Letting Agents must Value their Worth
In an increasingly regulated and demanding private rented sector, letting agents are under pressure to deliver more, often for less.
Legislative reform, a higher level of enforcement, rising operational costs and growing client expectations have reshaped the role of the modern letting agent. Against this backdrop, it is both timely and necessary for agents to reassess how their services are valued and how their fee structures reflect the true scope of their professional responsibilities.
New Year, New Start, New Law
From 5th January 2026 to 30 April 2026 landlords, letting agents, law firms, local authorities, government departments, suppliers and PropTech firms across England will have 16 weeks and 4 days to ensure full operational, legal, and procedural readiness for the Renters’ Rights Act.
The Act represents one of the most significant reforms to the private rented sector in a generation and it will reshape the relationship between landlords, agents, tenants, and local authorities, introducing enhanced enforcement powers, stricter compliance expectations, and far greater scrutiny of day-to-day management practices.
The Strategic Importance of the Property Sector in Cornwall
The property sector plays a central and indispensable role in Cornwall’s economy and long-term sustainability. With a mix of coastal communities, rural areas, seasonal employment and a reliance on tourism, Cornwall’s housing market faces significant pressures that have been exasperated even more since the pandemic. The private rented sector is not merely a commercial activity; it is a critical component of local infrastructure due to the fact that Cornwall locals have been priced out of the housing market, and are therefore reliant on renting property.
For Sale & To Let Boards on a Local Authority’s Agenda
An Essex local authority is looking to ban “for sale” signs in one of its heritage spots to protect its historic character.
Epping Forest district council is consulting over plans to stop estate agents from using signs in properties within St John’s conservation area without having to get planning permission.
The Conservative-led council will seek views from residents about bringing in an article 4 direction, which will remove the automatic permitted development rights that give homeowners and estate agents permission to put up signs in the area.
Epping has become the latest council to fight estate agents’ boards. Westminster city council applied to the planning inspectorate for a ban in February, claiming that they cause “substantial harm to the local character” but has not yet had a decision.
Westminster council already have rules that mean that estate agents have to seek planning permission for signs in certain conservation areas, but it is now looking to extend this across the borough.