The quarterly trend survey carried out by Paragon Mortgages shows that intermediary buy-to-let business has been growing from first-time landlords since mid-2009.
Perhaps, unsurprisingly the number of buy-to-let cases from first-time landlords was at its peak in Q2 2002 when the buy-to-let market was experiencing its ‘boom’ period. During 2008 demand from new landlords fell to its lowest level, largely attributed to the general financial crisis.
On average since Q4 2010 20% of intermediaries’ business came from first-time landlords. The percentage of cases peaked at 24% in Q3 2012.
Latest figures for Q1 2013 show that almost a quarter (22%) of intermediaries’ buy-to-let business was from first-time landlords.
Director of Mortgages John Heron, commented:
“The dynamics of the landlord market are changing. Professional landlords were typically the backbone and driving force behind growth in the market. However, in recent times, we are seeing them becoming more constrained in terms of being able to release equity and secure new finance.
Private investor landlords – those with between one and five properties – will be the ones to pick up the slack. These landlords have access to more flexible finance and are able to agree deals much more quickly.
These landlords are financially astute individuals they typically have other investments such as equities and gilts or bonds, and are well-placed to cope with fluctuations in the economy and the general demands of being a landlord.”
