Landlord optimism at the highest for four years
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Landlord optimism is at its highest point for almost four years, according to the National Landlords Association.
Some 65% of landlords surveyed rated prospects for their own lettings business over the next three months as ’very good’ or ’good’.
Landlords are also increasingly optimistic about the overall state of the private rented sector, with 54% rating the industry’s prospects as ’good’ or ’very good’, an increase of 8% compared with the NLA’s findings during the second quarter of 2010.
However, landlords remain less certain about the state of the UK financial market with only 6% rating this positively, a decrease of 3% compared with the same time last year.
David Salusbury, chairman of the NLA, says: “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.”
But he says the cuts to local housing allowance are a worry for tenants and landlords alike.
He adds: “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.”
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