PRS set to soar

The private rented sector (PRS) is expected to increase by 700,000 households to 5.5 million by 2020, accounting for one-fifth of the total housing stock in this country, according to a new report. A fresh study on the buy-to-let sector by Kent Reliance finds that the PRS now accounts for 18 per cent of all housing stock, after almost 150,000 new households were added to the PRS in the year to March. A higher number of buy-to-let investors entering the market coupled with capital growth have led to an average rise of 11 per cent in the total value of PRS property, or £97.8 billion, to £990.7 billion, with gains led by London, at £406.5 billion, followed by the South East at £147.6 billion. Andy Golding, Chief executive, Kent Reliance, said, “Buy-to-let has come of age, moving from a niche asset class to one big enough to rival the stock market. Landlords are seeing the benefit of a structural change in Britain’s housing market, with tenant demand ever strengthening. Yes, house prices are showing signs of steadying somewhat, but growth remains brisk.” If recent growth continues, the whole sector is set to be worth in excess of £1 trillion by…

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