Asking 592 landlords whether they were more or less confident about the buy-to-let market in January compared to the previous month a total of 411 (70%) respondents highlighted rising tenant demand, high rents and reduced housing stock as the main reasons for boosting their assurance in the buy-to-let market.
James Davis, CEO of online lettings agent Upad comments:
"By conducting this survey we gain great insight into the optimism of landlords in 2012. Indeed, more and more people are choosing to rent as they struggle to get on the property ladder and with and estimated double-digit increase in the number of people who will choose to become "professional tenants" this year, landlord confidence in 2012 is on the up."
Of course, each landlord questioned had their own reasons for being confident in 2012.
One landlord highlighted that they were confident about the buy-to-let market in Winchester because of the good student housing demand and professional lets in the area while another landlord explained that their confidence derived from the lack of rental properties on the market in South East London stating:
"My last let was snapped up immediately without any negotiation on the asking rent."
In addition, landlords have noticed that interest among renters is increasing with one such inspired landlord commenting:
"I am more confident due to the amount of response I have had to my recent rental property. Having sold a property last year, the difference in the amount of viewing for my rental property in comparison to my property for sale has been very encouraging."
Meanwhile, confidence among one of London's best private student and graduate landlords is strong according to the feedback given to Upad, declaring:
"We had around 170 groups of students register with us for housing for summer 2012, that's basically 850 - 1200 separate students based on 5/ 6 per group in just 8 weeks who registered and then all viewed our houses with the last 7 days.
"This is just for summer 2012! And, they are looking now and willing and able to pay top rents for the right sites. That's why we are more confident and that's why we are investing."
