Landlords - 10 things you need to know in 2021

With every new year, there are new changes in the world of lettings. So here’s what you need to know and look out for in 2021.

Dates for the diary

1. 31^st March: Stamp Duty holiday ending

Since this was originally written, the stamp duty holiday has been extended to 30 June 2021 see latest information in our blog

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To help support the UK housing market through the pandemic, there has been a temporary easing of the tax paid when you buy a property:

• England and Northern Ireland has had a Stamp Duty Land Tax ‘holiday’ for property purchases up to £500,000
   
• In Scotland, the threshold for Land and Buildings Transaction Tax has been raised to £250,000
   
• In Wales, the threshold for Land Transaction Tax has also been raised to £250,000

(Note: the LTT surcharge for second homes was raised from 3% to 4% across all price bands, as of 22^nd December 2020.)

These temporary measures are due to come to an end on 31^st March. So, if you’re currently buying a property and want to benefit from this tax ‘holiday’, the purchase must complete before 1^st April.

2. 31^st March: Mortgage payment holidays due to end

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If you’ve got a mortgage, you’ve been able to apply for payment deferrals for up to six months in total during the pandemic. This was due to come to an end on 31^st March, however, even after this time you may be able to extend existing deferrals until 31^st July 2021, but you need to contact your lender.

3. 1^st April: Stamp Duty surcharge for overseas investors

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All non-UK resident investors will have to pay an extra 2% in Stamp Duty on residential property purchases in England and Northern Ireland landlord from 1^st April. This is on top of the 3% buy-to-let surcharge.

4. 1^st April: Mandatory 5 year electrical checks

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By 1^st April, all properties with existing tenancies must have had a full electrical inspection and test within the last five years. The electrics must then be re-checked every five years - sooner if specified on the report. A copy of the current report must be given to new tenants before they move in and to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection.

5. 2020-21 tax return: mortgage interest no longer an ‘allowable expense’

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The phasing out of mortgage interest and other finance costs being an ‘allowable expense’ ended on 5^th April last year. So, for your tax return for the year to 5^th April 2021, you’ll simply be able to claim relief on your property finance costs at the basic rate of Income Tax. Detailed information can be found on the GOV.UK website.

6. Post-COVID-19: Right to Rent 

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While social distancing is in place, the government amended the Right to Rent legislation to allow landlords and agents to conduct checks with tenants online via video interview and accept copies of documents, this temporary change will now end on the 20 June (inclusive). On the 12 May 2021 in a further amendment the Government confirmed that the temporary adjustments to Right to Rent checks will end, this means from 21 June 2021 you must either:

• Check the applicants original documents, or
• Check the applicants Right to Rent vis the Government's online service if you have been given the share code

Retrospective checks will no longer need to be made as part of the amendment to Right to Rent checks on those who had a COVID-19 adjusted check between 30 March 2020 and 20 June 2021 (inclusive).

Further information can be found in our changes to Right to Rent blog.

Expected this year

7. Energy efficiency: response to consultation

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Following the Government’s pledge to upgrade as many privately rented homes as possible to an EPC rating of ‘C’ they opened a consultation towards the end of 2020 on how best to improve the energy efficiency of properties in England and Wales. This closed on 8^th January and the feedback is currently being analysed, but be aware that they are suggesting a ‘C’ rating by 2025 for new tenancies and 2028 for existing ones, so if you are refurbishing property it may be better to ensure it meets future standards now.

8. Capital Gains Tax (CGT) system being reviewed

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Last year, the Chancellor commissioned a report from the Office of Tax Simplification to see if CGT could be simplified. The recommended changes include:

• CGT rates should be brought more closely in line with income tax rates – i.e. there should be an increase
   
• The tax-free allowance (currently £12,300) should be cut to between £2,000 and £4,000
   
• Where assets are exempt from Inheritance Tax, they shouldn’t also benefit from CGT uplift

If you’ve got a property tax adviser or wealth manager, it’s worth talking this over with them to make sure you mitigate your future tax liabilities as far as possible – ideally before the next budget in England on March 3^rd.

9. Introduction of the Renters Reform Bill in England

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A number of key changes to the lettings process are proposed in this Bill, including:

• Abolishing Section 21
   
• Introducing a ‘lifetime’ security deposit that follows the tenant from one property to another
   
• Making the database of ‘rogue’ landlords and agents accessible to tenants, agents, landlords, employers and professional bodies

The Bill has been delayed because of the pandemic, but once restrictions have lifted sufficiently and “there is a sensible and stable economic and social terrain”, the government is keen to move it forward.

10. Possible interest rate changes

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If a change is made to the Bank of England base rate, this can then be reflected in Buy to Let mortgage rates. As such, it might be sensible to speak to your mortgage adviser to check how a rise in rates could impact your rental profits. And if you would like any other advice, you can contact our partners, Embrace Financial Services, via our website. 

Are you on the best Buy to Let mortgage rate? Book a review to find out >

Since this was originally written, the stamp duty holiday has been extended to 30 June 2021 see latest information in our blog

Blog updated on 18 May 2021

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YOUR PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

Embrace Financial Services usually charges a fee for mortgage advice. The amount of the fee will depend upon your circumstances and will be discussed and agreed with you at the earliest opportunity.