Rent controls back on the agenda as new campaign launches
Summary
A new report from UCL IIPP and the New Economics Foundation argues that rent controls could reduce household costs significantly while leaving most landlords profitable. It models 10% and 20% rent reduction scenarios, claiming the policy could also lower government housing benefit spending and support a transfer of some homes into social or community ownership.
Why it matters
Any move toward rent controls or wider rental reform would affect private rented sector yields, landlord behaviour and portfolio valuations. Surveyors involved in valuation, investment advice or PRS asset assessment should monitor the policy debate for potential market and compliance implications.
Key points
- Report models 10% and 20% rent reduction scenarios using HMRC data.
- Claims average renting households could save about £1,300 to £2,400 a year.
- Authors say most landlords would remain profitable despite rent controls.
- Report suggests lower rents could reduce housing benefit spending by at least £2 billion a year.
- Potential landlord sales could shift homes toward councils, housing associations and community-led ownership.
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