Social renting stock falls – private sector set to take up slack
Summary
The article reports a sharp rise in Right to Buy sales in England during 2025-26, alongside a fall in the number of replacement homes funded through receipts. It also outlines proposed reforms in the Social Housing Bill that would lengthen eligibility, extend protections for new social homes and alter discounts, with the Bill expected to progress further next month.
Why it matters
Changes to Right to Buy and the resulting pressure on social housing supply can affect demand in the private rented sector, particularly in areas where tenants have limited alternatives. Surveyors may also see knock-on effects in valuation, local housing mix and market dynamics if more households are pushed toward private renting or home purchase.
Key points
- Right to Buy sales in England rose sharply in 2025-26.
- Replacement homes funded through receipts fell despite higher sales income.
- The Social Housing Bill proposes tighter Right to Buy rules and longer protections for new social homes.
- A rush to buy before reforms take effect is suggested as a possibility.
- Higher mortgage costs may affect some tenants’ ability to move into ownership.
This is an RPSA summary of a publicly available article. The full content remains with the original publisher.
