Nine out of ten landlords believe the Government is against them

More than 92% of landlords believe the Government is anti-landlord, according to a snap survey of 783 landlords by Martin & Co.

The research reveals the anger felt by the majority of property investors nationwide, with the most vociferous responses from people who have been landlords for under five years and who own five or fewer investment properties.

Over 74% of landlords would like to see this year’s Stamp Duty changes scrapped in this week’s Autumn Statement.

In addition, over 50% of this group would like the Chancellor to remove the punitive changes in mortgage interest tax relief which start to come into force in April 2017.

A majority of landlords surveyed (61%) felt uncertain about the outlook for the property market in 2017, although most of the negative responses came from landlords who have owned investment properties for less than five years.

Ian Wilson, chief executive of Martin & Co, said: “The Government seems to be set on making life as difficult as possible for property investors, while ignoring the fact that landlords provide essential rental properties in locations where there are housing shortages and no realistic ability to buy.

“People are relying on the private rented sector to supply property, so we need the Chancellor to back our landlords and encourage them to continue to invest and provide a vital pipeline of homes for people who simply cannot afford to buy.”

One landlord commented: “Why make it more difficult for landlords when the UK has such a shortage of affordable rentable properties? It will just put off landlords.”

Another landlord said: “In a period of housing shortage, the Government should be encouraging investment. The policy is flawed because it assumes that everyone wants to buy which, for a variety of reasons, is not true.”

When asked whether the planning system should be changed to encourage more ‘build to rent’ development, the newer landlords were in favour of this, with the largest group in favour based in the south-east.

One landlord stated: “Any system which increases the quantity of high-quality of rental accommodation must be good for the country.” 

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/11/21/nine-out-of-ten-landlords-believe-the-government-is-against-them/