Lettings Outlook 2024: What Can Landlords Expect From the Rental Market this Year?

There's no denying that landlords faced a pretty challenging 2023. In particular, many of those who were highly leveraged decided to simply sell up, but did they act too soon?

Their departure has left a large hole of opportunity for existing investors and newcomers to fill, with the chronic shortage of homes and massive demand in Benfleet, Basildon and Wickford pushing rents to ever-new heights.

While 2024 has started positively and looks set to be far less turbulent, there are also some upcoming changes for landlords to consider, and in this week’s blog, we’re looking at:

• The return of accidental landlords
  
• Improvements in the mortgage market
  
• Clarity over net zero requirements
  
• Additional opportunities to expand

• Changes to Capital Gains Tax

So wherever you're at right now in your landlord journey - thinking of selling up, planning to expand, or raring to buy your first rental investment - read on for how to make the most of this year and beyond.

MORE ACCIDENTAL LANDLORDS

It’s no secret that finding a buyer in 2023 took longer than in 2022, but that doesn't mean that people’s lives slowed down as well.

When you need to move, you need to move, and some sellers gave up the search for a buyer and rented out their homes instead to keep their plans on track. 

Depending on how many more sellers become ‘accidental landlords’ this year, their presence could filter through to the rental market in various ways.

• Having a wider choice of available homes could give tenants the luxury of being fussy rather than entering a bidding war over the first thing that comes along.

• At the same time, we could see more upmarket rental homes entering the market because homeowners usually spend more money than landlords on fixtures, fittings and design.
  
• This could create a new tier of higher-value, stylish homes appealing to high-earning tenants who are willing and able to pay more for extra comfort.

As with any change, opportunity is never far away, so get in touch if you’d like to chat about the rental market in Liverpool and how you and your business could benefit.

MORE MORTGAGE OPTIONS

What a year for mortgages 2023 was, with fewer mortgage deals and eight base rate rises. But since August, things have improved on many fronts, including:

• The Bank of England base rate has held steady at 5.25%, bringing some welcome stability and easing inflation.

• MoneyFacts reports that January began with almost 6,000 mortgage products available - the highest level in 15 years.

• Lenders have started cutting rates, and buy-to-let mortgages now start at less than 4.5% on two- and five-year fixes.

Call us optimistic, but it feels like better times for landlords and mortgages, not just for deals coming up for renewal, but also for new loans being taken out.

MORE CLARITY OVER NET ZERO

With a general election on the cards in the next twelve months, we’re likely to see clearer messaging from the political parties around the hot topics of rental property and energy efficiency.

• In essence, the net zero targets aim to ensure all rental homes are warm, low carbon and affordable to heat, so expect measures for insulation and emissions.

• Most homes will need to use low or zero-carbon heating, which means phasing out gas boilers (although the timelines have been pushed back to beyond 2030).

• Nonetheless, it makes sense to be mindful of potential costs when adding to your portfolio and whether to discount certain homes entirely or bargain hard to pay for energy-efficient upgrades.

Regardless of whatever course the next Government takes, clarity is good for landlords to help you plan ahead, budget with confidence, and set your properties up for a long-term future.

MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPAND

Highly leveraged landlords had a tough time in 2023, and it’s estimated that around 139,000 rental properties were sold.

As well as making the shortage of homes even more acute, that exodus provides several opportunities.

• UK rents rose by 6.1% in 2023 while house prices decreased by 1.2%, and Hamptons estimates that rents will increase four times faster than house prices between now and 2026.

• The slower sales market has seen properties taking longer to sell, and with more homes coming up for sale, new and expanding landlords can strike a better bargain.

• Buying a tenanted property from an exiting landlord means you can start earning income from the day you complete your purchase.

Finally, bear in mind that many rental homes are let out below their current market rate, so there could very well be hidden extra value in the properties being sold.

MORE CAPITAL GAINS TAX CHANGES

In his 2022 Autumn Statement, the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, announced plans to reduce the Capital Gains Tax personal allowance, and the final step is due to take effect this year.

• On April 6th, the allowance will reduce again from £6,000 to £3,000, marking a 75% decrease from £12,300 in 2022.

• Although you can claim back the costs of buying, selling and improvements, it’s wise to think very carefully before selling your rental property if the value has increased significantly.

• Capital Gains Tax for property sold by landlords is split into two bands: 18% for basic rate taxpayers, and 28% for those paying a higher rate.

Given the changes to the personal allowance, using the equity in your property to fund more rental homes and increase your income might feel like a better move than paying a large chunk in tax.

Are you reviewing your buy-to-lets for 2024?

Then let's talk! Whether it's increasing your income, planning for future energy legislation, or knowing which homes in Benfleet, Basildon or Wickford could be the most profitable to add to your portfolio, we're here to help.

Whatever you'd like to know, call us on 01268 944104 or message us at lettings@vesta-essex.co.uk for a chat with our team.