By Steve Roulstone
Well they are at it again, and having listened to the latest report from the BBC on housing in my eyes they have confirmed once again just how they seem to relish putting a negative spin on anything relating to the housing market. Especially as they seem to be the only news agency that have put such a negative spin on the figures behind home ownership! In doing so they have completely ignored two very important factors, firstly, the right for people to choose how they wish to live and the trends which have been evident for several years and the assumption that the home ownership which has been the UK way for so long is not the natural goal for every family any longer.
The Facts.
Firstly, what I can agree with is the numbers behind the report. Private Rental Figures have been increasing by three times the normal rate now for at least the last two years and for the first time last year overtook the Public rental sector in the UK The BBC report stated that 64% of housing in the UK is owner occupied. This confirms the trend as currently believed with Public rental at 16.5% – 17% and the Private rental sector at 19% – 19.5%. So the figures are correct, it is the assumption that this is a major cause for concern that is wrong.
Freedom of choice.
For some years now, the average age of a first time buyer has been growing and I do not deny that some of the reason is the inability to be able to afford property at a younger age, but it is also clearly evident that we have a far more mobile work force who are prepared to and expect to move several times as they change jobs or move with jobs as careers develop. This will be confirmed by any Letting agency, as we are the people who see this trend and know for the reasons given by Tenants when initially renting and giving notice to move on again. The BBC chose to ignore this because they will have no knowledge of this trend and do not take time to find out by speaking to our Industry.
Change in pattern.
The other obvious point raised by the two reasons given above, is that firstly, as hard as the fact may be to accept, the housing market in finding its current level as the market dictates is confirming that cost of houses are settling above the affordability of younger couples and is being replaced by the rental market as an affordable choice. Secondly, this choice also suits the fluid lifestyle now being lived and mirrors what is happening across Europe where renting is an accepted way of life and it should not be too much of a mind jump to see that as we develop a cross border larger picture European style of living these changes are moving in line with our European neighbours.
The bigger picture.
But the BBC in reporting this news in the style chosen last night, ignored choice and took as its basis, that home ownership is still what we all strive for. What the BBC need to do, in my opinion is ask itself two very large questions. Why when reporting news from the Housing sector do they always give it a negative spin? and why do they report such news without consideration to the professionals within the market who could confirm what is actually happening in housing in the UK and why, rather than jumping to age old assumptions? My own ‘assumption’ is that what used to be the organisation that gave the world the news, has sunk to a world of sound bites and magazine style articles rather than in depth pure reporting that they used to be known for. That’s a trend that they do know about, but again one that I fear they will also ignore!
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