"From our latest quarterly data, it is clear that property investment in London and the South East is very much alive and kicking – and if anything, growing."
Market share for buy-to-let applications in the capital increased for the first time since Q2 2017 and grew from 12.4% in Q4 2017 to 16.5% in Q1 2018.
Overall, the South East still leads the way, having also grown its market share from 17.2% in Q4 of 2017 to 19.2% in Q1 of 2018.
However, the biggest increase in market share, quarter-on-quarter, was recorded by the East Midlands, which saw a 5% increase in the first three months of 2018.
Scotland and Wales also saw an upsurge in market share over the same period by almost 2%.
Andrew Turner, chief executive at Commercial Trust Limited, said: “From our latest quarterly data, it is clear that property investment in London and the South East is very much alive and kicking – and if anything, growing.
“The report perhaps also reflects the effect of the introduction of the 3% stamp duty surcharge in April 2016, which of course would have been more keenly felt by investors in the more expensive properties found in this part of the country.
“I think the data also reflects a regained sense of confidence in London and the South East, among landlords with capital to spend.
“Similarly, the North West continues to see significant infrastructure investment and projects like HS2 will have the potential to further enhance opportunities for economic development in the long term. This in turn may attract more businesses, creating jobs, migration and further rental demand, whilst at the same time potentially contributing to property price growth.”
