Mark Hayward, managing director of National Association of Estate Agents and Ian Potter, managing director of Association of Letting Agents, issued a joint statement.
They said: “Having a place to call home is of upmost importance to every one of us, whether we own or rent.
“To ensure this is possible and affordable, the government needs to address the restrictions people face when finding a place to live.”
The “unfair” and “expensive” Stamp Duty slab structure was called upon to be rethought.
They added: “Help to Buy is a good temporary measure, but tackling the unfair and hugely expensive Stamp Duty is an achievable, long-term and sustainable way to support access to, and mobility up, the housing ladder.”
More people live in private rented accommodation than social housing for the first time since the 1960s, with the numbers of tenants coming to £3.8m – a rise of 30% in the last five years.
Commenting on this domination of the rental market, Hayward and Potter called for regulation, citing how restricted supply leads to increases in rogue landlords.
“We urge the government to introduce a full mandatory regulation of agents.
“Regulation will bring two key benefits: better standards for those using industry services and, a much needed stamp of professionalism and quality on the lettings industry which will help trigger the much-needed investment in a large-scale development of homes by professional organisations.
“This needs to happen so that we all have a place to live.”
