I can sort of understand why the government are making it harder for rental properties to be profited from. Housing is an essential resource like any other. But they don't seem to be preparing for the drop-out that will might come about when landlords start selling their properties.
I own a house which I rent out, and the tenants are very nice. Because of this, and because they want to stay there long term, I haven't increased the rent and don't intend on doing so. It is approx £200/month less than book-price but it's worth it to me to keep good tenants. But if they were to move out in 5 years time, I'd probably want to sell up. After tax, replacement garage door and white goods etc, boiler service and bookkeeper fees, I reckon I make £650/month. Not to be sniffed at, but it would take another 26 years of renting it to get the same return as if I sold it.
I was very lucky in that the house was left to me, but I still don't think private rental should be allowed, or at least should be limited to 1 per household. I know someone who retired and bought up ex council properties, and they now have 11 rentals. That's 11 more families who can't buy an affordable home. If I inherited the house and was then forced to either live in it, or sell, then I'd have happily sold. But then you get clobbered with 42% IHT (or is it capital gains? I'm not sure) which would need fixing, otherwise there is no incentive to sell, and more incentive to rent whilst you wait 7 years for your parents to remain alive, after which point you don't get taxed as much if you sell.