'The regulatory pendulum has swung too far,' argues John D Wood's lettings chief, and it is time for a recalibration of red tape 'to create an environment where landlords can freely enter and exit the…

"I understand that regional mayors may soon be given the power to ban properties from being used as short-term lets," writes James Forsyth, political editor of The Spectator, in The Times.

Deal numbers jumped but new buyer registrations fell back in February, reports estate agency trade body.