‘Should I buy-to-let?’ has been an oft-asked question in recent years, but not, it’s true, in recent months. Those who know will know that I have never been a fan of property as an investment (as opposed to somewhere to live). I know, I would say that, wouldn’t I, it’s in my interest to promote the alternative of stocks and shares. However, higher tax and stamp duty rates, lack of liquidity, running costs and tenant problems have always been there. Now add, if you’re one of the two thirds of landlords with a mortgage, much higher interest rates and you can see why fewer are considering it. And yet…there’s a big and growing need for properties to (affordably) rent with security for the tenant as well as the landlord. Answers on a postcard, please.
“Rental prices up 6.2% in 12 months to January – ONS”
The number of under-40s, in particular, renting without apparent hope of buying has risen by over 20% in the last 15 years or so, more than has been the case in other countries whom we would consider comparable with us: in the US, around 6%, Germany 8%, for example.
