The
Falmouth housing market has gone through a sea change in the past decades with
the Buy-to-Let (B-T-L) sector evolving as a key trend, for both Falmouth
tenants and Falmouth landlords.
A
few months ago, the Government released a White Paper on housing. I have had a
chance now to digest the report and wish to offer my thoughts on the topic. It
was interesting that the private rental sector played a major part in the
future plans for housing. This is especially important for our growing Falmouth
population.
In
1981, the population of Cornwall stood at 424,500
and today it stands at
549,400.
Currently,
the private rented (B-T-L) sector accounts for 20.8% of households in the
town. The Government wants to assist
people living in the houses and help the economy by encouraging the provision
of quality homes for those unable to buy their own property. Interestingly,
when we look at the 1981 figures for homeownership, a different story is told.
67.45%
Falmouth people owned their own home in 1981
19.56%
Falmouth people rented from the Council or Housing Association in 1981
and
13.0% Falmouth rented from a Private Landlord
The significance of a suitable housing policy is vital to ensure suitable economic activity and create a vibrant place where people want to live. The population of Cornwall is estimated to grow to 636,000 by 2037. It is imperative that Cornwall County Council and Central Government all work actively together to ensure the residential property market encourages the provision of quality homes for all types of residents.
One
idea the Government has proclaimed is a variety of measures aimed at
encouraging the Build-to-Rent (B-T-R) sector (instead of the B-T-L sector).
These include allowing local authorities to proactively plan for B-T-R schemes,
and making it simpler for B-T-R developers to offer inexpensive private rented
homes.
To
do this, the government will invent a distinct affordable housing class for
B-T-R, called ‘Affordable Private Rent’, which will oblige new homes builders
to provide at least 1 in 5 of a new home developments at a 20% discount on
open-market rents and three year tenancies for tenants. In return, the new
homebuilders will get better planning assurances.
Private landlords will not be expected to offer discounts, nor offer 3 year tenancies. however it is something that Falmouth landlords need to be aware of as there could be greater competition for tenants.
Over the last ten years, home ownership has
not been a primary goal for young adults as the world has changed. These
youngsters expect ‘on demand’ services from click and collect, Amazon, Dating
Apps and TV with the likes of Netflix. Many Falmouth youngsters see that renting more than meets their
accommodation needs, as it combines the freedom from a lifetime of property
maintenance and financial obligations, making it an attractive lifestyle
option.
Private
rented housing in Falmouth and Cornwall, whether it is B-T-L or B-T-R, has the
potential to play a very positive role.
References
1981, 2017 and 2037 population figures are from the Office of national Statistics.
1981 Tenure figures are from the Census.
