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New research predicts that ‘worse is yet to come’ for private landlords

Returns for private landlords have dropped in recent years, while strong returns have instead come from investing in corporate residential landlords, according new research by BondMason.

The property investment specialist has created a new index to help private landlords and investors benchmark the performance of their residential property investments, which makes compelling reading for private landlords.

The index shows that despite seeing strong returns for the last few decades, many private landlords would have done better if they had sold their properties three years ago, as tax changes started to bite, and invested in listed corporate landlords instead.

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Figures from BondMason’s research reveals that the average private landlord has gained a post-tax return of +16.9% over the last three years (from 1 April 2016 to 1 April 2019 – source BondMason analysis; for higher-rate tax payers, assuming 65% loan to value mortgage, 3% p.a. interest; and a 4.5% rental yield).

BondMason’s BRIX shows investors in corporate residential landlords have seen a return of +37.7% (BondMason BRIX is the Residential Property Investment Index, comprising Britain’s biggest residential property investment listed companies and funds – also from 1 April 2016 to 1 April 2019).

Meanwhile, the average price of a residential property in Britain has increased by 6% over the past three years (from March 2016 to 2019), according to the Nationwide house price index.

Stephen Findlay, the CEO of BondMason, said: “Britain has around 2.5 million private landlords. Their number has grown for decades, but recent tax changes and increasing regulations have left many wondering if the financial gain is worth the cost and hassle to maintain the property, do the administration and deal with tenants.

“Our calculations show over the past few years the likely post-tax gain for the typical private landlord has declined substantially, concluding that for most private landlords the hassle is no longer worth it. With hindsight, many would have been better off selling up a few years ago, ending the time-consuming  activity of dealing with tenants, and instead investing their money with listed corporate landlords.

“Looking ahead, our research also predicts worse is yet to come. Many private landlords may start to struggle to balance the annual costs of owning a rental property, with the post-tax rental income received, particularly in areas of lower rental yield, as the allowable mortgage tax deductions continue to decline. This month the Mortgage Interest Relief continues to phase in, and by next year landlords will be restricted to claiming a basic rate of income tax (20%) on their mortgage interest costs, while having to pay their full tax rate on the rental income.

“In some cases, landlords will have seen their tax bills double or even treble over the last few years. I would not be surprised to see many private landlords making no income or even a loss next year as this change takes effect. This may lead to more and more landlords thinking again about their buy to let investment portfolios.”

The declining post-tax returns generated by private landlords contrasts with the strong growth and surge in the value of the growing number of corporate residential landlords; some of which are listed on the stock market.

This is because they are able to benefit from lower tax charges than individual landlords, and a full tax deduction of debt interest costs, as well as a £4.5bn injection from the government to support the Build-to-Rent sector.

Findlay added: “Historically the UK rental market has been dominated by private landlords, but that is now changing following the increased tax burden and new regulations which make it harder to generate a positive income each year.

“These companies are filling the gap left by smaller private landlords exiting the market, satisfying the strong demand for rental properties, particularly from first-time buyers continuing to be priced out of the housing market in many areas.

“Our expectation is that we may soon see the peak in terms of the proportion of houses owned by individual private landlords, and that proportion will start to decline, unless tax legislation is changed or reversed.”

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Poll: Do you think worse is yet to come for private landlords?

PLACE YOUR VOTE BELOW

  • James B

    Yes government are chasing the landlord out hard, at a time when tenants need every property they can offer

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    • 18 April 2019 09:25 AM

    Can you imagine EVERY private LL out of the game and all private lettings being controlled by corporate entities.
    So on the AST.
    There will be rent increase of 3% plus RPI annually.
    If you choose NOT to pay the increase you may give 1 month notice to vacate before the rent increase is due to occur.
    I reckon many tenants will yearn for the days of the small LL!!
    Hey ho!
    I'm not sure but what increases do BIG corporate LL tend to apply??
    Got to keep the shareholders satisfied with ever increasing dividends.
    Tenants will be paying for this!

  • icon

    I purchased a diesel car because the government told me it was the right thing to do, I purchased property because the government told me it was the right thing to do. If the government encourages me to do something in the future what should my reaction be?

    PossessionFriendUK PossessionFriend

    Don't trust a Politician, if their lips move. !

     
  • icon

    Oh worse is to come, and when labour get in much much worse, but will this make things better for the tenant? no, tenants will suffer also.

  • icon

    Simple, vote Brexit

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