ARLA Predictions for 2013

The Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) today revealed its predictions for the UK property market over the next 12 months.

Ian Potter, Managing Director of ARLA, said the Private Rented Sector (PRS) will continue to see demand outstrip supply throughout 2013, particularly in London and the South East. The lack of affordable mortgage finance coupled with borrowing caution from consumers will result in more families choosing to rent rather than buy in the next twelve months.

Mr Potter said: “The PRS will likely play an even more crucial role in the housing market in 2013, as renting becomes a default choice for many people who simply cannot afford to own a home, or are too cautious to take out mortgage finance.  This increased demand will put quality and standards under a greater spotlight, where some quarters of the PRS let the wider market down. 2013 will be time for unscrupulous agents and landlord to put up or shut up. Consumers are rightly calling for much higher standards in the PRS and we are seeing demand for licensed ARLA agents grow amongst tenants and landlords alike.”

Mr Potter suggested that 2013 will not see a slowdown in rent levels, saying:  “When it comes to rent levels, as long as the shortage of housing stock continues, it is unlikely that there will be any relief on rising rents throughout 2013. Indeed, in urban areas the demand for single person occupancies may well continue throughout 2013, which will increase the existing pressure on high demand properties and areas.”

Mark Alexander, founder of Property118.com said “it is very sad that so many landlords choose an agent based on price alone. Until recently, members of ARLA were perceived as being more expensive but the counter argument was that doing the job right might appear to cost more but can often result in saving money. However, I recently tracked down an ALRA agents charging from just £14.99 + VAT per month for property management. Intrigued I did my due diligence and now fully understand how this business has managed to leverage technology and economies of scale to provide ARLA recognised service standards for such competitive prices. I now recommend them wherever appropriate”

For further details of the ARLA member mentioned above please complete the form below.

Full Property Management Enquiry

• Name*
  First Last
• Daytime Telephone Number*
• Email*
• How many Buy to Let Properties do you currently own?*

Δ

Share This Article