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.

 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.
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.

It is illegal to kill, injure, or remove badgers. Image:Thinkstock

Villagers battle against giant badger threat

Residents worried that badger setts could undermine their homes and make them unmortgageable.

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.

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.

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.

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.

WowBBQ

WowBBQ Logo
Welcome to the World of Weber. We are the largest independent online Weber BBQ retailer in the United Kingdom. WOWbbq.co.uk is a Weber Partner Store and can give you the best advice for all your Weber BBQ needs.

Join our directory aboutproperty.co.uk

Twitter

Join the conversation at #aboutproperty

Directory articles

Useful tips to help find a flat in London

Looking for flats in London can be a frustrating process, given the capital's size, demand for rental accommodation and varying prices. It is vital, therefore, that you do plenty of research and act quickly to ensure you get the place that you want.

What do you need to consider when buying a mattress?

If you looking for a new mattress, you need to get the decision right, as getting it wrong could impact on your overall health and wellbeing. As well as comfort and size, you also need to consider other points, such as any health issues you may have.

FAQs about commercial stamp duty

If you want to relocate to larger premises, you need to know about commercial stamp duty. Different rates apply than with residential property, however, like residential buyers, you could potentially benefit from stamp duty mitigation.