The British Property Federation (BPF) has urged the Government to accept the findings of the Montague Review, as it strives to boost housing supply and kick start the UK economy.

With house building at a post war low despite increased demand, and figures from the Office of National Statistics showing UK GDP held back by a weak construction industry, the BPF believes the recommendations in the Montague Review could unleash unprecedented investment in house building from pension funds, insurance companies and REITs.

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The Review, led by Sir Adrian Montague, examined the barriers to institutional investment in private rented homes and concluded that while there is significant potential, hurdles remain.

Ian Fletcher, Director of Policy at the BPF advised the review as part of a nine-strong expert industry panel.

Liz Peace, Chief Executive of the British Property Federation, said: "If we are to make headway in housing the nation and boost growth we must look at other ways of getting homes built.

"Encouraging institutions into building homes for rent has for some time been seen as the holy grail in enabling a long term private rented sector which is designed and built-to-let and offers renters something a bit different in the marketplace. The recommendations in the Montague Review will help address the barriers cited by the institutions and provide an inclusive model, which housing associations, home builders, property managers and construction firms can all participate in."

(CD/GK)