Mass-scale housebuilding isn’t necessary – there is already enough housing stock. But we need to learn the wisdom of the last century when it comes to landlordism
Rent controls, secure tenancies and high interest rates
were how landlords were put out of business the first time. Not regulation, but economic levers that made renting out property unprofitable.
Presumably, these levers still exist and can be pulled. It’s mentioned right after that the Thatcher administration worked to undo these effects, but the article moved on without further discussing how in detail.
Rent controls for private rents can be tricky. Sometimes it leads to money paid under the counter on top of rent, which is of course undesirable in a few ways. But having publicly owned (municipal etc) rental properties are an easier way to push rents down. But that also has a lot of trickiness in it.
Early on:
were how landlords were put out of business the first time. Not regulation, but economic levers that made renting out property unprofitable.
Presumably, these levers still exist and can be pulled. It’s mentioned right after that the Thatcher administration worked to undo these effects, but the article moved on without further discussing how in detail.
Rent controls for private rents can be tricky. Sometimes it leads to money paid under the counter on top of rent, which is of course undesirable in a few ways. But having publicly owned (municipal etc) rental properties are an easier way to push rents down. But that also has a lot of trickiness in it.