Released on = July 19, 2007, 11:00 am

Press Release Author = Jimwatson

Industry = Real Estate

Press Release Summary = Buy-to-let investors could be forgiven for thinking they are
becoming a slightly maligned entity. In recent times, it seems that some people have
somehow got to thinking the buy-to-let landlord can be held at least in part
responsible for the state of the current housing market.

Press Release Body = Buy-to-let investors could be forgiven for thinking they are
becoming a slightly maligned entity. In recent times, it seems that some people have
somehow got to thinking the buy-to-let landlord can be held at least in part
responsible for the state of the current housing market.

At present, it is difficult for first-time buyers and young professionals to take
that first step onto the housing ladder. The situation undeniably suits the position
of the private residential landlord, who benefits from higher demand and increased
lengths of tenancy.

However, is it fair to suggest that the landlords themselves are somehow responsible
for the current state of affairs? When Gordon Brown recently announced that he would
be embarking on a massive house building program, the news was welcomed as
beneficial for first-time homebuyers.

At the same time, there were almost immediate calls for the properties to be made
available for sale only to owner-occupiers and not to investors or buy-to-let
landlords. Some voices seemed to infer that investors were responsible for pushing
up property prices and so lessening the chances of the ordinary homebuyer.

This view was roundly rejected in a recent report from property website Hometrack.
In a study entitled Housing Intelligence, the authors claim that concerns about the
impact buy-to-let investment is having on the housing market are unfounded and
ignore the positive benefits that the residential lettings industry confer.

Richard Donnell, one of the authors of the report, comments: \"Our analysis shows
that the private rented market we have today has simply become an extension of the
affordable housing sector.

\"It\'s interesting to note that despite the recent buy to let boom, privately rented
homes let on the open market account for just eight per cent of supply in England.
The key challenge here is how to stimulate a long term and sustainable increase in
the supply of rented homes in those places where they are most needed,\" he added.

In addition, the report claims that around 70 per cent of people in rented
accommodation are dependent on the lettings industry for a place to live.

If it is the case that the vast majority of people renting their home are not in the
financial position to consider buying a property of their own, then it would seem
the rental sector is going to continue being of prime importance to the British
populace.


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