Landlords confident about the market

Published: February 04, 2008

People with buy to let mortgages are confident about the future prospects of the UK housing market.

The latest Assetz Property Census reveals that only six per cent of landlords intend to sell some of their properties in 2008.

In addition, 58 per cent plan to increase the size of their portfolios as confidence within the market remains high.

Those with first time buyer mortgages are also upbeat about the future, according to the survey.

A total of 37 per cent of first-time buyers said that they expect house prices to rise this year, with 43 per cent stating that they will still be willing to buy a property if house prices soar.

"Despite cooling prices, the Rightmove Property Census has found that the UK's passion for property is cemented, with investors and buyers taking a healthy long-term view," commented Miles Shipside, commercial director at Rightmove.

"They see bricks and mortar as a valuable and reliable asset and there is an underlying healthy demand for property which highlights there is still a positive sentiment amongst the public in spite of the credit crunch," he added.

The Association of Residential Lettings Agents recently revealed that rental yields increased in January.