Letting agents positive over future of buy-to-let market

Despite the continued lack of financing for buy-to-let mortgages, letting agents are far more optimistic about the future of the buy-to-let market than they were almost a year ago. At that time, only 12% expressed optimism over the lettings market.

John Boyle, managing director of HomeLet, said: "Demand for rental properties will remain strong over the next few years as first-time buyers continue to find it difficult to obtain mortgage finance. Confidence in the buy-to-let market is also likely to be buoyed by figures released by LSL Property Services which showed gains of 7.6% in the private rental sector over the last 12 months, and a gradual increase in buy-to-let lending as the year progresses."