MPs call for building of rented homes

MPs have urged the government to provide greater incentives for new rental properties to be built and come onto the market.

The House of Commons communities and local government committee estimates that Britain needs a further 50,000 rented homes a year on top of current stock to meet housing demand.

Rising demand for rental properties means that the number of well managed and maintained quality rental homes must increase and the all-party committee wants to see new legislation and financial incentives introduced to boost current figures.

According to the Supply of Rented Housing report, both new social rental and private rental properties are required, with tax measures introduced to prevent landlords from leaving properties empty for long periods, increasing supply.

The Association of Residential Letting Agents (Arla) has cautiously welcomed the report, but wants MPs to press for greater government support for the UK's buy to let sector.

Commenting on the report, Ian Potter, Arla head of operations, said: "The association looks forward to contributing meaningful suggestions to government, particularly in support of the select committee's suggestion that the private rented sector requires financial incentives for private landlords."


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