The Assessment of Scotland’s Rent Freeze and Impacts Report (released by The Scottish Property Federation in association with researchers Rettie & Co) shows that the system of rent control introduced under the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Act will disrupt the future supply of new homes for rent.
A series of interviews with institutional investors has shone a light on the impact of Scotland’s six-month rent freeze and recently introduced 3% rent cap on the Scottish Build to Rent market.
Of the 14 investors interviewed with a combined £15bn of Build to Rent assets, nine judged Scotland to be unattractive, including four who view the country as un-investable under current conditions.
“The impact of the emergency legislation on the Build to Rent market over the last six months is clear. The lack of long-term policy certainty means investors largely view Scotland as a risk, compared with more stable locations in other parts of the UK. This situation is a disincentive to investment and, as a consequence, investors are going to continue to divert capital elsewhere. The rental market in Scotland, and crucially renters, will continue to bear the brunt as new housing supply is constrained and demand for accommodation soars. At a time when we need more housing, and a quality rental sector, investment in Scotland is reducing. The industry and the Scottish Government should be working together to ensure Build to Rent investment is flowing into the country.”
David Melhuish, Director, Scottish Property Federation
Scotland – which has been slower to attract Build to Rent investment than other parts of the UK – had been experiencing strong Build to Rent growth in both Glasgow and Edinburgh in recent years, as popularity of the cities grew.
However, both cities are experiencing a rental home shortage.
The pipeline of Build to Rent in Scotland sits at around 17,000, but two-thirds (67%) are in planning including 6,000 properties with planning permission where construction is yet to begin on site.
Despite the clear underlying market appeal, investors now view Scotland as a political risk due to the combination of legislative uncertainty and the rent interventions, seen as disproportionate.
Traditionally, the Build to Rent sector attracts modest, consistent yields and is viewed as a stable, long-term investment.
The way in which the rent controls were introduced has increased the risk calculations for investors, with concern that the Scottish Government could implement other short-term policy changes and further undermine the Build to Rent business model.
“Our work clearly shows the potential for Build to Rent in Scotland as part of the answer to the housing crisis. However, the sector has been stymied by what investors consider to be high levels of political risk. The recent emergency legislation has elevated these risks and less supply will come forward as a result, which will have consequences for affordability and availability of properties for rent in Scotland.”
Dr John Boyle, Director of Research, Rettie & Co
As Scotland continues to experience acute housing supply shortages and increasing pressure on the market, new housing investment should be part of the solution.
Investors are calling on the Scottish Government to incentivise investment in the Build to Rent sector by creating a stable policy environment that removes the risk of ongoing interventions in the market and reduces the risk premium, initiating a positive planning policy, including supporting density for Build to Rent and dealing with planning applications quickly, and working with the sector to foster confidence and trust for urgently required housing investment.
The report research was conducted by The Scottish Property Federation and Rettie & Co.
