New data shows a resurgence in buy to let activity in London and South East in Q1

Resurgence in London buy to let activity in Q1 of 2018

Latest data from specialist buy to let broker Commercial Trust Limited, indicates increased buy to let purchase activity in London, during the first quarter of 2018.

The report shows that market share for buy to let applications in the capital increased for the first time since Q2 of 2017, growing from 12.4% in Q4 of 2017, to 16.5% in the first Quarter of 2018.

Overall, the South East still leads the way, having also grown its market share from 17.2% in Q4 of 2017, to 19.2% in Q1 of 2018. This means that London has also closed the gap on the South East’s overall market share.

However, the biggest increase in market share, quarter on quarter, was recorded by the East Midlands, which saw a 5% increase in the first three months of 2018.

Scotland and Wales also saw an upsurge in market share over the same period by almost 2%.
Overall, London and the South East still make up a significant proportion of the buy to let application market share, although the North West has grown since 2016.

Commenting on the report, Andrew Turner, chief executive at Commercial Trust Limited, said:

“From our latest Quarterly data, it is clear that property investment in London and the South East is very much alive and kicking – and if anything, growing.

“The report perhaps also reflects the effect of the introduction of the 3% stamp duty surcharge in April 2016, which of course would have been more keenly felt by investors in the more expensive properties found in this part of the country.

“London and the South East remain regions of high demand for rental property and a recent article from City AM indicated that property prices in the capital have continued to fall, perhaps creating something of a buyers’ market for investors.

“I think the data also reflects a regained sense of confidence in London and the South East, among landlords with capital to spend.

“Similarly, the North West continues to see significant infrastructure investment and projects like HS2 will have the potential to further enhance opportunities for economic development in the long term. This in turn may attract more businesses, creating jobs, migration and further rental demand, whilst at the same time potentially contributing to property price growth.”

Shared by: Andrew Pelis – Andrew.Pelis@Commercialtrust.co.uk

EAN Content

Content shared by this account is either news shared free by third parties or sponsored (paid for) content from third parties. Please be advised that links to third party websites are not endorsed by Estate Agent Networking - Please do your own research before committing to any third party business promoted on our website. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

You May Also Enjoy

Estate Agent Talk

Half of Brits would retrofit their property to make it more appealing to future buyers

The government is funding £13.2 billion in retrofitting properties Two-thirds (61%) of homeowners state that upfront cost is the biggest barrier to retrofitting Younger homeowners are more open to green improvements in their homes Over half of Brits think retrofitting would make their property more appealing to future buyers Over half  (59%) of homeowners would…
Read More
Breaking News

Buyers hit pause: Housing market records first annual fall in new sales in two years as more buyers adopt ‘wait and see’ strategy

House price growth has slowed over 2025, currently standing at 1.3 per cent which is broadly in line with the level a year ago Uncertainty over the November Budget has driven a growing ‘wait and see’ attitude amongst home buyers, leading to the first annual fall in new sales agreed in two years The usual…
Read More
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Rents hit new record as pace of new rental homes coming onto the market slows

The average advertised rent of homes outside of London rises again in Q3 2025 to a new record of £1,385 per calendar month (pcm). Average rents outside of London are now 3.1% higher than a year ago Average advertised rents in London also reach a new record of £2,736, however rents in the capital are…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

The ‘Rentvesting’ Strategy: Owning a Home Where You Can’t Afford to Live

Oh, the ever-evolving property market. Keeps us wondering: how will I keep my head above water? And this is how a war-like property strategist is born. One of these savvy strategies is called: rentvesting. This is the art of renting where you want to live and buying where it fits your wallet.  Getting your foot…
Read More
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Momentum gathers for retail investment as Bank Rate cut again

Demand to invest in retail property was up by 30% in Q3 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 The office market is also continuing to recover, with investment demand up by 31% over the same period, and leasing demand up by 7% Overall demand to invest in commercial property was up by 11%…
Read More
Breaking News

Surge in first-time buyers’ preference for cheaper homes subsides as market adjusts to April’s stamp duty changes

Proportion of first-time buyers purchasing properties under £300k decreased to 64.3 per cent in September, following a peak of 72.0 per cent in May after changes to stamp duty thresholds Detached and semi-detached homes now make up nearly two-thirds of non-first-time buyer purchases, as ‘second-steppers’ look for long-term security Spending on mortgage and rental payments…
Read More