PolicyEconomyInterest ratesOpinionCould housing reform fuel another rent surge?Reduced investor demand for established properties also means less future supply of rental properties.Paul BrennanEconomistThe prospect of sustained falls in house prices has precipitated alarm in much of the media and financial commentary.This should not be surprising given that, for many people, housing is their biggest asset. Roughly two-thirds of households either own their own home outright or have mortgages.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Latest In EconomyFetching latest articlesMost Viewed In Policy