Rented sector could suffer under Labour

May 5, 2015

There could be serious problems ahead if a labour Goverment were to enforce all the Landlord reforms they have been threatening to enforce, that is if they are elected into power with or without support from another party.

We could see fewer rented homes available as Landlords may just look to sell up and not want to contend with all the new controls such as the Landlord registration scheme, minimum term tenancy agreements, rent reviews/controls.

Only just recently London Estate agent Chestertons warned that  if Labour forms a Government after the General Election, landlord reforms could backfire, shortening the supply of rented homes and forcing up rents.

It is well appreciated that at present there exists what are called “Rogue Landlords” who clearly are taking advantage of tenants and there are changes needed to contend with this, however little thought out sweeping changes by Labour do not appear to be the answer according to most in the industry and have been criticised by industry leaders.

Richard Lambert, chief executive at the NLA has been quoted as saying “that while the organisation understands Labour wants to assure tenants that it has their concerns at heart, the policy will backfire because it doesn’t understand the economics of supplying private housing to rent”

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

London’s most balanced rental markets revealed

London’s most balanced rental markets revealed as almost 43,000 properties available across the capital With almost 43,000 rental properties currently available across the London market, the latest research by London lettings and estate agent, Benham and Reeves, has revealed which London boroughs offer tenants the most varied choice of rental properties, with Hillingdon, Havering and Barnet…
Read More →
Breaking News

First-time buyer mortgage costs soar 41% in a decade

First-time buyers are facing monthly mortgage repayments 41% higher than a decade ago, with new research from Yopa revealing that, while house prices and deposit requirements have remained broadly unchanged in real terms, rising mortgage rates have significantly increased the monthly cost of getting onto the property ladder. The full-service estate agency analysed average UK house…
Read More →
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Richmond upon Thames crowned 2026’s happiest place to live

Richmond upon Thames has been crowned the happiest place to live in Great Britain, reclaiming the top spot after winning in 2023 and finishing second last year In second place is Harrogate in Yorkshire and the Humber, and in third place is Cirencester, Gloucestershire in the South West Kirkcaldy is the happiest place in Scotland,…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

What the sector must do differently to engage with young people

By Neil Louth – Group Executive Director, LRG and CEO, Acorn Group The property sector needs to start by recognising that younger buyers are not simply less committed to homeownership. Many still want the security and long-term stability it can offer, but they are making that judgement in a very different market. Deposits take longer…
Read More →
Breaking News

Persistent decline to give way to recovery in 2027

Glenigan’s Autumn 2026 Construction Forecast maintains that sector growth will revive in 2027, despite a challenging year of market stagnation Following a sluggish end to 2026, construction is set to rebound from 2027 onwards as public sector building increases Significant value gains expected for health, education, civils, offices and data centre projects Private and social…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

The Plumbing and Electrical Problems That Quietly Kill Sales and Lettings

We’ve all had one of these. The offer’s agreed. Everyone’s happy. The memorandum of sale has gone out, and you’re already mentally banking the fee. Then the buyer’s survey comes back. “Electrics appear dated. Recommend inspection by a qualified electrician.” And just like that, the mood changes. The buyer starts asking about a reduction. The…
Read More →