NLA defends buy to let investors

Published: May 02, 2008

The National Landlords Association (NLA) has leapt to the defence of people with buy-to-let mortgages in the UK.

It follows calls for a US-style branded rental market, where large institutions act as landlords.

The NLA has said that a system like this would be detrimental to tenants and pointed out that the UK is better off with small private landlords with buy-to-let mortgages.

Commenting on the issue, David Salusbury, chairman of the NLA, said that the more vulnerable in society would miss out if the new system was introduced.

"We should be wary of calls to mirror the US housing market here in the UK, especially since there are few similarities and the US housing market is suffering considerably," he commented.

"We need to focus on developing the UK rental market around its own specific needs and circumstances.

"Where is the evidence that large corporate investors are concerned about developing housing for the more vulnerable groups in society?" added Mr Salusbury.

The NLA's words will be well received by independent landlords with buy-to-let mortgages.