A Leaner, Clearer Rental Model

A non-inclusive rent agreement – where tenants pay separately for utilities – can be a surprisingly effective way to manage your property. While “bills included” often sounds appealing to renters, there’s growing appeal for arrangements that hand utility responsibility back to the tenant. For landlords, the advantages are not just financial, but practical too.

Greater Control Over Your Costs

With a non-inclusive agreement, your rental income is not affected by rising utility prices. Instead of you absorbing unpredictable gas, electricity, or water rate hikes, those costs are paid directly by the people using them. This keeps your rental income steady and your cash flow more predictable – an important advantage in long-term investment planning.

Encourages Mindful Energy Use

When tenants are directly responsible for their bills, they often become more conscious of their energy consumption. This can reduce unnecessary wear on heating systems and help preserve the overall condition of the property. While it’s not your role to monitor usage, the knock-on effect of more careful tenants can mean fewer maintenance surprises.

Simplifies Your Legal Responsibilities

Including bills in rent brings extra admin from tracking usage to switching suppliers and disputing meter readings. Non-inclusive rent agreements remove that burden. You provide the home, they manage the utilities. This not only saves time but also reduces the likelihood of disputes about charges or payment delays.

Appealing to a Mature Tenant Market

While some first-time renters love the convenience of bills included, experienced tenants often prefer to control their own utilities. They may have preferred energy providers, want to shop for better deals, or simply like knowing exactly what they’re paying for. By offering a non-inclusive option, you may attract a more stable, long-term tenant profile.

Protects You in Periods of High Energy Inflation

Recent years have shown just how volatile utility costs can be. In a non-inclusive setup, sudden spikes in energy prices won’t erode your rental returns, giving you more resilience in uncertain markets.

Ultimately, a non-inclusive rent agreement isn’t about being hands-off, it’s about being smart. You’re creating a structure where tenants take ownership of their usage and costs, while you protect the core value of your investment. It’s a balance that works for both sides.

Contact us today to protect your income with smart rental terms.

The past: How stamp duty shaped buying decisions

Stamp duty, officially called Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), was introduced to raise revenue from property transactions. Over the years, changes to thresholds, rates, and exemptions have influenced buyers' behaviour.

Historical context: Originally, stamp duty applied at a flat rate, meaning even modest homebuyers paid a significant tax.

Market impact: Higher stamp duty rates often slowed transactions, while temporary relief periods or exemptions, such as for first-time buyers, boosted activity.

The present: What buyers in England need to know

Currently, SDLT in England uses a tiered system, where different portions of a property’s value are taxed at different rates.

Residential property: Rates apply from zero for lower-value properties, up to higher percentages for more expensive homes.

First-time buyer relief: Many first-time buyers benefit from reduced or zero stamp duty up to a certain price point.

Additional properties: Buying a second home or investment property usually incurs a surcharge.

The future: What could be next for stamp duty?

While no one can predict exact changes, the government often reviews SDLT to influence the housing market. Possible directions include:

• Adjusting thresholds: Raising thresholds may make homes more affordable for first-time buyers.
• Targeted reliefs: Incentives for energy-efficient homes, first-time buyers, or regional markets could appear.
• Temporary holidays or surcharges: These tools are sometimes used to stimulate or slow the market.

Why buyers should care

Stamp duty affects the total cost of buying a home. Understanding past trends, current rules, and potential future changes helps buyers:

• Budget accurately and avoid surprises.
• Time their purchase strategically.
• Maximise available relief or incentives.

Want to understand how stamp duty will affect your next home purchase?

Contact us today for expert guidance and personalised advice to make your move smarter and more affordable.