Housing shortage’ could be bad news for cash-strapped buyers’

The current housing shortage regarding rented accommodation could be bad news for those in financial difficulties – even debt – who might be looking for a cheaper place to live.

Research conducted by the Association of Residential Letting Agents found that Britain is in “dire need” of good quality rental abodes.

The company carried out the study – to assess the state of the Private Rented Sector – at this year’s annual conference for the lettings industry.

It revealed that more than half of those questioned deemed insufficient supply of such homes to be the sector’s primary concern.

Ian Potter, operations manager at the firm, said that the problem is a “very serious issue” and that it could be the “defining factor” in the housing market in 2010.

Earlier in the month, it was revealed by the Post Office that 30 per cent of those who have accepted loans to pay for their mortgage are unsure of the repayment details.

By Joe Shervin