Articles by Nick Clay
Landlord Confidence Index (LCI) No.11: 2021 Q3
The Quarter 3 survey of landlord confidence shows an increase above the previous quarter's then-record level of confidence. This quarter, it has been an increase in confidence among landlords with London-based portfolio which has propelled the index. HOWEVER - confidence is still negative across the country (with the exception of the South West which recorded the first ever 'neutral' score).
Green Homes Grants: What went wrong? What went right?
Whilst the long-term target of government is to enable more than 600,000 homes in England to become more energy efficient, the GHG voucher scheme made only a modest contribution to meeting that target. However the scheme's failings and resultant low take-up does not negate the need for a scheme. The conclusion from the evidence presented here is that for those landlords who wished to address EPC levels, the GHG voucher provided invaluable support.
In Focus (2021 Qtr 2): Licensing & regulation
The quarter 2 survey looked at landlords' recent experience of licensing. Possible policy innovations are also tested. There is support for regulatory regimes among landlords IF an impact can be demonstrated - this is something which both local authorities and national initiatives (Rent Smart Wales) have failed to do. This In Focus also reports on a collaboration with Battersea Dogs' Home.
NRLA tenant survey: separating facts from fiction
This post reports on the tenant survey commissioned by the NRLA in May 2021.The survey found three-quarters of tenants had paid their rent as normal throughout the pandemic.The post gives a tenant-based estimate of the arrears facing landlords. A substantial proportion of tenants are looking to move out of urban areas in the next twelve months.
Research Webinar - April 2021
This research webinar introduced our recently awarded MRS Company Partner accreditation. Recent trends in landlord confidence were presented along with key findings from recent quarterly surveys. The presentation also reviewed other recent research - such as that in Wales and London. Finally the presentation previewed forthcoming research, including a collaboration with the LSE.
Landlord Confidence Index (LCI) No.9: 2021 Q1
The 2021 Qtr1 survey shows a marked upturn in confidence from the previous quarter. Confidence is increasing across England and Wales: in London however, the increase could at best be described as marginal. Both the West Midalnds and the South West have seen surges in confidence. Over 85% of landlords reported as either having frozen or reduced rents over the last twelve months.
In Focus (2020 Qtr 4): Safety and standards
Every quarter the NRLA ask landlords about how policy is impacting on their property business.The Quarter 4 survey asked about Safety and Standards, focusing on the demands of electrical safety, EICR renewals and energy efficiency. Landlords were also asked about the possible impact of a raised minimum EPC threshold.
Rent controls in London - follow the evidence. Please
The outcome of London's mayoral election may be followed by a renewed push for a rent control system to be imposed in the capital. The NRLA have long pointed to evidence, put forward by economists from both the left and the right, that rent controls rarely have the desired effects on the rental market. Where controls exist, tenants and would-be tenants - as well as landlords - get a raw deal.
Energy efficient landlords: investment without reward
This blog post reviews landlord responses to questions on energy efficiency. These questions coincided with a recent BEIS consultation on energy efficency and proposals to raise the minimum EPC rating for rented property to a "C". This post highlights landlord investment and the need to address the failings of the Green Homes Grants programmes - rather than abandon the scheme's objectives.
English Housing Survey 2019-2020: Infographic
This post is a visual summary of the 2019-2020 English Housing Survey (EHS). The EHS is a national survey - published annually - produced by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). Note that data collection for this survey concluded prior to the Covid-19 crisis. This is the first of a series of infographics which will summarise key reports and research into the PRS.
