NRLA urges government to adopt pro-growth policies amid investor unease
A potential rise in Capital Gains Tax (CGT) has emerged as the leading concern for private landlords in the UK, according to new research from the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA).
A survey of 882 landlords, conducted by Pegasus Insight for the NRLA, found that 83% cited the possibility of increased CGT on the sale of rental properties as their top concern. Of those, 61% said they were “very concerned” and 22% were “slightly concerned.”
The findings reflect broader landlord unease over the cumulative effect of recent and proposed government measures affecting the private rental sector.
The NRLA data also showed that 53% of landlords were “very concerned” about the proposed Renters’ Rights Bill, while another 35% reported being “slightly concerned.” Meanwhile, 73% of respondents said they were concerned about the requirement for existing rental homes to meet energy performance certificate (EPC) band ‘C’ by 2030. The same proportion expressed concern about the standard being extended to new tenancies from 2028.
The research supports previous evidence pointing to falling confidence among landlords, driven by regulatory and tax-related pressures.
“These figures lay bare the fragility of investor confidence, with many feeling anxious about the overall direction of government policy as regards tax, rental reform and energy efficiency,” said Ben Beadle (pictured), NRLA chief executive. “We have a tax system which disincentivises investment, and a punitive Capital Gains Tax hike on the sale of rental properties is likely to exacerbate the situation.
“Fundamentally these findings show that the government must rethink its approach and urgently adopt pro-growth measures to reassure investors and encourage them to do what they do best – deliver the high quality private rented accommodation that tenants need.”
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