Experts warn against corporates monopolising private rentals

More negative thoughts come from Dariusz Karpowicz, director at Albion Financial Advice: “Along with Asda and TSB, who also announced their plans to become landlords, this sends a clear message that investing in UK rental property is still seen as lucrative. While it’s becoming harder for smaller landlords due to increasing rules and regulations, bigger companies see this as an opportunity to establish a profitable investment. We’ll likely see more announcements like this, but it’s not necessarily a positive development for the market.

“The entry of corporate landlords like Berkeley Group into the rental market could have significant ramifications. For tenants, it might mean more professionally managed properties, but possibly at higher rents. Reduced supply of homes for sale could drive house prices up further, making it even tougher for first-time buyers to enter the market. Institutional money flooding into the rental sector could squeeze out smaller landlords and limit buying options, leading to a more competitive and expensive housing landscape.”