RLA argues ministers need to scrap the new homes tax for landlords

June 29, 2018

A new report being published  by the Residential Landlords Association’s (RLA) research exchange, PEARL, warns that the country faces a net loss of 133,000 homes for private rent over the next year. This follows Government figures showing that between March 2016 and March 2017 England saw a loss of 46,000 private rented homes.

Ministers need to scrap the tax on new homes which is punishing those in need of a home to rent, argues the UK’s leading landlord body.

The RLA Policy Director, David Smith, said:

“The demand for private rental homes shows no signs of slowing up, despite efforts to encourage home ownership. The government was always mistaken to place homes to own and to rent in opposition to each other rather than seeking to supply more homes in all tenures.

“Corporate investors are failing to provide the new homes to rent at the pace and scale we need. They are also poorly equipped to meet the housing needs of towns and rural areas.

“The vast majority of landlords are individuals and small businesses, providing good housing to their tenants and supporting local economies. We need to support and encourage them to provide the long term homes to rent needed.

“The government should use taxation more positively and not penalise landlords who are contributing to badly needed homes to rent.”

Read the news release from The RLA headlined ‘Scrap the new homes tax argues landlords’ in full click here

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

Letting Agent Talk

Advice for London landlords and tenants ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act implementation

Phase one of the Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) comes into force on 1 May 2026, and with it brings about the most significant overhaul of the private rental sector in a generation. While the Act will see new responsibilities introduced, it will also offer an opportunity for landlords to strengthen their practices with a clear…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

Budget-friendly ways to boost your chances of a successful spring house sale

With many households feeling the pressure of changing global economic conditions, tighter finances, and the high costs associated with moving, such as Stamp Duty, legal fees and removals, selling a home can currently feel like challenge. At the same time, spring traditionally brings a surge in buyer activity. Longer days and better weather tend to encourage more viewings,…
Read More →
Letting Agent Talk

Expert Reacts To Renters’ Rights Act Ahead of Changes This Week

The Renters’ Rights Act comes into force this week (1st May), introducing major reforms to tenancy structures, eviction rules, and tenant protections across England. The changes will reshape how landlords manage properties and how tenants experience private renting, with significant implications for student private rentals and the wider rental market. Ahead of implementation, Owen Dixon,…
Read More →
Breaking News

52% of buyers are cash purchasers – and they’re ready to move

New research from LRG reveals that sellers entering the spring market are meeting an unusually large pool of cash-ready buyers, many of whom aren’t constrained by affordability, but by a lack of suitable homes. According to LRG’s Spring 2026 Sales Report, based on a survey of 307 buyers and sellers across England and Wales, more than…
Read More →
for sale sign london
Breaking News

Landlords sell up as Renters’ Rights prove final straw

Leading Kent and London law firm Thackray Williams have had a wave of last-minute instructions from landlords looking to sell their portfolios ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force this Friday. The litigation team has been instructed to seek possession by landlords wishing to sell their entire buy-to-let portfolios, as well as last-minute…
Read More →
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 27/4/26

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X. Will AI change the way we search on property portals? Thought Leadership by Andrew Stanton, CEO Proptech-PR Rightmove: the UK’s most profitable proptech Rightmove is widely seen as the UK’s most profitable proptech, generating £300m+ annually with operating margins around 70%. Even with slight recent…
Read More →