‘Time to bring back Help to Buy’ renters tell industry poll
Call for new government to reintroduce Help to Buy scheme and cut stamp duty are two of the policy requests from major LRG survey.
A third of all tenants would like to see the new government reintroduce the Help to Buy scheme to help them get on the housing ladder.
Cutting Stamp Duty and reducing taxation for landlords are also on the wish list for the first 100 days of the Labour administration in a survey of the rental market.
Another priority is the introductions of a decent homes standards, with 31% of tenants and 28% of landlords believing this to be an important policy, according to the report by Leaders Roman Group.
Affordability and fair rent controls were highlighted by 45% of tenants as an initiative they would like to see implemented, though only 10% of landlords agreed with this – unsurprisingly.
Landlords are concerned that the abolition of Section 21, a key Labour pledge, will force many of them to leave the sector, resulting in less stock and higher rents.
Scapegoat landlords
One landlord commented: “Both major parties continue to scapegoat landlords when the real problem in rental sectors is the lack of supply.
“By imposing tax costs, landlord selective licensing and extra red tape, all that the politicians achieve is fewer flats to rent. Restricted supply and ever-increasing demand can only lead to higher rents. Ultimately, it will always be to the tenants’ detriment.”
Another landlord commented: “Any rent restrictions and the abolition of Section 21 will encourage more landlords to sell up and this will cause a shortage of property to rent and thus higher rents.”
Laboured
Interestingly, nearly half of landlords surveyed (45%) felt strongly that Labour should invest significantly in more social housing,
One landlord said: “The shortage of available stock is artificially inflating rents where it is becoming difficult for the young, not only to buy, but also to rent a property.” Another added: “Unfortunately years of under-investment in housing both private and social has the effect we have now, lack of affordable housing”.
Allison Thompson, National Lettings Managing Director at LRG, said: “The shared concerns of tenants and landlords offer Labour a clear roadmap for action.
“By addressing these concerns promptly, the government has a unique opportunity to create a balanced and sustainable rental market. Leaders Romans Group urges Labour to listen to these voices and take decisive steps to implement the necessary reforms.”
