Pitfalls of buying, selling and renting in the UK

Pitfalls of buying, selling and renting in the UK

The saga involving Rachel Reeves and Angela Rayner isn’t just “a couple of politicians messing up”. It’s a stark illustration of how complicated the UK housing market is. Buying, selling and renting all involve layered rules — national tax regimes, local council licences, trusts, residence definitions, timing issues — and so even well-informed people can make costly errors.

For the average person navigating the market, the message is: do not assume simplicity. Take nothing for granted. Check, document, seek help, and plan.

When even Ministers get caught out, it suggests the system is not just hard for ordinary folk — it’s hard for the people designing it.

Renting is not just about national rules; local councils can require licences, especially in designated areas (e.g., for multiple-occupancy, HMOs, or selective licensing). If you’re letting a property, always check local authority requirements.