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The Residential Landlords Association (RLA) has warned of a rented housing supply crisis following a survey that found its members lacked market confidence, with more selling properties than buying.
Its survey of more than 2,700 landlords found a quarter believe that demand for private rented property has increased over the past three months, while 15% said demand has fallen.
Despite this, over the coming year, 31% of landlords plan to sell at least one property while only 13% plan to buy.
Only 4.3% of landlords feel confident about the market, a figure dwarfed by the 51.6% who lack confidence, while the rest said they are neutral.
The survey described the number of landlords selling property as “a worrying signal for those concerned about the supply of homes available to rent privately” and said tax and regulatory changes “feature strongly” in these decisions.
David Smith, policy director of the RLA, said: “Those who argue that a smaller private rented sector is good for tenants wanting to buy a home are plain wrong.
“The government’s policies are choking off the supply of homes to rent while demand remains strong.
“This is only making life more difficult and potentially more expensive for those looking for somewhere to live.
“Without an urgent change of course and the introduction of pro-growth policies, the situation will only become worse.”