Number of Landlords re-mortgaging for home improvements reaches record high according to Countrywide

April 17, 2018

The latest Countrywide plc Monthly Lettings Index report – March 2018 reveals that the number of landlords re-mortgaging to release money for home improvements has reached a record high.

In the last 12 months 9,523 landlords who re-mortgaged their buy-to-let withdrew money for home improvements, that figure is more than triple the number recorded  in 2016 (2,967) according to Countrywide.

The average cost of a new let reached £951 pcm in Great Britain in March 2018, 1.7% up on the same period last year.

Commenting Johnny Morris, Research Director at Countrywide, said:

“A record number of landlords are re-mortgaging to release money to spend on their properties instead of trading up.  The additional transaction costs incurred from the stamp duty changes for second-homeowners means more landlords are choosing to invest in their properties, refurbishing and improving them and holding on to them for longer to maximise gains.

“Average rents grew in seven out of eight regions across Great Britain, with Scotland being the only region to see falls.  Rental growth during the first quarter of this year stands at 2.1%, 0.5% faster than the same period in 2017, as low stock levels continue to drive growth.”

Read the latest Countrywide plc Monthly Lettings Index report – March 2018 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

Estate Agent Talk

How to Pick the Best Option for your Business’ Broadband

Having a dependable broadband connection is crucial for any business. Whether you run a small office or a larger company, a slow or unstable connection can disrupt work, affect communication, and reduce productivity. Picking the right broadband package does not have to be complicated, but it does require careful thought about your business’s specific needs…
Read More →
bank of england interest rate
Breaking News

Bank of England Hold’s Interest Rates at 4%

With the Bank of England holding Interest Rates at 4%, here are some thoughts from the Industry. Matt Smith, Rightmove’s mortgages expert: “Ahead of one of the most widely anticipated and discussed Autumn Budgets of recent times, it was unlikely the Bank would go for another interest rate cut so close to the announcement and…
Read More →
Breaking News

England’s south coast sees highest rent increase in UK

Southampton, Portsmouth and Worthing average rent prices rise by +8%, the highest rise in the UK Renters in Yorkshire get the most for their money with UK’s lowest average rents of £978 Landlords didn’t flock to sell up, amidst Renters’ Rights Act anticipation   A report released today from one of the UK’s leading estate…
Read More →
Breaking News

Fewer than 1 in 5 homebuyers find their perfect property

The latest research from Yopa has revealed that fewer than one in five homebuyers would describe the home they purchased as their “perfect property,” with outdoor space and overall size the most common compromises made during the buying process. The survey of recent homebuyers, commissioned by Yopa, found that 58% began their property search with…
Read More →
Breaking News

Average homebuyer travels 330 miles to find their ideal property

The latest research from The Property DriveBuy reveals that the average homebuyer travels 330 miles to find their ideal property when it comes to the distance between their current home and chosen location, as well as the miles clocked up in between viewings. The survey of UK homebuyers*, commissioned by The Property DriveBuy, found that,…
Read More →
Breaking News

Why first-time buyers should start the financial conversation early

Award-winning mortgage adviser, Alexander Hall, is encouraging the nation’s first-time buyers to open up about their finances this Talk Money Week, offering expert guidance on how to make these conversations more natural, productive, and stress-free. What is Talk Money Week? Talk Money Week is a national initiative created by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS)…
Read More →