Claire Sherwood Property Services

27/07/2026

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards.

(MEES) in the private rented sector
always attract a lot of attention.
New standards were announced
in January 2026 as part of the
Warm Homes Plan, confirming the
government’s intention to raise the
requirements for privately rented
homes in England from the current
EPC E requirement to EPC C. All rented properties are expected to meet the new standard, or have a valid exemption, within the next few years.

Where and when: England
All privately rented properties in England must reach EPC Band C by 1st October 2030. This replaces the earlier two-stage approach (which required new tenancies
to hit the target early).

What to do now:
Many landlords are worried about how to comply with these standards, so DEAs are a vital source of information and support.

Good advice is particularly vital,
as the maximum penalties for non-
compliance will also increase to £30,000 per property per breach.

Landlords are not expected to spend more than £10,000 per property to reach the standard. If a home cannot reach band C under this budget, a 10-year exemption can be registered. Any eligible
energy-efficiency improvements made by landlords from 1st October 2025 will also count toward the £10,000 cap. The government has also indicated that financial support, including low interest loans will be made available.

14/04/2026

Labour’s “new era for renters’ rights” is just another attack on landlords.

They have chosen an easy scapegoat instead of fixing the real problem. Not enough homes.

Punish landlords and they leave. Supply falls. Rents rise.

We have seen it before and we will see it again.

This is not leadership. It is short sighted politics that makes the housing crisis worse.

Enough of landlords who prioritise profits. It’s a new era for renters’ rights

10/04/2026

As a property professional working closely within the Brighton market, I’m seeing first-hand the growing pressure being placed on landlords, investors, and short-term rental operators, and the proposed introduction of a tourism tax by Labour and the Green Party is the latest development raising concern.

This is not simply a policy debate, it’s a question of how we sustain a balanced, investable, and economically resilient city.

Brighton’s success has always been underpinned by its ability to attract visitors while supporting a diverse property market. Tourism drives significant local income, and short-term accommodation plays a vital role in meeting that demand, complementing the city’s hotel offering and supporting thousands of local businesses.

Current estimates suggest that between 2,000 and 6,000 properties in Brighton are used for short-term accommodation, a clear indication of both demand and the sector’s contribution to the local economy.

At the same time, we are seeing increasing momentum toward tighter regulation, including potential licensing schemes and enhanced planning controls. While thoughtful oversight is important, the cumulative impact of additional regulation, rising costs, and now the potential for a tourism tax cannot be ignored.

From an investor perspective, confidence is shaped by stability, clarity, and competitiveness. When multiple layers of cost and uncertainty are introduced, it inevitably influences decision-making, particularly in a market where capital is mobile and alternative locations are readily available.

The risk is not immediate decline, but gradual erosion when people realise how expensive parking is, accommodation is and with small business declining due to a lack of support by our appalling council.

A tourism tax, when viewed in isolation, may appear modest. However, in the context of broader regulatory and fiscal pressures, it contributes to a wider narrative, one that may position Brighton as a less attractive place to invest, operate, and visit.

What is needed now is a more strategic, joined-up approach.

One that recognises the importance of:
• Supporting sustainable tourism without discouraging visitors
• Encouraging investment in the property sector
• Maintaining Brighton’s competitiveness by helping 'the little guy'.

Brighton remains one of the UK’s most dynamic and desirable coastal cities. The opportunity is still very much there, but realising it requires policy decisions that work with the market, not against it 😡😡😡

As professionals operating within the sector, we have a responsibility to contribute to that conversation, ensuring that growth, investment, and long-term sustainability remain firmly aligned.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cf4CgPyHe/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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29/01/2026

THE COMMONHOLD AND LEASEHOLD REFORM BILL ....

Property bill is biggest change in 1,000 years — so how does it work?

We're ready to draw up your Land Registry Complaint Lease Plans at www.clairesherwood.co.uk

https://www.thetimes.com/article/047ffc91-d09e-4745-aa6e-c13a2f383051?shareToken=b3b8f0581cfa53433d4ab3c80d2292e7

22/01/2026

Landlords’ profits have been squeezed by rising interest rates and tougher tax rules but you can make a good income if you know where to buy.

Why there is still money in property — and how to get it

22/01/2026

Landlords get two more years to meet energy efficiency standards

21/01/2026

This could be interesting.

Zero-interest solar panel loans in Labour’s warm homes plan