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Tag: Renters’ Rights Act

  • Impact of the Renters’ Rights Act on the Mortgage Market

    Impact of the Renters’ Rights Act on the Mortgage Market

    The recent Barclays Property Insights report reveals that six in ten tenants view the Renters’ Rights Act positively, indicating a significant shift in the rental market. This change, which enhances tenant protections, could also have ripple effects in the mortgage market as both landlords and potential buyers reassess their strategies.

    TL;DR: Six in ten tenants believe the Renters’ Rights Act improves their housing conditions; this shift influences landlord behaviour and could affect the mortgage market.

    How has tenant awareness changed since the Act?

    Since the Renters’ Rights Act was enacted in October, tenant awareness has surged dramatically. Currently, 60% of renters are informed about the Act and its objectives, a notable increase from just 19% last October. This rise in awareness is important as it empowers tenants to understand their rights better, potentially leading to a more balanced relationship between landlords and tenants.

    What are the perceived benefits of the Renters’ Rights Act?

    According to the report, 62% of renters believe the Act will enhance their housing conditions and protections, up from 33% prior to its implementation. Additionally, 61% feel it will facilitate challenges against unfair treatment by landlords, compared to only 28% in October. This newfound confidence among tenants may lead to a more stable rental market, as renters are less likely to feel vulnerable in their living situations.

    What does this mean for the mortgage market?

    For potential buyers and current homeowners, the changes brought by the Renters’ Rights Act could open up new opportunities. As deposit challenges persist, the Act’s measures to limit steep rent increases may allow tenants to save more effectively, potentially widening access to the property ladder. However, with 22% of homeowners expressing a desire to purchase additional properties but feeling it is unaffordable, the market may see a shift in investment strategies. Landlords may need to adapt to the changing rental environment as tenants express greater confidence in their rights.

    What should mortgage borrowers watch for?

    With 19% of renters indicating they are now more likely to stay in their current properties due to the Act, landlords could face longer tenancy durations. However, concerns remain, as 45% of renters are worried that restrictions on evictions and bidding wars could lead to increased rents. This sentiment may influence landlords’ decisions regarding rent pricing and property management strategies. For those interested in the buy-to-let sector, monitoring the evolving rental market will be essential, especially in relation to current mortgage rates.

    Frequently asked questions

    How will the Renters’ Rights Act affect rental prices?

    While the Act aims to protect tenants from steep rent increases, there is concern among renters that these protections could lead landlords to raise rents to compensate for potential losses.

    What impact does this have on the mortgage market?

    The increased tenant confidence and potential for longer tenancies may lead to a more stable rental market, influencing landlords’ investment decisions and potentially affecting mortgage demand for buy-to-let properties.

  • Landlords Expected to Sell 220,000 Rented Homes in 2026

    Landlords Expected to Sell 220,000 Rented Homes in 2026

    Landlords to Sell 5% of Private Rental Stock

    Pepper Money’s recent research reveals that approximately 220,000 rented homes are expected to be sold by the end of 2026, representing around 5% of the UK’s private rental stock. This significant reduction in rental properties is largely attributed to the upcoming Renters’ Rights Act, which will come into effect in May 2026. The Act is expected to influence landlords to withdraw over 65,000 households from the Private Rented Sector (PRS) in England by the end of the year.

    With only 5% of landlords having purchased a new rental property in the past year and subdued new starts in build-to-rent, it is unlikely that the exiting stock will be replenished at the same rate. This could result in a decrease in rental dwellings in 2026. The South East is expected to see the highest volume of dwellings exiting the PRS, with over 46,000 dwellings leaving the market. This represents over a fifth of all exits across the country, with 15% of all private landlords in the region planning to sell.

    Regional Rental Yields and Market Impact

    The North East, despite having a smaller number of rental properties, has the highest proportion of landlords intending to sell, with 21% planning to sell in 2026. However, this accounts for just 8% of total PRS exits nationally. The average rents in these regions highlight the potential market impact of these exits. In the South East, where rental demand is high, rents currently average around £1,893 per month. As such, the projected exit of over 46,000 homes could intensify competition and put further upward pressure on prices. Regional rental yields further explain landlord behaviour; in the South East yields are relatively modest at around 6%, which may make property investment less resilient to increased regulation.

    In the North East, average rents are lower, at around £946 per month, yet the high proportion of landlords planning to sell signals significant regional shifts in landlord sentiment even in more affordable markets. Other regions, including the East of England (£1,649 pcm), South West (£1,473 pcm), and London (£2,716 pcm), also show elevated rents, underscoring widespread market pressures across England.

    Changes to Renters’ Rights and Energy Efficiency Standards

    From 1 May 2026, renters in England will see some of the biggest changes to their rights in decades. From late 2026, a Private Rented Sector Database will also be introduced, requiring landlords to pay to join. Looking further ahead, all privately rented homes are expected to meet new energy efficiency standards by 2030, meaning better insulation, lower bills and greener living for renters.