The latest Private Rented Sector article has recently been released by ARLA Propertymark and it shows a trend that we at Lang Town & Country are seeing continue into 2019.
The supply of properties in the Plymouth area is still strong giving prospective tenants a varied choice when looking. We are emphasising again to our landlords to provide the best rental properties they can. “If this means refurbishing/decorating or replacing carpets, then do it.” Says Carla Ryder (Business Development Manager). “Not only will showcasing your property to its full potential but also will get you the maximum rent and get it rented quickly” Carla goes on to say.
The following is taken from the recent ARLA Propertymark Private Rented Sector Report :
Private Rented Sector Report – December 2018
Key Findings
- The number of tenants experiencing rent increases fell for the fourth month running
- Year-on-year, activity is slower with supply and demand both down
Rent prices
- The number of tenants experiencing rent increases fell for the fourth month running in December, with 18 per cent of agents reporting that landlords increased rents.
- This is the lowest figure recorded since December 2017, when the number of tenants experiencing rent rises was 16 per cent.
- Since August, when the number of tenants experiencing rent rises rose to the highest level ever recorded (40 per cent), it has continued to fall.
Average number of tenants experiencing rent hikes year-on-year
Supply of rental stock
- The supply of properties available to rent rose to 193 in December, up from 183 in November.
- Year-on-year, this is down four per cent, compared to 200 in December 2017.
Demand from tenants
- Demand from prospective tenants decreased in December, with the number of house-hunters registered per branch dropping to 50 on average, compared to 55 in November.
- Year-on-year this is also down as agents had 59 prospective tenants on their books per branch in December 2017.
David Cox (Chief Executive) ARLA Propertymark quoted :
“Although December’s figures indicate that tenants finished the year in the driving seat, they’re in for a rocky ride this year. With the Tenant Fees Bill passing its final hurdle in Parliament last week, it is now waiting to receive Royal Assent before being passed into law and implemented on 1st June. This means it’s only a matter of time until we could see rent prices starting to creep up again. As we’ve said repeatedly, landlords have faced continued regulatory change and increasing costs over the last few years, and the tenant fees ban will only add to this burden meaning many will either have to start increasing rents for tenants or exit the market.”
