UK landlords are in it for the long haul

Posted: 14 Jan 2008 10:40:02 GMT

Only four per cent of buy-to-let property investors consider being a landlord as their profession.

Only four per cent of buy-to-let property investors consider being a landlord as their profession.

That is according to new research from Alliance & Leicester, which reveals that 87 per cent see their investment property as a profitable pastime.

A total of 57 per cent said that they invest in property in order to build up assets for the future, pay their children's university fees or fund their own retirement.

It shows that the majority of UK landlords see their buy-to-let property as a long-term investment and are not merely in it to make a quick return.

"It is encouraging to see landlords taking a measured, long-term approach to their buy-to-let investments," said Stephen Leonard, director of mortgages at Alliance & Leicester.

"Releasing the equity built up in a rental property over a number of years could provide a crucial lump sum to cover future needs, like university fees, helping their children onto the property ladder, or even acting as an alternative pension pot.

"But whether it is to provide a pension for retirement, or a monthly income, landlords' ambitions suggest buy-to-let will remain an important part of the overall UK housing market," he continued.

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