Searching for the right home can be overwhelming. Use this practical checklist to stay organised, confident and ready to act when the right property appears.

Many Landlords feel they’re “up to date” with compliance – gas safety, electrical certificates, EPC ratings – the usual checklist. But there’s one upcoming change that could quietly catch a lot of landlords off guard in 2026: the shift towards mandatory higher energy efficiency standards for rental properties under the government’s EPC reforms.

Rising house prices, higher deposits, and affordability checks can make buying outright feel out of reach. This is where Shared Ownership comes in — a government-backed scheme designed to help people buy a home with a smaller upfront cost.

Thinking of renting out your home? With major rental reforms arriving in 2026, the days of private, informal lettings are over. Here’s what every homeowner needs to know to stay compliant, protected and prepared.