Insurance News Archive

Calls made for more professional lets

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and the British Property Federation (BPF) are calling for property owners to make more homes available for professional letting.

Research by housing charity Shelter has revealed prices for first-time buyers have risen by 250 per cent in a decade.

CIH is working to change the "stigma" attached with renting rather than owning a house.

Abigail Davies, head of policy at the institute, said renting is good for a lot of people, but with demand outstripping supply many are struggling to access it.

"There is a lobby being led by the British Property Federation to promote a professional letting sector," she added, "which is basically commercial investment in rented property with a view to it being a long-term investment, so possibly offering some more security and a better guarantee of quality".

Meanwhile, owners in the buy-to-let market have been advised to attract potential investors by giving their property the "wow factor".

Hugh Jamieson, senior designer with consultancy firm At Home, said properties needed to look "clean and tidy" and up-to-date.

24 Apr 2008