Landlord survey: who’s staying in, and who’s selling up

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Full-time private landlords are most likely to be thinking about increasing their portfolio, according to a new report, while accidental landlords are more likely to be without a short-term plan.

The UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence’s survey of 1,000 landlords reveals that those who entered the sector for personal financial reasons, such as their property was in negative equity and they couldn’t sell it, were the largest group planning to sell up.

However, its report – Understanding landlord behaviour in the PRS – found one in five full-time landlords were also planning on quitting.

Instil confidence

In England, landlords believe the need for improved enforcement to tackle criminal landlords who tarnish the sector’s reputation is most needed to instil confidence.

Swifter judicial procedures for the termination of contracts and improvements in eviction proceedings, along with more rights for landlords, particularly in relation to rent arrears and damage to properties, were also called for.

Reforms

Across the UK, landlords took different stances on the government’s proposals for reform. Those that relate to improvements in the physical condition of properties such as the introduction of minimum standards (England and Scotland), electrical/gas safety (Northern Ireland), and the introduction of a central regulator (Scotland) – were generally positively received.

Those reforms strengthening tenants’ position – increasing tenure security or notice periods and rent controls – were viewed less favourably.

The report adds that given the frequency with which landlords suggested improving enforcement measures to bring about change, it was surprising that only half of those surveyed thought strengthening local authority enforcement powers would have a positive impact.

Read more: Housing laws not fit for purpose.

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