Rents on the up - highest proportion of rises for alm...

The percentage of tenants experiencing rent hikes in August was the highest for almost four years according to the Association of Residential Letting Agents.

In its latest monthly index, ARLA says the number of tenants experiencing rent hikes increased to 40 per cent in August, from 31 per cent in July. This is the highest figure recorded since ARLA’s records began in January 2015.

Year on year, this figure has increased from 35 per cent in August 2017 and 27 per cent back in August 2016.

However, demand from prospective tenants fell significantly, with the number of house-hunters registered per branch dropping by 19 per cent in August to 64 on average, compared to 79 in July.

Year on year demand - as measured by registered house-hunters - is down 11 per cent as there were 72 prospective tenants registered per letting agent branch in August 2017.

Meanwhile the supply of available properties rose to 197 in August, from 184 last month. This is the highest figure seen since December 2017, when supply stood at 200.

Year on year, this supply figure is up four per cent from 189 in August 2017.

“As we’ve highlighted before, the impact of recent and ongoing tax changes continues to have a material impact on the buy to let market” explains David Cox, ARLA’s chief executive.

“Although it’s encouraging to see the number of properties available to rent rising, supply still isn’t anywhere near high enough to slow down the pace of rent rises. We need more homes to rent, and for government to change its narrative and recognise the very valid role buy-to-let plays in the housing mix. Driving small landlords out of the market ultimately impacts tenants most.”

John McKay
01 October 2018 08:17 AM

Indeed and forecasted on the website saynotogeorge when Osborne first introduced the insanity. What limits the arrears is that many landlords have already, or will soon, leave the HB market because they can no longer afford to service it as benefits haven't kept in line with rents.