The commercial mortgage and bridging lender TAB has called for significant reforms in planning and support for landlords from the next Prime Minister. This comes as the specialist finance sector seeks to enhance its role in funding regeneration projects and increasing housing supply, while also addressing the challenges posed by planning delays and tax policies that hinder investment.
What Planning Reforms Does TAB Propose?
Karen Rodrigues, sales director at TAB, emphasised the need for a refreshed planning system. She advocates for the introduction of statutory deadlines and increased resources for local authorities. A critical aspect of this reform is the presumption in favour of converting redundant commercial spaces, which would streamline the approval process for change-of-use applications. This would facilitate the transformation of vacant retail and office units into mixed-use developments, enabling quicker responses to market demands.
How Do Planning Delays Affect Investors and Landlords?
Rodrigues pointed out that while TAB is capable of delivering commercial mortgages rapidly, the planning system is currently sluggish, impacting businesses and investors. The delays in planning approvals can stall projects that are vital for community regeneration and economic growth. By reforming the planning process, the government could unlock numerous projects and support a more dynamic property market.
What Should the Next Government Do for Landlords?
According to TAB, reforming the private rented sector is paramount. Landlords are still important in addressing housing demand, especially in the face of insufficient social housing. Rodrigues argues that the government has historically viewed private landlords primarily as a tax revenue source, which has led to detrimental policies. She advocates for reinstating mortgage interest tax relief for individual landlords, abolishing the stamp duty surcharge, and reintroducing the Wear and Tear Allowance. These measures would alleviate financial pressures on landlords and encourage investment in rental properties.
How Does Bridging Finance Fit Into This Picture?
Bridging finance plays a vital role in enabling quick access to capital for property investors and landlords, especially in a market affected by planning delays. With the proposed reforms, bridging finance could become an essential tool for investors looking to seize opportunities in the evolving property market. By providing fast funding solutions, bridging finance can help facilitate the conversion of properties and support the growth of the private rented sector.
What This Means for Property Investors and Landlords
The proposed reforms could significantly impact property investors and landlords by creating a more conducive environment for investment. By addressing planning delays and revising tax policies, the government could stimulate activity in the property market. Investors would benefit from a more straightforward process for acquiring and converting properties, while landlords would find relief from burdensome tax obligations. This shift could lead to an increase in housing supply, benefiting tenants and the wider economy.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main challenges facing landlords in the UK?
Landlords in the UK face challenges such as high taxation, regulatory burdens, and planning delays that hinder their ability to invest and manage properties effectively.
How can planning reforms benefit the housing market?
Planning reforms can streamline the approval process for new developments and conversions, leading to increased housing supply and more efficient use of existing spaces.