The call for planning reform and enhanced support for landlords has intensified as the UK prepares for a new Prime Minister. TAB, a prominent commercial mortgage and bridging lender, has emphasised the need for practical changes that could significantly impact the property market, particularly in the realms of regeneration projects and housing supply.
Why is Planning Reform Urgent?
According to Karen Rodrigues, sales director at TAB, the current planning system is hampering timely development. She advocates for a refreshed planning framework that includes statutory deadlines and increased local authority resources. Such changes would facilitate quicker approvals for change-of-use applications, particularly for converting vacant retail and office spaces into mixed-use developments. This is critical as the commercial mortgage sector, including bridging finance, is ready to support these initiatives, but is held back by sluggish planning processes.
How Will Landlord Support Impact the Property Market?
Rodrigues argues that the private rented sector (PRS) plays a vital role in addressing housing demand, especially as social housing supply struggles to keep pace. She calls for the next government to support landlords more effectively, suggesting that past policies have treated them primarily as revenue sources rather than partners in housing solutions. Key proposals include reinstating mortgage interest tax relief for individual landlords, eliminating the stamp duty surcharge, and reviving the Wear and Tear Allowance. These measures could incentivise investment in the PRS, which is essential for meeting the housing needs of the population.
What Changes Are Needed for Mixed-Use Developments?
Business rates reform is also on TAB’s agenda, with Rodrigues highlighting that high business rates are a significant burden on high streets and mixed-use properties. Lowering costs for independent retailers and hospitality businesses could rejuvenate local economies and support tenants in semi-commercial properties. This reform would create a more conducive environment for property investors and landlords, enabling them to thrive and contribute to community regeneration.
What This Means for Bridging Finance and Investors
For investors and borrowers in the bridging finance sector, these proposed changes could lead to a more dynamic property market. By addressing planning delays and offering support to landlords, the government could unlock numerous development opportunities. This would not only facilitate quicker project approvals but also enhance the viability of investments in mixed-use properties. As the market evolves, stakeholders should monitor government responses to these calls for reform, as they could significantly influence market conditions and investment strategies. For more information on bridging finance options, visit our bridging finance guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the proposed reforms for landlords?
The proposed reforms include reinstating mortgage interest tax relief, scrapping the stamp duty surcharge, and bringing back the Wear and Tear Allowance to support landlords in the private rented sector.
How might planning reform affect bridging finance?
Planning reform could expedite project approvals, allowing bridging finance to be utilized more effectively in regeneration projects and mixed-use developments, ultimately boosting housing supply.