The past 12 months have been a momentous time for private landlords as tax changes and looming new regulations have been unveiled by politicians of various hues - and LandlordZONE too after our logo and website were given a completely new look.

While many commentators and experts have focussed on the challenges facing landlords, here at LandlordZONE we always try to also report on the upsides of being a private landlord. So here are a few examples to provide a little festive cheer.

Back in May we reported how average rental yields hit a six-year high with HMOs - and properties in the North East - offering landlords the best returns.

Gross yields

And in August property market research by Inventory Base revealed that while the national average gross return for a rented property is 4.3% based on a £333,000 house price and £1,206 rental income, some areas where homes cost under £100,00 can generated gross returns of up to 13%, most notably in Hull.

And in September we reported on Labour’s decision to help fund the EPC upgrades of landlords who own just one property, revealing that, depending on where they are, grants of up to £30,000 will be made available.

And only a few days ago we reported on how a landlord facing a £15,000 fine imposed by his local council for not licensing his rented property correctly won an appeal after he took them to a tribunal – showing landlord can, occasionally, gain the upper hand.

Hope fully this will continue into 2025! The LandlordZONE team wishes all our readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.