Private landlords and others involved in the letting industry expect the value of their property portfolios to increase by an average of 0.8 per cent in the next 12 months, according to new research.
A study by Paragon Mortgages also reveals that 14 per cent of landlords expect to buy an investment property in the final quarter of 2009.
John Heron, Paragon Mortgages' managing director, said: "House prices have fallen steadily since the end of 2007 and this is reflected in landlords' expectations for the future value of their portfolios."
He added that falling property prices have not proved to be a catalyst for private landlords to sell homes - they have actually taken advantage of weaker prices to add to their portfolios.
It would appear that landlords see property investment as a long-term game and they are prepared to see out any inconstancies in the average house price, Mr Heron continued.
Editor of Property Hawk website Chris Horne recently warned landlords that they should be looking to make money over a number of years, rather than trying to boost revenues in the short term.
Written by John Weeks
