Some believe that had Gove remained, his focus would have undoubtedly turned to the Build to Rent sector, including a spotlight on the role of institutional investment or professionally managed renting, and how this could form central pillars of the rental reform White Paper and the need for more high-quality rental homes.
Digital marketing platform, Love to Rent, has called for a dedicated Minister for Renting to address some of the problems in the private rented sector.
The industry at large believes a dedicated minister is needed to support the households which are private rentals and to encourage and play a part in the growing Build to Rent sector, which can improve the lives of millions in the future.
Anne-Marie Brown, Founder and CEO of Love to Rent, says: “Michael Gove has been vocal about the need for reform in the rental sector and has highlighted areas of improvement such as the need for more quality rental homes, better customer service, more responsible landlords and to lessen the environmental impact. These are the same objectives that are core to the Build to Rent sector and which are carried out with each new development. It is our hope that the new housing minister, Greg Clark, will ensure that the thousands of people renting will get the protection they deserve.”
Post-pandemic, Gove recognised the change in consumer trends and the growing demand for rental homes that offer social interaction and a community for every age group.
Anne-Marie adds: “Research and statistics show the rise in numbers of people renting, which is set to increase yearly. Build to Rent properties have been built specifically to rent and managed by professionals. The model provides good quality homes, with predictable rents and flexible tenancies, putting the renters firmly in charge.
"Residents will have access to a range of excellent facilities such as residents’ lounges, gyms, roof terraces, co-working spaces as well as concierge services, building a sense of community. In fact, everything that the modern tenant is looking for, creating real change in the rental market.”
However, it is not just Gove who recognised this need for change. Surging demand has led to local authorities favouring the Build to Rent sector with many creating their own Build to Rent planning policy to speed up delivery.
Anne-Marie concludes: “Build to Rent developers create homes and communities where people love to live as well as helping to regenerate the local area. To further improve the market and create the change that the government says it wants, we believe that a Minister for Renting should be appointed to future proof the market for the thousands of people that choose to rent over the coming years.”
