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Government Finds £50mn for Student Renters, But Should Government Help All Renters?

As the effects of the coronavirus pandemic continue to bite, UK students are being offered additional support with their rent from the government and Unite Students, the largest student accommodation management firm. However, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has questioned the government's strategy of providing additional support for student renters only and not all renters.

Covid-19 Pandemic Delays Tenants' Plans to Buy a Home

As the UK government's coronavirus vaccination process continues to impress, the wider effects of the pandemic remain. Among those adverse effects is a drop in household incomes which is limiting many renters plans to exit the lettings market and buy their own home. Recent research shows that while many of the UK's tenants still have aspirations to become home owners around a fifth of those hoping to buy a property have had to rethink their plans due to the pandemic.

UK Rental Homes Unaffordable for Under 25s

As the UK increasingly homes a growing number of renters, research from a youth charity suggests renting remains unaffordable for working adults aged between 21-25. According to the Resolution Foundation, the definition of affordability relating to rent is that it shouldn't cost more than 35% of a tenant's income. However, the research by the End Youth Homelessness (EYH) charity shows that even in the most affordable regions of the England, for tenants aged between 21-25, the average monthly rent comes in above that figure.

Landlord and Tenant Activity Hits Record High in 2020

The year 2020 will go down in history as the year of coronavirus, lockdowns and staying at home. However, recently published data shows that 2020 was also a record-breaking year for landlord and tenant activity. The number buy-to-let (BTL) landlord companies that were set up over the year was a fresh high, while the number of tenant moves in London in December 2020, was double the number of moves in the same period of 2019.

Build-to-Rent Sector Considers Rebrand

A lack of suitable housing remains a big issue across the UK and the growing Build-to-Rent (BTR) sector is helping to increase the proportion of attractive and affordable rental homes. However, the 'BTR' label might be replaced by something more appropriate that can help boost the sector's image - although construction activity will continue with new rental homes becoming available, regardless of whether a new name and/or image emerges.

Tenant Safety must come first in Tier 4 areas

Tenant Safety Must Come First

As the country is once again living in lockdown, the government’s latest guidance to Letting Agents is to put the safety of their tenants first. Agents are encouraged to remain supportive where ever possible and help keep tenants in their homes. Remote checks should also be the preferred option where new or tenancies or renewals are required, the guidelines state.