Demand for rental housing increases across the South East and West Midlands
Demand for private rental housing across the South East and West Midlands is continuing to increase, according to new research by the National Residential Landlords Association.
A survey of private landlords across England and Wales, conducted in partnership with the research consultancy BVA/BDRC, found that of those operating in the South East, 74 per cent said that demand for homes to rent had increased in the third quarter of the year. This was the second highest figure for anywhere in the country and up from 60 per cent in the second quarter. Nationally, 57 per cent of landlords said demand had increased.
At the onset of the first COVID lockdown in the second quarter of 2020 just 23 per cent of landlords operating in the South East reported tenant demand having increased.
In addition to the above, the same research found that of those operating in the West Midlands, 71 per cent said that demand for homes to rent had increased in the third quarter of the year. This was the third highest figure for anywhere in England, up from 48 per cent in the second quarter.
Commenting on the figures relating to South East England, Marion Money, South East Regional Representative for the National Residential Landlords Association, said:
“As demand in the South East picks up following lockdown measures we need a stimulus to support responsible landlords to provide the homes for long term rent the region desperately needs. Without this it will ultimately be tenants that suffer as a result of less choice, higher rents and the resulting difficulties they will encounter when looking to become homeowners”.
