Confidence present in the buy-to-let market

Buy-to-let property investors are confident about the future of the market, despite some negative report.

That is according to Property for Life, which says that "serious" investors are aware of what is happening in the market and are acting accordingly.

Research from the firm shows that most investors are aware that the housing market will slow in 2008 and they expect the Bank of England to cut interest rates in the coming months.

"As a result, investors are keen to buy before prices go back up, despite having felt the pinch on their finances in recent months," said David Austin, managing director of Property for Life.

"The shadow of the credit crunch appears to have passed over and, while remaining realistic, investors are aware that the strong demand for rented accommodation will continue to buoy the buy-to-let market, producing lucrative returns over the long term.

"As ever, the confidence of serious investors remains high, with 74 per cent certain that now is a good time to buy," he added.

The Association of Residential Lettings Agents recently revealed that tenant demand in the UK is at a five-year high.