Landlords 'will fill UK housing gap'

As housing continues to become increasingly unaffordable for many Britons, the country is likely to become more reliant on private rented landlords to close the gap in the housing market, it has been suggested.

The British Property Federation (BPF) claims this is because there may not be enough homes available to cater for those who do not qualify for social housing but who can also not afford to buy.

Due to this, the group is urging the government following the general election and councils to support private landlords and encourage such housing.

Ian Fletcher, BPF director of policy, said: "The flexibility the [rented] sector provides for those who found themselves in mortgage difficulty, or having to move to find new work, or getting a better home for their family than they can afford to buy has been absolutely crucial to the wellbeing of our people and our economy."

Such comments may prompt Britons to look for flats to rent in Islington or elsewhere in London.

Renting a home could be more affordable than buying, particularly after Halifax revealed that in the last decade the average house prices has doubled.

Written by Ben Carter

Published 27th January, 2010

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