A third of property investors set to expand in 2018: mtf

The bridging lender's research found that 33% of investors planned to increase their portfolios, while 50% said they planned no changes in 2018. No-one questioned planned to reduce their exposure to the UK property market.

The results differ from recent research by the National Landlords Association shows that 20% of its members plan to reduce the number of properties in their portfolio in the next year – the highest level of intended property sales in 10 years.

The results from mtf are encouraging especially as 40% of respondents don’t think conditions for landlords and property investors will improve in 2018.

When asked what had been the biggest challenge for landlords and property investors last year, 43% cited an additional stamp duty charge of 3% when buying an investment property.

Economic uncertainty was the second biggest challenge at 21%, followed by new affordability rules at 16%. Some 15% said accessing funding was the biggest challenge while only 5% cited the stripping back of tax relief.

Tomer Aboody, director of mtf, said: “While there is continuing uncertainty, particularly over how the Brexit negotiations will unfold, UK property investors remain resilient. The fact that property professionals have continued to invest in the UK, despite the uncertainty and numerous challenges, bodes well for the future of the market.

"Bridging finance is there as a tool to help investors fulfil their requirements when looking to purchase properties quickly and increase their portfolios.”