Decline in foreign investment in buy-to-let according to Countrywide

Countrywide’s latest  Monthly Letting Index – June 2017 headlines  ‘Proportion of overseas landlord’s halves.’

Rents rose 1.1% year-on-year across Great Britain in June to stand at £950 pcm

The letting index report shows that the proportion of overseas based landlords in Great Britain hit a record low in 2017,  now owning 5% of all homes let in Great Britain, down from 12% in 2010. London has seen the biggest fall in the proportion of homes owned by overseas landlords, from 26% in 2010 to 11% in 2017.

Commenting on the findings, Johnny Morris, Research Director at Countrywide, said:

“The growth of the private rented sector since 2010 has not been driven by overseas investors.  A steady increase in foreign investors’ tax bills combined with more recent falling expectations of price growth in London has led to a decline in foreign investment in buy-to-let.

“As well as having to contend with increased stamp duty and the annual tax on enveloped dwellings (ATED), overseas investors also saw the removal of capital gains tax exemptions in 2015.

“Rental growth remained at 1.1% in June.  Falls in London were off-set by higher growth across the rest of the country.  The fall in the capital was driven by lower rents in the outer areas of London as the ripple effect from falling rents in Central London continues.”

Read  Countrywide’s latest  Monthly Letting Index – June 2017 in full click here.

 

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

As RRA Changes Loom, Thoughts from the Industry

Overview of changes due via RRA as of Friday 1st May Abolish section 21 evictions and move to a simpler tenancy structure where all assured tenancies are periodic – providing more security for tenants. Ensure possession grounds are fair to both tenants and landlords – giving tenants more security, while ensuring landlords can reasonably recover…
Read More
Letting Agent Talk

Three steps landlords should take to pet-proof properties under new laws

With new pet rental rules set to come into force on the 1st of May, landlords are being urged to act quickly to prepare their properties and policies. The changes come at a time when demand for pet-friendly homes is far outpacing supply, with up to 13 million dogs across the UK but fewer than…
Read More
Breaking News

Market continues to build momentum

Foxtons Lettings Market Index – March 2026 Market continues to build momentum, recovering from winter slowdown as supply strengthens   Lettings market continues to build momentum as we move further into the spring period. While renter demand remains below last year’s levels, March performance shows continued recovery from the winter slowdown. Market entering critical period…
Read More
to let sign 2025
Letting Agent Talk

41% of letting agents unaware of rent rule changes

The latest research by The Letting Partnership has found that a significant proportion of letting agents remain unaware of key changes to rent in advance rules under the Renters’ Rights Act, despite the reforms coming into force from 1st of May 2026 and almost 40% of agents still taking more than one month’s rent up front.…
Read More
Home and Living

How homeowners can fight back against rising energy bills

New research from Yopa warns that millions of homeowners are set to be hit with a 14% jump in energy bills this summer, wiping out recent savings and piling fresh pressure on household finances. In response, Yopa has analysed which home improvements are most effective at reducing energy use, looking at both the typical savings delivered…
Read More
Breaking News

Homes selling as fast as last year

First time buyers in outer London hit hardest as higher borrowing costs and  high stamp duty costs weigh on sales times   The average time to sell a home is just 1 day longer than last year at 33 days, despite higher mortgage rates and 2 months of conflict in the Middle East However, areas…
Read More