Private Rented Sector faces mixed outlook

This year has been challenging for the housing market, but things may be set to get worse before they improve in the Private Rented Sector, according to the Association of Residential Lettings Agents.

Ian Potter, operations manager at ARLA, said: “The package of measures unveiled in the Government’s Housing Strategy could go some way to helping get the wider housing market moving.

“However it will take time for the measures to have an impact, and in the meantime the issue of a severe lack of stock will continue to affect the PRS well into 2012, particularly in London and the South East. Almost three-quarters of ARLA members (74%) already report that there are more tenants than available properties, and this is a story we’re likely to see worsen.