Financing housing investment

Abstract

This chapter looks at the overburdening presence of property and housing finance in the UK economy. It focuses on the economic instability created by mortgage dependency. This is a critical context for understanding the role of Government in creating barriers to resolving the housing crisis though its programme of Quantitative Easing, encouragement of Real Estate Investment Trusts, and by offering tax and residence advantages for overseas investors in UK property. It also explores the rise of investor interest in Build to Rent.