Last week's podcast stirred a strong response, and rightly so. Featuring insights from Juliet Baboolal of Gunner Cook, Chris Gilsenan of Root Home, Gareth Wax of Many Purple hats, and myself, Hamish Mclay of Search Convey, we delved into a topic that rarely receives the attention it deserves: the growing gap between housing benefits and real rental costs.
For many landlords, the situation is becoming untenable. Rising regulatory pressures, shrinking margins, and a system that seems increasingly skewed against them have led to a surge in landlords leaving the market altogether. As Chris Gilsenan pointed out, the government's support often falls short of real-world rental values, leaving both landlords and tenants caught in an unsustainable model.
Juliet Baboolal echoed this frustration, highlighting how legislation, while well-intentioned, often fails to consider the full chain of impact. Landlords are being saddled with more red tape – from right to rent checks to punitive tax rules – while also being cast as the villains of the housing crisis. The result? A shrinking rental market that ultimately harms the very people the policies aim to protect.
As I noted, it is not just landlords feeling the squeeze. Local authorities are now spending 400% more on temporary accommodation than they did in 2018 – a staggering figure that reflects the wider dysfunction of a system in disarray.
In the news last week, and in the many responses to our podcast that went out on Thursday (which you can watch below), it is clear that landlords are at a crossroads. Many are now asking: is the regulatory burden simply too great?
To put this question front and centre, I will be hosting a LinkedIn Live podcast tomorrow at 1pm, where we will be exploring whether it is finally time for the pressure on landlords to ease.
Calling all landlords: if you have felt the pinch, faced impossible choices, or are considering leaving the market altogether, I would welcome you to join the conversation. I am looking for one or two landlords to share their perspective in a short 15 to 20 minute chat. Your voice matters – and this is the moment to use it.
For those who don't appear on the show, you can get involved, ask questions etc. in the comments during the live broadcast.
Let us talk about what needs to change, and how we can collectively steer things back towards a more balanced and functional property market.
LinkedIn Live | Tomorrow at 1pm
Be there. Bring your voice.
Watch last week's podcast below: