Articles by Tom Simcock
The Rental Revolution: What is the Sharing Economy doing to the PRS?
As the way in which we do business changes, the so-called sharing economy is on the rise in the UK. More and more people are now using sites such as Airbnb to rent out homes as an alternative to staying in a hotel, with more than 33,000 listings in London alone. This research report explores the extent of the use of Airbnb and its impact on the private rented sector.
Access to homes for under-35s: The impact of Welfare Reform on Private Renting
The recent Housing White paper highlights the extent to which policymakers are increasingly looking to the private rented sector to accommodate younger households. At the same time a number of regulatory and taxation changes are influencing the operating environment for private landlords. This report outlines the findings from a survey of landlords who let to under-35 year olds.
State of the PRS - 2017, Quarter 2
Numerous changes have already been announced that will see the Government take direct actions to influence the operation of a market. This report provides an opportunity to make sense of recent and proposed policy changes and how these changes are and will change the nature of renting.
State of the PRS- 2017, Quarter 3
The past two decades have seen the rapid development and growth of the private rented sector in the UK. Between 2001/02 and 2011/12 the sector has doubled in size and now accounts for 20% of households in England (MCHLG, 2018). The Government are implementing major changes to the taxation of the private rented sector, including changes to mortgage interest relief. This report builds upon previous research into the experiences of landlords and their attitudes toward the future.
State of the PRS -2018, Quarter 1
Private landlords are now playing a vital role in providing housing to those on low-incomes and the homeless. Recently, there have been many policy changes that affect the most vulnerable in society and their ability to access a safe and secure home in the PRS.
State of the PRS- 2017, Quarter 4
The energy efficiency standards of the private rented sector have come under greater scrutiny over the past three years, with new regulations coming into force in April 2018. This means that no property can be let for a new tenancy if it is below an E EPC rating. This report builds upon our previous quarterly reports on the private rented sector and provides the opportunity for a deeper understanding of the issues facing private landlords, tenants and the wider sector.
State of the PRS - 2017, Quarter 1
The research presented in this report is part of a longitudinal project to examine trends across the sector in relation to policy changes. This report focuses on the impact of welfare policy changes from a large sample of 2,974 landlords. When extrapolated the survey findings indicate £589 million could be owed to landlords. Future changes to the sector could exacerbate this issue.
State of the PRS - 2016, Quarter 4
The research presented in this report is part of a longitudinal research project that is firstly taking stock of the sector across a number of issues, but also establishing base-line data in order to compare future trends. This survey explores safety and energy issues affecting the sector.
State of the PRS - 2016, Quarter 2
Over 2,800 landlords participated in this survey which focused on understanding proposed changes to the taxation of the PRS, including changes to Mortgage Interest Relief, Stamp Duty Land Tax, and Capital Gains Tax. The findings identify serious implications for the financial health of the sector, on continued investment by landlords and offer a grim outlook for tenants.
Landlords plan to increase rents to offset government tax changes
Yesterday the Prime Minister launched the revised National Planning Policy Framework, and in her speech, she claimed that “private landlords play an important role in the housing market” and that the new planning rules would encourage new homes for rent to be built. The current Government’s taxation policy for the private rented sector contradicts this.