How Liverpool Became the Centre of the UK’s Property Conversation

On Wednesday 5 November, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) held its UK Landlord Conference at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool. The event brought together landlords, letting agents, policymakers, and property professionals from across the UK for a full day of discussion, policy updates, and sector analysis.

The tone reflected the current state of the market, pragmatic but cautious. With the Renters’ Rights Bill advancing through Parliament, the proposed abolition of Section 21 still unresolved, and tighter energy efficiency standards on the horizon, uncertainty in the private rented sector (PRS) remained a recurring theme.

The NRLA’s stated aim was to provide clarity and direction. For many attendees, it did exactly that. Full agenda at the bottom of the blog post.

A Sector in Transition

The UK’s rental landscape has shifted significantly in recent years. The balance between tenant protection and landlord flexibility continues to evolve, creating both operational and financial challenges.

This year’s theme, “Navigating Change in the Private Rented Sector,” reflected that reality. The conference focused on helping landlords and agents interpret new legislation, anticipate upcoming reforms, and understand their practical implications for business operations.

A Line-Up Focused on Policy and Practice

Broadcaster Steph McGovern returned as host, setting a professional yet accessible tone for the day.

The first major session, “Navigating Legal Reforms and Housing Policy Changes,” drew strong attendance. Legal specialists and policy analysts examined the Renters’ Rights Bill in detail, discussed timelines for abolishing Section 21, and explained how the forthcoming PRS ombudsman scheme would function. 

Energy efficiency was another major topic. A panel on retrofitting and EPC compliance outlined the financial and logistical implications for landlords. Speakers emphasised that future compliance would require more than minimal investment, though case studies showed that targeted upgrades could improve property value and long-term returns.

Later in the day, NRLA Chief Executive Ben Beadle joined property broadcaster Sarah Beeny for a one-to-one discussion. Their conversation covered the broader context of housing reform and its operational impact on small and large landlords alike.

Discussions Beyond the Stage

The exhibition hall remained busy throughout the day. More than 30 exhibitors presented products and services ranging from compliance tools and property management software to retrofit solutions and financial services.

Informal networking played a major role. Attendees exchanged practical advice on managing contractors, insurance policies, and local licensing, insights that complemented the more formal sessions.

Reading the Room: Landlord Sentiment

The event also provided a snapshot of landlord sentiment. While frustration with ongoing reform was evident, most participants appeared focused on adaptation rather than withdrawal from the market. The key message from Beadle’s closing remarks underscored that landlords play a vital role in housing provision and need policy stability to plan effectively.

Why the Conference Mattered

The private rented sector now represents around 20% of UK housing, and policy affecting it continues to evolve rapidly. The NRLA’s conference offered a space for structured, informed discussion rather than political soundbites.

Notably, conversations this year were less about short-term profitability and more about compliance, sustainability, and strategic planning, an indication that many landlords are looking to future-proof their portfolios against upcoming regulatory and environmental requirements.

Key Takeaways

By the end of the day, attendees left with clearer information on legislative timelines, compliance expectations, and the likely direction of government policy. The event also reaffirmed that while challenges remain, engagement between landlords, policymakers, and industry professionals is becoming more constructive and data-driven.

The 2025 NRLA UK Housing Conference was, above all, a working forum, less about advocacy and more about analysis. It provided a practical overview of a sector under pressure but still willing to adapt.

Agenda:

  • Steph McGovern, journalist and broadcaster, welcomes everybody to the conference.
  • Jodi Berg OBE, NRLA Chair, reflected on NRLA’s key milestones.
  • Richard Donnell, Executive Director of Zoopla, explored UK property market trends.
  • Carly Jermyn, CEO of Woodstock Legal Services and Nicola Thivessen, Director of Lettings Operations at Kinleigh Folkard & Heyward discussed the legal landscape changing for landlords, in regards to the Renters Rights Act.
  • Andrew Parkin, Chair of PropertyEnergy Professionals Association and Anna Moore, CEO of Donna Homes gave an insight into sustainability and energy efficiency of residential property.
  • Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of NRLA and Arjun Kumar, Co-Founder of Taxd discussed compliance for the evolving tax landscape of landlords.
  • Tom Goodman, Managing Director at Goodlord Group and Manoj Varsani MBE, Founder and CEO at Hammock, lead a forward looking session around innovative new solutions for the housing sector.
  • Linda Cobb OBE, Senior Manager at Dash and Charlotte Vale, Membership Manager at Good Landlord Charter discussed tenant rights in new housing standards.
  • Ben Beadle, Chief Executive for the NRLA closed the day reflecting on highlights, and setting an optimistic tone for the future of landlords.

The NRLA event also had a range of lightning talks, delivered by exhibitors:

  • Sandy Bastin, Director of Resolution at TDS discussed key issues faced, and lessons learnt surround tenancy deposit scheme.
  • Richard Dawson, Chief Information and Customer Officer, at Rent Guarantee outlined how landlords manage arrears, avoid costly mistakes and navigate mediation.
  • James Wood, Head of Policy at NRLA walked landlords through the steps they can make now to ensure compliance for the Renters Rights bill..
  • Jim Rogers, Senior Policy Advisor at HMRC discussed how landlords should prepare for Income Tax Self-Assessment.
  • Ruairi Loughran, our commercial Director at Consumer Rights CIC lead a talk around future-proofing properties efficiency with government-backed funding.
  • Paul Shamplina, Founder of Landlord Action and Chief Commercial Officer at Total Property held a Q&A on the Renters Rights bill.
  • Christopher Thomas, Founder and Director of ArcAirTech, and Andrew Fitzpatrick, Director of ArcAir Tech discussed their how ArcAirTech can be the natural solution to removing mould in properties.
  • James Donohue, Director at Landlord Property Exchange discussed how landlords can find their next property, outside of Rightmove or Zoopla.
  • Doug Hall, Director at 3mc, explored current trends in the buy-to-let market.
  • Dan Cumming, Senior Policy Officer at NRLA and Craig Purvis, Training and Development Officer at NRLA, discussed navigating the new pet-friendly era in property.