Worrying slump in UK property rental market says Home.co.uk

June 22, 2017
new build home fronts

Press release yesterday 21st June 2017 from Home.co.uk headlined ‘Alarming Decline in Homes for Rent’.

The UK property rental market has seen a worrying slump of 11.6% in available stock over the last six years, according to new figures released by Home.co.uk. In some areas the fall is much more dramatic and can only compound people’s housing woes.

Scotland has seen the most dramatic fall, with a 34.7% decrease in available properties to rent between July 2011 and June 2017. In Wales over the same period there has been a fall of 28.1% while the South West has seen a decline of 26.5%.

Home.co.uk director Doug Shephard said: “It is ironic that the government’s justification for tax changes in the PRS was to ‘level the playing field’ for wannabe homeowners. The result of this barrage of red tape and taxation, at both local and national government levels, has meant that the supply of rental properties has fallen behind demand in most regions thereby driving up rents. Of course, it’s not the first time that government tinkering and tax grabs have backfired but the upshot for Generation Rent is appalling.

The ‘elephant in the room’ for the government is that record low mortgage interest rates have driven unprecedented investment in the PRS over recent years. Simply put, those already with significant home equity have been able to come up with deposits for properties intended to let whilst aspiring homeowners are as cash-strapped as ever as they pay out huge sums in rent. However, ultra-low interest rates and the associated pain for renters look set to persist for the foreseeable future.”

Read the press release from Home.co.uk 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

Breaking News

Almost one in five first-time buyers seeking max 60% LTV mortgages

Almost one in three (31%) first-time buyers are opting for 90% LTV mortgages, and a further 10% are looking at 95% LTV options. This hints at many first-time buyers relying on 5-10% deposits. This translates to £13,650 to £27,300 at the average UK house price of £272,995 [source]. Almost one in five (17%) first-time buyers…
Read More →
Breaking News

Property values bounce back in October

The latest Halifax Property Index shows that: – House prices rose by +0.6% in October vs a fall of -0.3% in September Fourth time in last five months that the average price has increased Average property price now £299,862, edging up to a new record high Annual rate of growth rises to +1.9% (up from…
Read More →
Breaking News

UK house prices rise at fastest pace since January

House prices rose by +0.6% in October vs a fall of -0.3% in September Fourth time in last five months that the average price has increased Average property price now £299,862, edging up to a new record high Annual rate of growth rises to +1.9% (up from +1.3% in September) Mortgage approvals reach highest level…
Read More →
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Rightmove accelerates AI product delivery to surface more potential sellers and buyers for agents

The UK’s largest property platform Rightmove is today announcing a series of AI developments for consumers and partners, to help agents reach more potential sellers, buyers and renters. There are currently 27 AI initiatives in development, as Rightmove makes AI technology central to its platform to benefit partners and home-movers. Four new developments – two…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

How to Pick the Best Option for your Business’ Broadband

Having a dependable broadband connection is crucial for any business. Whether you run a small office or a larger company, a slow or unstable connection can disrupt work, affect communication, and reduce productivity. Picking the right broadband package does not have to be complicated, but it does require careful thought about your business’s specific needs…
Read More →
bank of england interest rate
Breaking News

Bank of England Hold’s Interest Rates at 4%

With the Bank of England holding Interest Rates at 4%, here are some thoughts from the Industry. Matt Smith, Rightmove’s mortgages expert: “Ahead of one of the most widely anticipated and discussed Autumn Budgets of recent times, it was unlikely the Bank would go for another interest rate cut so close to the announcement and…
Read More →