How the UK Boosted Homeownership by Curbing Investor Demand

What happens when a government openly acknowledges that its tax system is favouring landlords over ordinary households — and then actually changes it? In this episode, John Pasalis breaks down new research from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation on the UK's post-2016 tax reforms aimed at curbing buy-to-let investor demand. The findings suggest these policies meaningfully shifted the housing market: fewer investor purchases, more homes flowing out of the private rental sector, and significantly more first-time buyers becoming homeowners than would have otherwise. Drawing on insights from an interview with report author Darren Baxter, John explores why the UK experience challenges the supply-only framework that continues to dominate housing policy in Canada — and why any serious affordability strategy must confront not just how many homes we build, but how housing is financed, who owns it, and whether it remains a lucrative investment vehicle for capital.  Follow John x-twitter: https://x.com/JohnPasalis, Instagram @john.pasalis or email: [email protected] Follow the show on x-twitter: @MoveSmartly, Instagram @move.smartly  About This Show The Move Smartly show is hosted by John Pasalis, President and Broker of Realosophy Realty. MoveSmartly.com and its media channels on YouTube and various podcast platforms are powered by Realosophy Realty in Toronto, Canada. You can also watch this episode on our MoveSmartly YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/movesmartly If you enjoy our show and find it useful, please like, subscribe, share, review and comment on whatever platform you are watching or listening to us from - we appreciate your support!