Report: Rural landlords face challenges.

A new study commissioned by Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice, with the backing of the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE), has revealed the pressing challenges faced by rural landlords in the region. Argyll and Bute, the first local authority in Scotland to declare a housing emergency, is grappling with unique issues that are shaping the future of its housing market.

Authored by Dr. Andrew Robert Watson, the report zeroes in on the profile of rural landlords in Argyll and Bute, the obstacles they confront, and their future plans. One of the standout findings of the research is the multitude of difficulties faced by landlords in this predominantly rural area. From escalating costs to a dearth of available tradespeople and an increasing burden of legislation, the challenges are mounting.

Maintaining properties is a significant struggle for many landlords in Argyll and Bute. The report highlights that the shortage of tradespeople and the upkeep of dwellings are top concerns. Moreover, the rising costs associated with adhering to new regulations, combined with inflation and interest rate hikes, are prompting landlords to reassess the sustainability of retaining their properties.

There is a looming threat of a drastic reduction in rental properties if immediate measures aren’t taken to support landlords. The report underscores that without intervention, the housing shortage in Argyll and Bute, already at a critical level, could intensify, putting many tenants at risk.

In the foreword of the report, CaCHE director Professor Kenneth Gibb reflects on the significant expansion of private renting in the UK and Scotland over the past 25 years. This growth, largely driven by Buy to Let mortgages and the resurgence of small-scale private landlords, has reshaped the housing landscape. However, it has also brought about unintended consequences, such as the shift from right to buy homes to private rentals across the UK.

Professor Gibb emphasises the segmentation of private renting into distinct demand and supply segments, with a crucial divide between urban and rural renting. He commends Dr. Watson for shedding light on rural private renting, a topic often overlooked by research efforts. The comprehensive report delves into the intricate workings of rural private renting in a specific setting, uncovering the challenges that impact housing and life outcomes. This research is deemed a valuable and pioneering piece of work in understanding the complexities of rural renting.