I think that having a build-to-rent BTR segment is a great idea to offer more alternatives for people looking for rental homes.
It can also help to compete against the current market and provide more options for investors.
However, I personally feel that a more worthwhile solution would be to introduce a vacant unit regulation control.
This would help to address the issue of owners purposely leaving units empty to wait for capital appreciation, and encourage more supply into the rental market.
A good way to know how many of such units are purposely left vacant will be by active electricity usage.
There is no point in building more properties with no one staying in it and the sole purpose of the owner is just for capital preservation.
It’s a win win situation, as it provides more options for renters and can help mitigate the rising cost of living for retirees who rely on rental income.
That being said, while there are negative effects of higher home rentals, I don’t think heavy Gov intervention to cool the market is necessary.
Instead, we should let market forces dictate home rental prices.
Tenants have choices when it comes to location, unit sizes, and types of housing, whether it’s private or public.
Having too much Gov intervention will just create unforeseen side effects years down the road.
