Every new year brings its own housing market buzzwords, predictions, and curveballs — and 2026 looks set to follow the pattern.

Should they be hoping for some juicy rent rises? Should they be hoping for a queue of buff Love Island-wannabe tenants, who live such glamorous lives they never complain about so much as a dripping tap?

Both landlords and tenants are increasingly managing everything online: referencing, deposits, rent payments, maintenance requests, tenancy agreements, inventories, and more. That convenience is brilliant… until a scammer gets involved. Here are some practical ways landlords and tenants can stay safe this Cyber Monday and beyond.

Fancy a little bit of fun in between last-minute shopping, elf on the shelfing and any other festive business you’re enjoying/enduring? Here’s our festive property quiz based on our experience - No Googling please… answers at the bottom.