Planning reforms have failed to inspire confidence among landlords, according to new research from Landbay.
A survey of landlords found over three quarters (77%) did not think planning reforms would affect their BTL businesses in a positive way.
Only 13% of landlords foresee the easing of planning rules as creating more opportunities to purchase new-build properties.
Even fewer (9%) think that planning reforms could lead to more jobs and economic growth.
Landlords were also asked about whether or not they expected planning reforms to solve the housing crisis, but less than half (47%) felt this way.
Here, landlords cited other factors — such as a construction skills shortage — as playing a role.
“If property investors are not convinced planning reform will positively affect their business, we’re in real trouble,” said Rob Stanton, sales and distribution director at Landbay.
“Landlords are an important stakeholder in the planning system and the wider housing market, driving the conversion of properties to HMOs, refits and extensions – not to mention a chunk of new-build housing.
“So, this level of scepticism and cynicism surrounding proposed reforms to our planning system is absolutely damning.”
