Top lettings analyst says buy to let changes may mean higher rent, less stock

One of the country‘s leading rental sector analysts is warning that tax changes for landlords’ mortgage interest relief, and the imminent second home stamp duty surcharge, may backfire in terms of rent levels and income raised for the government.

Chancellor George Osborne is introducing both measures under the guise of improving opportunities for first time buyers to purchase properties which otherwise may be bought by buy to let investors. Some also believe the measures aim to encourage institutional Build To Rent investors in a bid to improve the quality of the UK’s private rental sector. 

But Kate Faulkner, a leading commentator on the lettings market and the creator of Propertychecklists, says that while the policies may get a small number on the property ladder instead of renting and may help establish the ‘large landlord’ sector, there are considerable downsides. 

“Those who need to rent - students, overseas, people in debt, those waiting for social housing - are likely to see a hike in rents. And if buy to let reduces, the tax expected to be raised from the increases may not then be able to fund the first time buyer initiatives” she says.
 
“So why on earth is George Osborne ignoring the money that investors could put into building instead of buying existing homes? Many landlords with £100,000-plus could help to create new homes. So where are the ‘mini Build To Rent’ sector initiatives for smaller landlords who are established and want to continue to expand their portfolio?” she asks.