The Bottom Line, The Bottom Line, Private Renting: Who Wants to Be a Landlord?

The Bottom Line

The Bottom Line

Private Renting: Who Wants to Be a Landlord?

12 February 2026

35 minutes

Available for over a year

The UK’s private rental market has grown dramatically over recent decades, creating what often feels like a tale of two nations: ‘Generation Rent’ who are priced out of home ownership and unable to access social housing; and buy-to-let investors who view property as a reliable income stream or pension plan.

Rising rents, poor conditions and fierce competition for homes have fuelled frustration with landlords, prompting political efforts to strengthen protections for tenants and increase tax pressure on property owners.

Now the sector is facing a turning point – with large institutional investors, backed by pension funds, for example, playing an increasing role. Evan Davis and guests discuss the state of the UK rental market and where it might be heading.

Guests:

Ashley Winston, Director of Palmdale Car Finders

Andy Graham, Host, HMO Podcast

Polly Simpson, Head of multi-family development at Savills

Production team:

Presenter: Evan Davis

Producer: Sally Abrahams

Production Co-ordinator: Katie Morrison

Sound engineers: Ben Andrews and Tim Heffer

Editor: Matt Willis

The Bottom Line is produced in partnership with The Open University


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