71% of property investors surveyed recently report that the difficulty experienced by first time buyers has significantly boosted demand for rented accommodation.

In an extensive survey of property investors who have signed up to attend this year’s Property Investor Show, (Europe’s largest property event of the year), landlords report that the future of buy-to-let is buoyant.

The findings of the survey include:

• 71% of landlords say the shortage of affordable homes for first time buyers has boosted the buy-to-let market, as they are choosing to rent instead of buying.
• Over 53% predict another fall in interest rates over the next 12 months (only 22% thought they would rise)
• Hot Spots: Areas seen as giving the highest buy-to-let returns over the next 12 months are, respectively Midlands, North West, London and the South East.
• 80% of landlords are planning to add to their property portfolio over the next 12 months. None are intending to sell any part of their portfolio.
• 53% of landlords believe the buy-to-let market will grow over the next 12 months. 21% believe it will remain stable.

Lower interest rates have not stopped buy-to-let landlords from shopping around for the best mortgages:

• Over 32% of landlords have remortgaged over the last year.
• 52% of landlords intend to remortgage over the next 12 months.

The most popular type of mortgages taken up by landlords (over 54% of respondents) are interest only, fixed rate deals (including particularly two year discounted fixed rate deals). Of the 45% electing to have variable rate mortgages, 8% have ‘offset’ mortgages.

Nick Clark, Director of the Property Investor Show comments:

“Our survey confirms landlords are enjoying buoyant times. With low interest rates and the surge in tenant demand from young individuals delaying their first home purchase, landlords have never had it so good.”

“They are continually shopping around for the best value mortgage rates. The vast majority have either remortgaged in the last 12 months or intend to do so within a year.”

The 2003 Property Investor Show will be held on 19th – 21st September at London’s ExCeL Exhibition Centre. Tickets cost £7.50 and can be bought online at www.propertyinvestor.co.uk.