TV property expert Phil Spencer has urged policymakers and the public to recognise the vital role played by responsible landlords, warning that dwindling rental stock risks worsening the UK’s housing crisis.

Writing in the foreword to Propertymark’s latest lettings market report, the Location Location Location presenter said:

“Seeing another dip in the number of privately rented homes available will likely not boost renters’ confidence. Wages have generally failed to keep pace with rent increases over the years in many regions, with the issues further worsened by a slowdown in property investment within the sector.

“It would help enormously if we could all see the promotion of a healthy mix of tenures, and appreciate the important role that good, law-abiding landlords play in housing the nation. We now need to nurture and incentivise current and future investment to avoid further fuelling this ever-increasing gap in available homes to rent and the resulting growing demand from renters.”

His remarks come as Propertymark’s June data shows that each rental property is now attracting six competing applicants.

The figures reveal a drop in both tenant registrations — averaging 57 per branch — and available stock, down to just 9.75 homes per branch.

Propertymark chief executive Nathan Emerson said demand continues to “significantly outstrip supply” and warned the situation could deteriorate further:

“This trend could worsen, not only due to a lack of support for landlords to invest in the sector — ultimately pushing rent levels higher across many regions — but also because tenants might now choose to stay put for longer, given the uncertainty and difficulty in finding a new home.”

Landlord Lobbying Points

When contacting MPs, councillors, or local media, landlords can highlight:

• The supply crisis: Six tenants competing for every available property shows the urgent need to protect and expand rental stock.

• Investment incentives: Reintroducing tax reliefs and scrapping punitive measures like Section 24 would encourage landlords to remain in — or re-enter — the market.

• Regulatory balance: Well-intentioned reforms must avoid driving small landlords out of the sector, which reduces choice and pushes up rents.

• Mixed-tenure benefits: A healthy housing market needs private rentals alongside social housing and owner-occupation.

• Positive landlord impact: Good, compliant landlords provide stable, quality homes and reduce homelessness pressures on councils.