Buy-to-let boost as void periods and arrears fall

Forty-three per cent of the 300 buy-to-let investors surveyed say they plan to buy more properties, up from a figure of 36 per cent three months ago, while 49 per cent have no intention to change their portfolio.

The research shows that BTL investors are seeing fewer void periods over the past six months, with the percentage dropping from 28 per cent to 19 per cent.

Seventy-six per cent of re-spondents expect void periods to remain unch-anged over the next six months while 11 per cent believe they will decline.

Landlords’ confidence has been spurred by the relatively few rent arrears they have experienced. In the six months before the report, 86 per cent of landlords say they had not experienced any arrears.

Mortgage Express product development manager Andrew Moss says: “Based on key indicators such as decreasing rent arrears and void periods, Mortgage Express is confident about the long-term BTL outlook.

“Around 92 per cent of respondents say they want to maintain or increase their portfolios within the next six months and the average time their properties have been let has leng-thened. It is certainly looking positive for buy to let.”