London lettings agent questions the government’s push for longer term tenancies

A London letting agent with a 60 year history is questioning the government’s push to establish three year tenancies for private tenants, proposals which have been outlined in its new consultation document. Marc von Grundherr, Director of Benham and Reeves Estate Agents, argues that the proposals fail to address the requirements of the UK’s diverse and rapidly changing Private Rented Sector.

“There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to regulating the Private Rented Sector and we believe the government’s proposals fail to recognise the diverse needs of tenants and landlords.” explains Marc. “Of course, we must protect the most vulnerable in society but, as part of a company which has operated at the heart of the lettings industry for 60 years, we understand there are many different types of tenant and therefore many different requirements. A long-term tenancy is not suitable or indeed preferable for many of them.

“The housing market in London functions very differently to that of the rest of the country. The average London asking rental now tops £450 per week according to Rightmove. Most properties fitting into this bracket are studios and one bed apartments occupied by young professionals, ‘Generation Rent’, who want the flexibility to move regularly as their career progresses. For them, a long-term rental is unthinkable. Many London properties are not the ‘family sized’ accommodation politicians are generalising about and these proposals do not suit the needs of younger professional renters in particular.

“Many corporate tenants do request the stability of a longer tenancy but require a break clause at six months. In 2017, 78% of our tenancies were for one or two years against 82% in 2016 while 22% of tenancies were for two years+ in 2017 against 18% in 2016. 71% of our tenants renewed for a second year in 2017.

“Recent tax hikes and increasing regulations mean there are already disincentives for professional property investors. For example, in London we have a growing social housing sector but, with Councils now insisting rent is paid directly to the tenant and not the landlord, investors are often unwilling to rent to anyone claiming housing benefit as it is too much hassle.

These new proposals add to this pressure on landlords.

“We find landlords usually fit into one of two camps when it comes to preferred length of tenancy. Some, especially those with buy-to-let loans, are uncomfortable signing two or three year leases in case their circumstances change. Overseas investors in particular think about the long term and will plan to sell at some point to realise capital growth. They are not emotional purchasers and, if letting a property no longer provides a good return, they will exit the market and look for better value in other asset classes. Longer tenancies will make this difficult.

“Landlords not dependent on a loan are more likely to agree a long-term tenancy as it offers greater security and reduced voids. However, they risk lower rental growth and, with fewer tax incentives for buy-to-let investors, it can be hard to make the sums add up, especially for landlords paying property management fees which vary from 6% to 8%. Clearly, it depends on rental yield. A landlord who bought their property 15 years ago will have seen significant capital growth and be cushioned against any marginal rental loss. However, an investor who bought two years ago will not be making such gains so may not be comfortable being tied into a two or three year tenancy.

“Tenants can already negotiate longer tenancies with landlords if it suits them and many landlords are happy to do this, without the need for legislation. But we fear this push to enforce longer term tenancies may be counterproductive if it leads to landlords exiting the market due to further red tape.”