Location Estate & Letting Agents in Shirley, Bitterne & Southampton - Property For Sale & for Rental, To Let

Rental/Letting Advice in Southampton.

Private House and Flat landlords in the UK and Southampton are at their most optimistic for the last Five years as the latest national survey shows the majority believes the industry is positive despite a dismal economic outlook.

Some sixtyfive percent of landlords surveyed rated the outlook for their own lettings business over the next three months as extremely good or  very good, according to the National Landlords Association’s Landlord Optimism Index.

Landlords are also increasingly optimistic about the overall state of the private rented sector (PRS), with fifty-four percent rating the industry’s outlook as extremely good or  good, an increase of Eight percent compared with the NLA’s findings during the second quarter of 2010.

Landlords remain less certain about the condition of the UK financial market with only Six Percent rating this positive, a decrease of Three percent compared with the same time last year.

To come out of a difficult few years, it is positive to hear that the majority of landlords are feeling encouraged about their lettings business and the overall state of the private rental sector,’ said David Salusbury, NLA chairman.

He pointed out that the buy to let mortgages are increasing in availability and strong demand for rental Property is further strengthening the rental market, with void periods decreasing in recent months and rent arrears appearing to stabilize.

‘The private-Letting sector is demonstrating its Strength, in marked contrast to some other investments and industries. Like other businesses, it is clear that landlords are not safe from the effects of financial uncertainty. The difficult state of the economy is a concern for all homeowners and landlords, many of whom rely on their property portfolios for income, or have mortgages to pay ’ explained Salusbury.

Mr Salusbury warns that cuts to council housing allowance are a further worry for both tenants and landlords . They should be mindful of how they will be affected and give thought to how they will deal with the long term decisoions of welfare reform.

Location lettings specialists urge investors and landlords to seek expert specialist advice before deciding to purchase a rental property and Investors also need to have a clear  business plan going forward and should take advice on property types,  along with tenant demand and location, as well as doing detailed research to ensure they buy the correct property.