The total return of the average buy-to-let property has reduced by 6% over the last two years, driven by a sharp increase in mortgage costs and agency fees and a reduction in capital appreciation.

The Government’s house building aims took another blow with a total fall last year.

UK house prices continued to rise year-on-year in March, although the pace of growth slowed compared to the previous month, Halifax reveals.

Plans to set ground rents at a ‘peppercorn rate’ are reported to have been dropped amid opposition from freehold campaigners and pension funds. The ambitious overhaul of England’s leasehold system looks set to hit the buffers after Treasury officials quietly axed part of the reforms, The Times reports.

The government has committed to returning the amended Renters Reform Bill to the House of Commons in mid-April.

The Government is already missing its housebuilding target, and now local authorities are reversing plans previously approved.

The Property Redress Scheme, one of two approved ombudsman-style schemes for the private rental sector, has published the findings from a major survey.

Some of the biggest names in the trade, lending and advisory sectors have produced a report outlining the vast significance that private renting has for the UK economy.