What changed
The rule changes that affect landlords and buyers, dated, each with the page that explains it in full.
1 May 2026
Royal Assent on 27 October 2025; the main reforms took effect on 1 May 2026. Section 21 no-fault evictions are abolished, existing fixed terms became periodic, and possession runs through Section 8 grounds.
What it means for landlords →15 December 2026
England's private rented sector database opens on 15 December 2026, West Midlands first, with a registration deadline of 14 March 2027. What it asks for, what it costs, and the penalties.
What to have ready →Expected 2028
Mandatory Ombudsman membership is currently expected in 2028. As of mid-2026 no scheme administrator has been appointed, so treat 2028 as a planning assumption rather than a fixed date.
Timeline and how to prepare →By 2030
Privately rented properties in England must reach EPC band C by 2030. The deadline is fixed and there are no extensions, so the cheapest time to plan the work is now.
What landlords must do →30 October 2024
From 30 October 2024, residential property CGT is 18% for basic-rate taxpayers and 24% for higher and additional rate — down from 28% at the top.
Work out your bill →1 April 2025
The temporary £425,000 threshold ended on 31 March 2025. First-time buyers now pay nothing on the first £300,000 and 5% up to £500,000; above that the relief does not apply.
Check your stamp duty →31 October 2024
The stamp duty surcharge on second homes and buy-to-let purchases rose from 3% to 5% on 31 October 2024, charged on the whole price on top of the standard bands.
See it on a real purchase →Dates and figures are those stated on the linked pages. This page carries no market commentary: rates, prices and forecasts change faster than a page like this is updated, and a stale number presented as news is worse than none.