Twitter Facebook RSS FEEDS

Landlords warn against 'tesco-isation'

Friday, 29 February 2008 12:00 AM

The National Landlords Association (NLA) has warned "bigger does not necessarily mean better" in the housing market, after a new report pushing for a corporate rental sector.

A British Property Federation and Greater London Authority report this week outlined plans for a large-scale rental sector - with individual landlords being usurped by larger corporations controlling blocks of flats or whole developments.

Bridget Rosewell, consultant chief economist at the GLA, said: "The UK market has become very restricted, limiting access to housing to only a few ways.

"Encouraging new forms of investment is important to increasing supply and choice in the marketplace. This research helps identify how greater diversity of supply and faster building can be encouraged to meet the needs of London residents."

However, the NLA has hit out at the plans - branding them as 'tesco-isation' - and claiming needs of tenants cannot be met by large firms.

NLA chairman David Salusbury said: "We need to be very careful about the commoditisation of housing - people's homes are not like other products and services.

"The concerns of many will be that corporate management can seem distant and not 'hands on' or local.

"Just because a residential housing block is owned and run by a large corporate, it doesn't guarantee that tenants will be better catered for or that standards will improve. 'Bigger' does not necessarily mean 'better'."

He added that corporate investment in residential property would also not root out bad landlords - who would remain "under the radar".

"What this could do is drive good landlords out of the sector, reducing choice and forcing families to pay the premium for corporately-managed accommodation with no alternative for cheaper yet decent housing," Mr Salusbury said.

"There is little sign that larger corporate investors have the appetite to invest in affordable accommodation at the lower end of the market for the benefit of the vulnerable."

Related stories

Rogue landlords plague rental sector

Action needed against 'rogue landlords'

Shelter research has revealed some shocking cases of landlord neglect.

 Rogue landlords plague rental sector

Action needed against 'rogue landlords'

Shelter research has revealed some shocking cases of landlord neglect.
Period property

Consider the needs of old buildings, experts warn

Experts including Kevin McCloud have written to the Government urging them to consider the needs of old buildings in the Green Deal.

 Eco holiday homes in Cornwall

Shapps warns against “eco-bling” homes

Grant Shapps has warned that a lack of creativity could lead to Scandinavian-style "eco-bling" homes dominating neighbourhoods.
39 per cent of professional landlords said their rental income increased this year. Image: Thinkstock

A third of landlords increase rents

Landlords raise rents in third quarter on back of rising tenant demand.

 ARLA says landlords need help to improve homes they could be banned from renting from 2018. Image: Thinkstock

Private landlords failing on energy efficiency

ARLA says landlords need help to improve homes they could be banned from renting from 2018.

Wimbledon tennis court

Declare your Wimbledon rental income, agents warn

Tax inspectors could be making unexpected visits to those renting out their homes during Wimbledon, Knight Frank has said.

 Generation Rent clash with landlords over pets

Generation Rent clash with landlords over pets

Tenants find pets stop them renting homes, lose them their deposit and even get them evicted.
Two thirds of landlords interested in Green Deal loans for energy efficiency improvements, says National Landlords Association. Image: Thinkstock

Landlords keen to take up Green Deal

Interest high in scheme that offers loans for energy efficiency improvements to homes.

 Man with calculator

Landlords failing to take advantage of tax breaks

Landlords are failing to take advantage of tax breaks open to them, according to new research issued today.

Search property

Headlines

Directory

Alaris

Alaris Logo
Alaris specialise in quality Bathrooms and Kitchens along with many other unique products for your home. The range of kitchens, kitchen worktops and bathrooms is extensive and the highest quality so you are sure to find what you want. New bathroom furniture, bathroom suites, taps, showers and cabinets are added regularly.

Bathrooms365

Bathrooms365 Logo
Bathroom365 supply all areas of your new bathroom - leading-edge designed bathroom suites, stylish bathroom taps and showers, all styles and forms of shower enclosures and a vast collection of bathroom furniture.

Beds Direct

Beds Direct Logo
Whether you've just moved into a property and need to furnish it or just fancy having something new to sleep on, Beds Direct offer you a wide array of beds to order online or via the telephone.

Fitmykitchen

Fitmykitchen Logo
Fitmykitchen are specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, sink taps, waste bins and furniture. So whatever you want from kitchen sink taps to waste bins look no further than fitmykitchen, UK, the specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, stainless steel sink taps, waste bins and kitchen furniture.

MyStampDuty

MyStampDuty Logo
We help people buying property all over the UK to minimise Stamp Duty Land Tax on residential and commercial property. If you are looking at purchasing a new home or business premises over £500,000, contact us today by completing the form on the right

Oak Furniture Land

Oak Furniture Land Logo
For hardwood furniture, including Solid Oak, Mango, Mahogany, Sheesham, Acacia, Ash and Birch, look no further than Oak Furniture Land.

Propertywide

Propertywide Logo
Propertywide.co.uk is Countrywide plc's dedicated property website. Created to provide online access to all our estate agency, lettings and property related services, Propertywide.co.uk has been designed with the consumer at heart.

The 21st Century Radiator Company

The 21st Century Radiator Company Logo
Welcome to 21st Century Radiator Company. We supply a stunning range of traditional reproduction high quality cast-iron radiators and cast-iron baths. All our cast-iron radiators and cast-iron baths are brand new, fully tested and guaranteed for ten years.

Rated People

Rated People Logo
Whatever type of home improvement or garden remodelling project you have, Rated People can help you to identify the right tradesmen for the job in a way that is quick, easy, convenient and, as it is based on real-life recommendations, trustworthy.

Residential Land

Residential Land Logo
If you are looking for short or long term rentals in Central London, Residential Land have a portfolio of over 1200 flats and houses in the best postcodes across the Capital.

Simply Bedrooms

Simply Bedrooms Logo
Simply Bedrooms, a part of Sleepwell Bedrooms Ltd, supplying quality beds, wardrobes, sliding door wardrobes and bedroom furniture at low prices and great service, London and Home Counties Specialists.

Door Handles UK

Door Handles UK Logo
Door Handles UK is the UK's largest online range of Door Handle accessories, Door Hinges, Locks and Latches and so much more and all at genuine internet prices. We have a wide range of Chrome, Brass and Glass Crystal Mortice door knobs in both traditional and contemporary designs, whatever your taste and budget you will find a design to suit.

Woodlands Furniture

Woodlands Furniture Logo
We are an established family business situated in rural Herefordshire specialising in beautiful handcrafted classic reproduction furniture. Our comprehensive ranges are readily available from stock.

Join our directory aboutproperty.co.uk

Twitter

Join the conversation at #aboutproperty

Directory articles

Why increasing amounts of people are opting for house shares

London is an expensive place to live, however, house shares offer you the opportunity to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the capital for a fraction of the price you would pay to live on your own, making them a cost-effective way forward.

Why sliding door wardrobes are the best choice for small spaces

When bedroom space is at a premium, you need to be creative with the furniture you invest in. In terms of the wardrobe, you may want to consider those with sliding doors, as they are the most practical in small bedrooms thanks to the doors.

The durability of mahogany furniture is ideal for the office

For office-based businesses it is vital to invest in high-quality furniture that is both practical and comfortable to use. While there are many products to choose from, the benefits on hand with items made from mahogany mean it is an option you should be certain to consider.