, 2025

UK rents hit new records in October

• According to Rightmove data, in October 2025 the national average asking rent reached £1,385pcm, with London averaging £2,736pcm.
• What this means for landlords: Strong demand remains, giving good income potential - but note: legislation/regulation risks are increasing. Ensure your strategy is robust rather than relying purely on market uplift. 

Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 becomes law - major changes ahead for Scottish landlords

• The Housing (Scotland) Bill has now been passed and becomes the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025. 
• The law introduces major reforms for the private rented sector in Scotland including:
  
  • Powers for rent-control zones, with increases capped at CPI + 1% (up to 6 %) in designated areas. 
  • A duty on landlords to deal with hazards like damp and mould within set times. 
  • Changes to the “tolerable standard” of housing and enforcement by local authorities.
• What this means for landlords: If you hold properties in Scotland, you’re entering a new era. Many of these rules are not yet fully in force (secondary legislation and rent-control zones still need to be declared).

Complaints against landlords on the rise

• The Housing Ombudsman Service latest quarterly statistics show that for Q4 2024-25 (Jan-Mar) there were 1,962 determinations, while complaints per local authority have nearly doubled in the last 10 years.
• The Housing Ombudsman said property conditions made up roughly two thirds of complaints in the first quarter of 2025, while complaints handling and anti-social behavior in the home made up roughly 15% each. 
• What this means for landlords: Tenants are increasingly aware of their rights, and regulators are taking a tougher stance. Promptly addressing repairs, documenting all communication, and ensuring compliance with the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 will help reduce the risk of escalation or financial penalties.

Landlord optimism surges as confidence rebounds in the buy-to-let market

• Research from Landbay shows that 36 % of landlords feel positive about their business prospects - double the level recorded a year ago. The findings suggest that many landlords have adapted to higher rates and regulatory shifts, focusing on long-term stability rather than rapid growth. 
• What this means for landlords: Confidence is returning - but success depends on maintaining financial discipline and ensuring properties remain compliant and competitive in a more professionalised market.

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