WHILST a potential increase in borrowing costs and improved house prices together with further changes to legislation and taxation may make a move out of the lettings market an attractive prospect, landlords who hang on to their portfolios look set to reap the rewards as competition for properties remains strong and rental values hold firm, says Paul Oughton of Cotswold lettings agent, Moore Allen & Innocent.

Many landlords who are worried about the threat of inevitably higher borrowing costs may be considering offloading properties from their portfolio. According to the latest monthly survey of its members, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, (RICS) reports that a recent drop in property listings coming to the lettings market may become an even greater issue ahead, with changes to Stamp Duty, alongside scheduled cuts to mortgage interest tax relief - both seen by landlords as important factors diminishing the attractiveness of buy-to-let as an investment.

Yet it might be worth staying in the rental property market for those landlords prepared to take a longer term perspective.

The RICS report also highlighted that the percentage of adults looking to rent continued to increase, and the imbalance between supply and demand is expected to squeeze rents higher.

The figures also reflect that, despite Government incentives such as the Help to Buy scheme, when faced with higher mortgage deposits and interest rate uncertainty, more people are staying in private rented homes for longer.

These factors further reduce the supply of available rental properties, and already, letting agents such as Moore Allen & Innocent are predicting good support for rental values this year for the most sought after properties.

Evidence suggests that the buy-to-let market has successfully weathered previous periods of uncertainty in the housing market and the economy in general, and has retained its appeal amongst investors, whether as a standalone investment or as a diversification away from more traditional pension planning routes.

Moore Allen & Innocent have been successfully letting and managing property for years and their reputation speaks for itself. The fee structure is simple and competitive whilst our service is professional, comprehensive and tailored to the needs of the individual Landlord.

Coupled with excellent local knowledge and a personal, friendly approach, it all adds up to a quality service and peace of mind for you. For further information and a no obligation chat on letting or managing your property, contact Paul Oughton and Elizabeth Davies at Moore Allen & Innocent on 01285 648 118 or email at lettings@mooreallen.co.uk