Benham & Reeves landlords survey

We have just released the results of our bumper survey of over 19,000 landlords on their current feelings around property investment and the future of the sector. The research found that 73% of those who responded considered property is still the best, least volatile long-term investment when compared to other conventional asset classes. However, opinion is divided over changes to buy-to-let tax relief and whether the sector still provided a good investment as a result, with 49% believing it is and 51% no longer sure. Despite the recent dent in sentiment, 83% of investors stated it was either unlikely or very unlikely that they would sell their property over the next year, with the majority (58%) staying put for five years.

“The government has really gone to war with buy-to-let investors of late and a consistent string of detrimental changes to the sector through stamp duty increases, tax relief changes and a ban on tenant fees has had the desired impact of denting industry sentiment and dampening appetite for future investment due to a reduction in profitability. However, for the institutional buy-to-let investor this is but a mere blip on a much longer timeline and the overwhelming overtones are that while Brexit poses a challenging obstacle for the immediate future, the market remains the investment option of choice with many confident on a return further down the line. This is testament to the durability of buy-to-let bricks and mortar in the UK as despite a government backed clamp down, it remains a lucrative business and one that continues to gain the backing of those that are on the frontline.”

Marc von Grundherr – Director, Benham & Reeves

Results of the lndlord survey

Generally speaking, do you consider property investment is the best, least volatile long-term investment across all asset classes?

With property sales prices down and fewer buyers, do you intend to sell your property THIS year?

Do you think interest rates will remain low over the next FIVE years?

With prices down, developers offering large discounts and weak Sterling, would you consider buying a property within the next FIVE years?

How confident are you that property investment will likely to provide adequate return over the next TEN years?

Are you now more or less confident in the buy-to-let market?

The UK Government intends to introduce changes to property and investment laws shortly. With that said, do you feel you are familiar with the current changes to the legal landscape?

If you would like a copy of the full report, please do get in touch and our team will be happy to assist.