Time for a Minister of Renting
- Go back
- 15th Aug 22
A summer of government chaos has led to several questions being left unanswered, particularly for the property industry. When Michael Gove unveiled the Levelling Up White Paper, setting out a plan to transform the UK by spreading opportunity and prosperity to all parts of it, it was made clear that the rental market must reform.
Experts believe that had Gove remained, his focus would have undoubtedly turned to the Build to Rent sector and the benefits that it offered. This would have included a spotlight on the role of institutional investment or professionally managed renting, and how this could form central pillars of the rental reform White Paper and the need for more high-quality rental homes.
Love to Rent, the first and only digital marketing platform for the Build to Rent sector, developed with customers’ needs at the forefront, has been calling for some time for a dedicated Minister for Renting to address some of the problems in the private rented sector.
The industry at large believes a dedicated minister is needed to support the households which are private rentals and to encourage and play a part in the growing Build to Rent sector, which can improve the lives of millions in the future.
Anne-Marie Brown, the Founder and CEO of Love to Rent says: “Michael Gove has been vocal about the need for reform in the rental sector and has highlighted areas of improvement such as the need for more quality rental homes, better customer service, more responsible landlords and to lessen the environmental impact. These are the same objectives that are core to the Build to Rent sector and which are carried out with each new development. It is our hope that the new housing minister, Greg Clark, will ensure that the thousands of people renting will get the protection they deserve.”
Post-pandemic, Gove recognised the change in consumer trends and the growing demand for rental homes that offer social interaction and a community for every age group. “Research and statistics show the rise in numbers of people renting, which is set to increase yearly,” adds Anne-Marie Brown. “Build to Rent properties have been built specifically to rent and managed by professionals. The model provides good quality homes, with predictable rents and flexible tenancies, putting the renters firmly in charge. Residents will have access to a range of excellent facilities such as residents’ lounges, gyms, roof terraces, co-working spaces as well as concierge services, building a sense of community. In fact, everything that the modern tenant is looking for, creating real change in the rental market.”
It is not just Gove who recognised this need for change. Surging demand has led to local authorities favouring the Build to Rent sector with many creating their own Build to Rent planning policy to speed up delivery.
From families to downsizers and young professionals, the Build to Rent sector offers something for everyone. It has also been praised for providing homes for key workers who need to find affordable accommodation in cities as well as retaining graduates across the UK by providing them with high-quality accommodation with a range of amenities.
“Build to Rent developers create homes and communities where people love to live as well as helping to regenerate the local area,” adds Anne-Marie Brown. “To further improve the market and create the change that the government says it wants, we believe that a Minister for Renting should be appointed to future proof the market for the thousands of people that choose to rent over the coming years.”