The Governments Warm Homes Plan has recently confirmed that properties in the private rented sector are to have an EPC of at least a C rating by 2030 (unless there is a valid exemption).The government’s Warm Homes Plan is part of a wider push to improve energy efficiency across the UK’s housing stock — and you as landlords have a key role to play and we are here to help and support.With rising energy...
Blog
As landlords, you are used to submitting your tax return for your rental income, but the way you report this to HMRC is changing from April this year. Here at Lawton & Dawe Properties, we want you to be well prepared for these changes.After years of stalling and uncertainty, the governments Making Tax Digital (MTD) is finally being rolled out to landlords whose income from property meets certain...
As 2025 draws to a close, we’ve been reflecting on what has been another busy and rewarding year in the ever-changing world of sales and lettings.The property market continued to demand agility, expertise and clear communication and management of expectations, and we’re proud to have supported many buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants through every step of their journey. From first-time movers to...
At Lawton & Dawe Properties, we were encouraged to hear the news that mortgages will soon be part of the school curriculum. It’s a brilliant step toward giving young people real-world financial knowledge — the kind that genuinely matters when it comes to building a secure future. For years, many first-time buyers have entered the housing market unsure of how mortgages work, what lenders look for,...
At Lawton & Dawe we are thrilled to see the latest breakthrough in the housing sector: rent payment history will now be recognised to help tenants step onto the property ladder. For far too long, renters who have consistently paid on time every month haven’t had that reliability reflected in their credit or mortgage applications — even though it clearly shows financial responsibility. This...
The government’s new Home Buying and Selling Reform consultation has sent ripples through the property world — and rightly so. After years of debate and delay, the idea of professionalising the estate agency sector is finally gaining momentum. At Lawton & Dawe Properties, we welcome this renewed focus on standards, qualifications, and accountability. It’s time our industry operated on a level...
As the property market continues to evolve, both tenants and landlords are increasingly looking for more security, professionalism, and transparency when it comes to their property dealings. One way to ensure you’re getting the best possible service is by choosing an ARLA Propertymark regulated agent. Who are ARLA Propertymark? ARLA Propertymark (the Association of Residential Letting Agents) is...
At Lawton & Dawe Properties, we’ve always believed that professional standards matter—especially in an industry that directly affects people’s homes, finances and wellbeing.That’s why we’re disappointed, though not surprised, by the government’s recent decision to reject proposals for regulating letting agents.This is yet another missed opportunity to bring accountability and transparency...
The Sussex property market is a dynamic and competitive space, offering excellent opportunities for buyers and sellers alike. However, success in this market requires an understanding of the ever-moving local trends. We have put together five essential factors to consider when navigating the property market in Sussex, and how Lawton & Dawe Properties can help you!Understand Your Local AudienceSussex is...
The UK government’s proposal to limit the amount of rent tenants can pay in advance to just one month is likely to have unintended negative consequences for tenants. While the measure is aimed at addressing affordability and curbing unscrupulous practices, it overlooks the important role that advance rent payments can play in securing housing for individuals who may not meet conventional referencing...