Who cares about Build To Rent? Not MPs by the looks of it….

A PR exercise has discovered that 89 per cent of UK MPs would not give priority to Build-to-Rent schemes in their constituencies.

The research asked MPs across all parties about their constituency housing focuses and BTR ranked only seventh out of eight listed housing options in terms of priority. 

Some 63 per cent of Conservative MPs prioritised private sale housing with Labour MPs more likely to prioritise council housing and social rent homes. 

The survey found that only 14 per cent of Conservatives and 10 per cent of Labour MPs would prioritise BTR homes in their constituency.

While over half of all BTR homes are in London the research also revealed that not one London-based MP considered BTR to be a top priority.

When MPs of Cavendish PR’s survey were asked what they think those living in BTR homes earn, 39 per cent believed the average income was lower than this sitting between £20,000 and £29,999. 

The remaining 61 per cent selected a wide mix of incomes ranging from under £20,000 to £100,000, this disparity suggests that most MPs aren’t aware of BTR.

A spokesperson for Cavendish says: “Our research shows there is clearly a lack of prioritising the development of BTR homes at a national level. 

“Every day there are stories emerging from the private rented sector – where people are paying expensive rent for a property that doesn’t meet their needs. Not only is this impacting them financially, but also their mental and physical wellbeing.

“Compared to some of the rental market which can be poor quality and sometimes badly managed, BTR provides good quality, safe, and sustainable rented homes to suit a wide range of income levels. We know that MPs want the best for their constituents and communities, therefore there’s clearly more the property industry can do to communicate the benefits of BTR.”

He continues: “As our research shows, national politicians do not prioritise the sector, with six other housing types prioritised by MPs. The unrealised investment in new BTR homes is damaging to Britain’s housing market, holds back growth, and continues to see too many people renting in unsuitable and poorly managed rental accommodation.

“The sector is still largely misunderstood by policy-makers and decision-makers and greater awareness is needed, particularly as we approach a General Election. All eyes are on the political parties to define their visions to address the lack of housing supply. 

“For the BTR sector, now is the time to address the lack of awareness, tackle the misconceptions, and put the  sector at the centre of a housing revolution in Britain.”