Optimism among Landlords at its highest since 2007

According to the NLA (National Landlords Associations) who recently published their recent Landlord Optimism Index, Landlord optimism is at its highest since 2007

65% of Landlords surveyed said that prospects for lettings appeared either “very good” or “good” over the next three months.

54% of Landlords also feel that the Private rented sector “very good or good” which is an increase of 8% compared with previous finding during the 2nd quarter of 2010

Unfortunately, Landlords remain less certain about the current UK financial markets with only 6% giving this a positive vote, which is a 3% decrease compared with the same time as last year.

David Salusbury, NLA Chairman, commented:

"After a challenging few years, it is encouraging to hear that the majority of landlords are feeling positive about their lettings business and the overall state of the private-rented sector.

"The increasing availability of buy-to-let mortgages and strong demand for rental accommodation is further stimulating positive sentiments, with rent arrears appearing to stabilise and void periods decreasing in recent months.

"The private-rented sector is demonstrating its resilience, in marked contrast to some other industries and investments. "Like other business people, it is clear that landlords are not immune from the effects of financial uncertainty. The fragile state of the economy is a concern for landlords, many of whom have mortgages to pay or rely on their property portfolios to earn a living. "The cuts to local housing allowance are a further worry for tenants and landlords alike; both should be mindful of how they may be affected and give consideration to how they will deal with the long-term consequences of welfare reform."

Kevin Cox of Bristol letting agents www.igloolets.com said “Many of the Landlords that we are speaking with at the moment are considering, increasing the size of their portfolios, especially with the uncertainties in the stock markets, even with the current downturn in the housing market, property still remains over the longer term a good strong investment