The English rental market is currently demonstrating vigorous growth, offering a plethora of opportunities to landlords, tenants, and various businesses connected to the sector. This dynamic progress can be attributed to multiple factors such as changing tenant demands, the rise of built-to-rent developments, advancements in technology, and evolving government regulations.
In recent years, there has been a marked shift in the demographic typically associated with renting. More and more, those in their late 20s, 30s and even 40s are entering or remaining in the rental market for longer periods, favouring the flexibility and location benefits offered by renting. This noticeable trend has led to a surge in rental demand, especially in urban areas and city centres, which consequently accelerates the growth of the rental business spectrum.
Catering to this burgeoning demand, we see a chart-topping ascent in the Built-to-Rent sector. This new category of development delivers purpose-built, professionally managed rental homes that offer high-quality accommodation, sought-after locations, and an exhaustive list of amenities. Just in Q1 2021, there were over 50,000 built-to-rent homes currently under construction, representing a 23% growth from last year across the UK, and clearly showing promise for future upswings.
Technology, too, is playing a pivotal role in changing the landscape of the English rental market. The rise of PropTech (Property Technology) platforms is revolutionizing how landlords and tenants interact with each other, facilitating smoother transactions and better service delivery. Innovative tools for property management, virtual viewings, and algorithm-driven tenant matching are just some of the tech enhancements propelling the rental business forward. From a business perspective, the efficiency, accessibility, and scalability offered by these tech solutions provide an excellent pretext for rental business expansion.
Government policies and regulations also have a considerable impact on rental business growth. The extension of mandatory Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing requirements and the introduction of the Tenant Fees Act in 2019 have instilled a greater sense of accountability in the industry. These measures have encouraged ethical business practices and streamlined renting procedures, making the rental market more attractive to potential tenants, and thus scaling the rental business.
Recently, there has also been a palpable surge in interest for commercial property rentals. Though initially hit hard by the pandemic, the commercial rental landscape is currently undergoing a creative resurgence. With the advent of flexible workspaces and the changing perception of work-life balance due to Covid-19, the demand for commercial rental spaces in prime locations has seen stable growth. This seismic shift towards more flexible working arrangements promises a potential gold-rush for the commercial rental business.
Another noteworthy trend is the rise in holiday lettings. As travel restrictions tighten and international holidays become less accessible due to the pandemic, more people are opting for getaways closer to home. This demand Hub Split for ‘staycations’ has revitalised the holiday rental market, driving growth forward.
Cumulatively, these factors have led to a demonstrable surge in the English rental market. This growth spells a wealth of opportunities not only for landlords and tenants but also for all businesses involved in the rental ecosystem. As tenant demands continue to evolve and Hub Split technologic enhancements sweep across the sector, the English rental market stands on the cusp of a flourishing era – an era ripe with potential and teeming with prospects for further growth.