The rental market has been experiencing a surge in demand, leading to an imbalance between supply and demand. According to research conducted by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the demand for rental properties saw a substantial increase in the three months leading up to July. However, at the same time, instructions from landlords decreased, exacerbating the supply shortage. As a result, rents are projected to continue rising, creating an affordability “tipping point” for tenants.
Rising Demand and Decreasing Supply
The recent data from RICS indicates a significant rise in demand for rental properties, marking the strongest quarterly increase since last year. This surge can be attributed to the influx of new people entering the rental market. However, this heightened demand is not being met with an adequate supply of rental properties. The majority of surveyors participating in the RICS residential market survey reported a decrease in instructions from landlords, further exacerbating the supply shortage.
Record-High Expectation of Rent Increase
The surveyors’ anticipation of rent increases in the coming three months is at an all-time high, with 63% of respondents expressing this expectation. This data point, which has been consistently tracked since 1999, indicates a growing concern for tenants facing escalating rental costs. The rising demand, coupled with limited supply, puts tenants in a vulnerable position, with no signs of relief in the near future.
Affordability “Tipping Point”
The continuous rise in rents has led to an affordability “tipping point,” where tenants are finding it increasingly difficult to meet their rental obligations. Despite the growing concern among tenants, there is no indication of rents decreasing in the foreseeable future. This creates a challenging situation for individuals and families, as their cost of living continues to rise while wage growth remains stagnant.
The Majority are Renters
According to analysis carried out by Sky News, renters now constitute the majority in the UK housing market. They surpass homeowners who have paid off their mortgages, with mortgage holders being the minority. This shift in the housing landscape highlights the growing significance and impact of the rental market on individuals and the overall economy.
Challenging Times for Property Buyers
The RICS survey also revealed a decline in interest among potential property buyers, with 44% of respondents noting a decrease in agreed sales during July. This decline can be attributed to several factors, including the rising costs of mortgage bills due to Bank of England rate hikes aimed at reducing inflation. Moreover, instructions to sell homes have also decreased, indicating a reluctance among homeowners to sell in the current market conditions.
The Implications on the Housing Market
The rising rental market and a decline in property sales have significant implications for the housing market. As mortgage rates increase and housebuilding activity slows down, house prices have started to fall. This decline in prices has already resulted in major homebuilders like Bellway announcing job cuts and site closures. The ripple effects of this housing crisis extend beyond the rental market, impacting various sectors and the overall economic stability.
The rental market is experiencing a surge in demand, driven by a growing number of people entering the rental market. However, this increased demand is not being met with a corresponding rise in the supply of rental properties. As a result, rents are expected to continue escalating, creating an affordability crisis for tenants. This trend, coupled with a decline in property sales, sheds light on the challenges faced by both renters and potential buyers in the UK housing market. The implications of this imbalance between supply and demand extend beyond individual households, affecting the overall housing sector and economic stability.
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