UK property investors positive for 2020
MT Finance polled property professionals as part of its research into the future performance of the UK property sector. 50% of investors said they plan to increase their portfolios in 2020, while 37% said they are not making any changes to their portfolio this year. Only 13% of respondents said they were looking to decrease their portfolio.
Of the 50% looking to expand their portfolio, 50% are looking to buy in the North West of England. 20% said Yorkshire & the Humber, followed by 12% percent who said London. 9% of respondents said they would look to buy in the South East and Wales.
The latest forward-looking results are encouraging especially, as almost a third (30%) of respondents revealed they are uncertain of the conditions for property investors in 2020. Whilst 36% believe conditions will improve in the coming year.
2019 was another challenging year for property investors and landlords in the UK, with changes to tax rules, ongoing political uncertainty along with changes to various regulations impacting them negatively. When asked what the biggest challenge for property investors had been last year, the majority (62%) of respondents cited Government legislation. Accessing funding was the second biggest challenge in 2019 at 24%, followed by affordability requirements at 14%.
Given 2019’s political challenges, we hope to see the more certain landscape create a positive environment for property investors to look at expanding their portfolios. The signs since the election echo this sentiment as Estate agents are reporting more activity on both sides of the transaction, and property values have shown an increase.
Will we see further stimulus from the government in the March budget? Certainly property investors will be hoping so.
For more information, or to speak to a member of the team call 0203 051 2331.