Experts Predict a Disaster for Buy-To-Let Landlords

Many experts believe a Government led by Ed Miliband will wreak havoc on the attractive investment returns that many people now earn from owning a buy-to-let property – or a portfolio of properties. Mismanagement of the economy by a Labour Government, they say, could trigger interest rate rises and a sharp housing market correction, proving disastrous for buy-to-let investors. Eric Pentecost, Professor of Economics at Loughborough University, says: ‘Buy-to-let investors face several potential downsides on the horizon. They include a future rise in interest rates, a fall in house prices and political interference in the rental sector. A Labour administration would more likely bring these downsides much closer to home.’ Read more on the Daily Mail website.

Massive ‘Hidden’ Social and Economic Benefits of Home Building Revealed

Research reveals the full contribution house building makes to the UK’s economy and its communities. It shows an industry worth £19.2bn per year to the UK economy, employing more than 600,000 workers and generating £1.4bn in tax revenues – as well as the additional community benefits derived from building desperately needed new homes.It shows the housebuilding industry also;

·         Spends £5.5bn with suppliers, 90% of which stays in the UK

·         Provides 32,000 affordable homes – worth £2.3bn –  with a  further £1bn paid to local authorities as a contribution to more affordable housing

·         Pays £576M towards community facilities;

·         £225M towards education facilities;

·         £131m in open spaces and community and sports facilities.

·         Generates a £3.8bn spend in local shops and services

Download the report from the HBF website.

Social and Private Renters

The CLG has published a wide range of demographic and economic data about social and private renters. This includes tables about:

·         demographic and economic characteristics of renters

·         accommodation characteristics

·         rents and housing benefit

·         types of letting.

These data are an output from the most recent English Housing Survey. Download from the CLG website.