Owning & managing property in London in 2026

The following article was originally published on Expat Living, featuring Jordan Edwards and Lucy Plumb.

Original article: Expat Living.

Rules for owning and renting property are changing massively, so if you’re currently a UK landlord or planning to be one, read our Q&A with a London property management company.

As the property landscape continues to evolve, UK landlords – especially those based overseas – are facing more complexity than ever. We sat down with Lucy and Jordan, co-founders of Edwards & Plumb Property, to talk about the future for London property management and lettings. With a focus on helping international landlords stay compliant and maximise returns, they share their insights on the upcoming changes to the rental sector and how to navigate them confidently.

Lucy and Jordan, tell us a bit more about Edwards & Plumb Property. What makes your business unique?

Lucy: Edwards & Plumb Property is a specialist lettings and property management agency, founded in 2020. We exclusively support international landlords, with most of our clients based in Singapore, Hong Kong and the UAE.

Jordan: The idea for the business came from our own experience – living and working in Singapore, while owning property in the UK. We realised how crucial it is to have a reliable, transparent and proactive agent on the ground. With over 20 years of combined industry experience, we built Edwards & Plumb to be exactly the kind of agent we wished we had.

Lucy: With changes on the horizon in the UK rental market due to the Renters’ Rights Bill, it’s more important than ever to work with a managing agent who ensures your property is compliant, well-maintained, let to the right tenants, and generating the best possible return.

Lucy: With changes on the horizon in the UK rental market due to the Renters’ Rights Bill, it’s more important than ever to work with a managing agent who ensures your property is compliant, well-maintained, let to the right tenants, and generating the best possible return.

What government changes for London property management should landlords expect in 2026?

Jordan: There are several proposed reforms under the current Labour government that are expected to come into effect later this year. While not all details have been finalised, here are the key changes UK landlords should be aware:

  • Abolition of Section 21 evictions: Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without giving a valid legal reason – part of a broader push towards fairness in the sector.
  • All tenancies becoming periodic: Fixed-term tenancies will convert to open-ended agreements, reducing tenant disruption and offering landlords flexibility.
  • Rent increases limited to once per year: Increases can only occur annually, via a Section 13 notice, helping to avoid mid-tenancy disputes.
  • Mandatory acceptance of pets: Landlords must reasonably allow pets, though they can request pet insurance to cover potential damage.
  • Anti-discrimination rules: It will be illegal to reject tenants based on their benefits status or family situation.
  • Banning rental bidding wars: Properties must be let at the advertised rent – promoting transparency and fairness.
  • Introduction of a landlord ombudsman: A new service will help resolve disputes without going to court.
  • Launch of a digital landlord database: This public register will include compliance history and enforcement actions, increasing accountability.
  • Enforcement of minimum property standards: The Decent Homes Standard will apply to private rentals, raising standards for living conditions, safety and property maintenance.

As a UK landlord, what do I need to do now?

Lucy: Right now, there’s no urgent action required – but it’s vital that your managing agent is keeping you informed about how these changes could affect your property. If they haven’t already been in touch, that’s a red flag.

Jordan: It’s also a great time to review your long-term investment plans. Ask yourself: is your agent still providing value? Are you confident your property is well-managed, compliant and achieving its full rental potential?

How can Edwards & Plumb Property help international landlords?

Jordan: We offer a full review of your property, including up-to-date valuations and rental appraisals. This helps ensure you’re getting the best possible return.

Lucy: Many UK landlords stick with the same agent for years out of convenience – but this often leads to complacency, missed rent reviews, poor service, and ultimately lower returns. Property management agents with too many on their books may not give your property the attention it deserves.

Jordan: We’re a boutique agency, and we keep our portfolio manageable so we can give each client a personalised, high-touch service. If you’re not sure whether your current agent is delivering, it costs nothing to have a conversation with us.

What sets Edwards & Plumb apart from other property management agencies?

Lucy: We’re proactive, transparent and completely tailored to the needs of international landlords. Because we’ve been in your shoes, we understand the importance of clear communication, trusted service, and no nasty surprises.

Jordan: We also don’t believe in hidden fees or one-size-fits-all solutions. We work with each client to develop a long-term strategy for their investment – and we’re always just a call or WhatsApp away.

How can readers get in touch with you?

Lucy: You can reach out to either of us directly via phone or email. You can also join our mailing list on the website to stay updated on market trends, regulation changes and investment tips.

Final thoughts for UK landlords?

Whether you’re a long-time UK landlord or new to property investment, 2026 will be a year of significant change. With the right guidance and property management in place, it can also be a year of opportunity. Edwards & Plumb Property is here to ensure you’re not just compliant, but thriving.

Original article: Expat Living Singapore.

Simon Osborne

BSc (Hons) MRICS

Real Estate Capital Consultant

Simon is a specialist in real estate finance and asset management with over 20 years experience in UK markets and the founder of Eden Park Capital.

Following roles with Cushman & Wakefield’s Investment & Finance division in Central Europe and Deutsche Bank’s European Real Estate Group, Simon re-located to the UAE where he was involved in setting up a development and fund management division for a regional family office located in Abu Dhabi and the restructuring of one of Dubai’s largest publicly listed real estate developers.

More recently, Simon has held principle lending and capital advisory roles at Fortwell Capital and Blackbear Capital.

His expertise lies in structuring and executing single and multi-jurisdictional investment and finance transactions across multiple sectors and geographies, including strategic portfolio and asset restructuring. He has a proven track record of delivering innovative and bespoke solutions for complex and challenging deals, and building long-term relationships with clients and lenders.

Simon holds a BSc (Hons) in Real Estate Management from Nottingham Trent University.

Gregor Brown

BSc (Hons) MRICS

Investment Consultant

Gregor is a chartered surveyor and the founder of G M Brown, a UK based commercial agency specialising in the industrial sector.

Prior to establishing G M Brown, he worked for Gerald Eve and Graham and Sibbald focusing on the industrial sector.

Gregor was named the Estate Gazette / Radius Top Dealmaker of the Year for 2020, 2022 as well as CoStar’s ‘Most Active Single Branch Agency’ for Industrial acquisitions and disposals in 2022/2023.

Between 2022 – 2024 Gregor has completed over 390 commercial leasing and sales transactions throughout the UK.

Gregor brings invaluable experience in the industrial sector to the Allanton team.

Gregor holds a BSc (Hons) in Property Management and Valuation from Glasgow Caledonian University and is a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS).

Sam Ewing

MA (Hons) MRICS

Investment Director

Sam is a qualified Chartered Surveyor with over 12 year’s experience in UK, European and Middle Eastern Markets.

Sam started his career at CBRE and Knight Frank undertaking valuation instructions for a range of clients focusing on banks and Real Estate Investment Trusts.

Thereafter Sam worked for Majid Al Futtaim Properties responsible for the asset management of retail and shopping mall assets with a portfolio value of USD 5.6bn. During his tenure he completed more than 245 deals with a revenue of USD 145m.

Most recently Sam has held roles with Aldar Investment as Senior Vice President within the Investment and Asset Management division. During his role, he has been responsible for the P&L of a USD 3.5bn portfolio spanning 400,000 sq m GLA across retail, residential, commercial and hospitality sectors.

He has also been responsible for the investment management of third-party assets held across UAE and central Asia markets with a book value of USD 4.5 bn.

Additionally, Sam co-led asset management initiatives for a USD 400m equity raise from one of the worlds largest private equity firms. Sam brings invaluable experience in the industrial sector to the Allanton team.

Sam holds a MA Joint (Hons) in Real Estate and Business Management from the University of Aberdeen and is a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS).

James Cresswell

BA (Hons) MSc MRICS

Asset Management Director

James is an experienced Chartered Surveyor with over 20 years experience working in real estate.  James started his career in the UK working for leading real estate consultancies, undertaking complex valuation work nationally within various asset classes.

Relocating to Dubai in 2010, James worked for CBRE and  laterally Cavendish Maxwell as Head of Valuation leading  and building a large team across the region whilst undertaking a range of valuations from single assets to large portfolios including development sites extending to 10 million sq ft and super regional malls.

James has acquired and developed assets in the UK and Dubai for over the last 15 years, building a strong network and deep knowledge of the UK  property markets across both commercial and residential sectors.

James holds a BA (Hons) in Business Studies from Brighton University, an MSc in Estate Management, from London Southbank University, and is a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS) since 2004.

Saeed Hashmi

BSc (Hons) MRICS

Investment and Strategy Director

A seasoned Chartered Surveyor with over 20 years of experience within the real estate sector. Saeed started his career in 2002 with leading property consultancies such as Cluttons and JLL, specialising in national investment, advising financial institutions and property companies on acquisitions and disposals of their real estate interests throughout the UK.

Moving to the UAE in 2009, Saeed primarily worked for a leading private equity investment company, launching one of MENA’s first real estate credit funds. He also acted as Investment Director for several direct real estate vehicles, as well as developing numerous mixed-use assets.

Prior to setting up Allanton Group, Saeed worked for JLL undertaking development advisory.

Saeed has undertaken proprietary development internationally over the past 13 years of both residential and commercial projects whilst building an invaluable network of partners.

Saeed holds a BSc (Hons) in Estate Management from Heriot-Watt University, a PG Dip in Architectural Project Management from The University of Edinburgh and is a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS) since 2004.