Press & media coverage

More than half of landlords (50.6%) still believe residential property remains a good long-term investment, despite increased regulation, and nearly two-thirds (62.7%) intend to maintain their current portfolio over the next year. However, only 3.9% plan to expand, according to research from Benham and Reeves.

More than half of landlords (50.6%) still regard residential property as a sound long-term investment despite mounting regulatory pressure, though new research from London lettings and estate agent Benham and Reeves suggests appetite for growth has largely stalled.

Lettings and estate agent Benham and Reeves found that having more favourable landlord taxation would be by far the biggest incentive to buy more rental properties (36%) followed by lower Stamp Duty (13%), and a faster or easier possession process (12%).

Analysis by estate agents Benham and Reeves found that almost two-thirds – at 62.7% – of landlords intend to maintain their current portfolio over the next year, while just 3.9% plan to expand.

The survey of landlords in England, commissioned by lettings agency Benham and Reeves, looked to understand their confidence in the future of the private rental sector, their investment intentions over the next 12 months, expectations around profitability, the barriers preventing further investment, and what could encourage them to expand their portfolios.

Taxation has emerged as the primary concern for UK landlords, surpassing worries about increased regulation, according to new research from lettings agency Benham and Reeves.

A survey commissioned by London-based Benham and Reeves found that 50.6% still view residential property as a good long-term investment. Almost two-thirds (62.7%) plan to maintain their existing portfolio over the next 12 months. However, just 3.9% intend to buy more rental properties.

With 19.36 FTB sales per 1,000 dwellings, the Kent district came out with the highest rate of anywhere in Britain, which Marc von Grundherr, director of Benham and Reeves, says is no surprise.

Looking at what a firm that does the bulk of its UK business in the capital has seen, Marc von Grundherr, director of Benham and Reeves says: “Buyers recognise that London homeowners have been amongst the hardest hit by slower market conditions and that, having waited longer to secure a buyer, some sellers are particularly motivated to get their move over the line.” He adds: “Unfortunately, this can make them an obvious target for a last-minute attempt to renegotiate.”

Marc von Grundherr, director of Benham and Reeves, said: “There’s no denying that London is having a more challenging year than many other parts of the country and affordability is at the heart of it.”