🏡 Plymouth Property News (Letings) – August 2026 🗞

Your trusted update from Plymouth’s local property experts 🏡

·  Rent controls ruled out for now: New Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has ruled out introducing rent controls, opting instead to allow the Renters’ Rights Act to take effect, although landlords still face limits on annual rent increases and potential tribunal challenges.

·  Plymouth rents have risen sharply: Average rents in Plymouth are up 32.5% year-on-year, significantly outperforming the South West (5%) and the UK average (3.3%), although this is considered an unusual market anomaly rather than a long-term trend.

·  Landlords should be cautious with rent reviews: The report advises landlords not to assume they can increase rents by 32%, suggesting recent growth may be a market correction or the result of more high-value rental properties entering the market.

·  Tax changes require attention: With Making Tax Digital now in force, landlords earning over £50,000 annually from self-employment and/or property must submit their first quarterly tax return by 7 August 2026 and should seek professional advice if needed.

·  Policy certainty supports the market: While there are still regulatory changes under the Renters’ Rights Act, the government’s swift stance on rent controls has provided landlords and letting agents with greater clarity and confidence when planning rental strategies.