Supply increases in UK private residential rental sector

The number of available private rented listings in the UK increased in July but at the same time demand dipped, according to the latest monthly report from the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA).

Agents managed an average of 189 listings per branch in July, compared to 178 in June and demand across the UK decreased slightly with an average 35 prospective tenants registered per ARLA branch in July compared to 36 in June.

The report says that whilst this may be a result of the quieter summer months it is a step in the right direction for balancing supply and demand in the sector. However, demand in London has continued to rise, with 40 prospective tenants registered per branch in July, compared to 36 per branch last month.
 
Some 35% of ARLA agents expect the supply of rental listings to continue increasing over the next five years. The East of England is most optimistic, with over half of agents in the region, 53%, predicting supply will continue to rise. However, only 15% in the south West and 16% in Yorkshire and Humberside predict continuing growth of housing stock for tenants.
 
The report also reveals that letting agents are continuing to see increases in the cost of renting for tenants, with 37% reporting rents had increased between June and July, the highest number since tracking began in January, when levels were at 27%.
 
The report also found tenants in the West Midlands have been affected by rent increases the most, with 64% of agents reporting rents had increased in July shortly followed by the East of England where 53% of agents witnessed rent increases. In comparison, only 21% of tenants in the North West experienced a rise.
 
‘To finally see a rise in available rental listings is definitely a step in the right direction; although with demand remaining the same, we still have a long way to go in achieving a balanced and stable private rented sector,’ said David Cox, ARLA managing director.

‘Following the changes to pensions made in April, the fact that a third of agents are predicting supply will continue to increase over the next five years could be a result of people releasing equity from their pensions to invest in the buy to let market,’ he pointed out.
 
‘It’s clear from this month’s findings that the growing gap between supply and demand is an issue still rife in the capital; which doesn’t look to be improving any time soon. With the cost of renting continuing to rise month by month, it’s a worrying state of affairs for those hoping to save for their first house and just pushing the aspiration of owning a home further out of reach,’ he added.

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Source: Property News Spain