Confidence is increasing in BTL say Bournecoast

These findings are detailed in the annual Landlord Survey carried out by the buy-to-let lender CHL Mortgages.

It found that 67% which is almost 7 out of 10 investors who responded said they felt positive about the buy-to-let market.  This figure is up slightly since this time last year when that figure was 64%, equating to just less than 6.5 out of 10.

Landlords were particularly optimistic about rental demand with 43% suggesting the market is more lucrative than at the beginning of the year, being sufficiently increased to cover disbursements such as maintenance and ongoing costs including mortgage repayments. This sees 8% growth since last year. 

A third of landlords who said they hope to increase their portfolio over the next year reflecting an increase of 5% since last year.

However, Bournecoast point out that a lack of finance was still cited as the biggest stumbling block to achieving this aim.

The second major constraint was caused by the abnormally high deposit requirements that are a prerequisite of buy-to-let mortgage products.  The average deposit required has seen an increase of 28%.

The survey also identified that 80% of landlords use any surplus income on property maintenance and do not make inroads to reduce their mortgages.

CHL Mortgages said that the number of accounts in arrears for more than three months had reduced by 78 from 933 to 855 at the end of May, compared to last year. This is reflective of this continuing downward trend despite the uncertain economic outlook.

Simon Tebbutt, of Bournecoast said: “With rental demand increasing, the buy-to-let future is looking much healthier.

He added, “We can expect more investors into the buy-to-let arena from the uncertain world in the equity and bond markets; more so if property prices remain stagnant over the next year or two.  With many properties suitable for holiday lets in the area,Bournemouthis ripe for the picking.”

For more information on buying to let and holiday lets, please contact Simon Tebbutt at Bournecoast on 01202 437888 or visit their website at http://www.bournecoast.co.uk.