This is despite the fact that 52% of buy to let property investors believe interest rates will rise next year, the report from specialist buy to let business Platinum Property Partners also shows.
While the majority expect an increase, overall 42% believe interest rates will rise by less than 2% and only 10% expect to see interest rates rise by 2% or more. However, 29% cited a rise in interest rates as their biggest concern for 2015.
An interest rate rise of any size would make buy to let borrowing more expensive, this hasn’t slowed down landlords’ ambitions as 43% of existing landlords intend to grow their portfolio of rental properties next year.
Some 23% intend to expand their portfolio by one and 14% say they will purchase two more rental properties in the next 12 months.
Landlords owning Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) for young professionals and key workers have some of the biggest ambitions for 2015 with 52% planning to add to their portfolio during 2015, 29% planning to add two properties and 14% will add three.
The survey also found that landlords still feel confident about capital growth despite recent reports that the housing market is slowing. While the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) point to a dip in mortgage lending as evidence that there has been a ‘plateau’ in housing market activity, landlords are confident that house price growth will continue during the course of the next five years.
Just under half, 49%, expect UK property values to climb by up to 10% over this period, while a further 28% of investors predict an increase of 10% or more.
HMO landlords have an even more positive outlook for capital growth with 43% saying property prices will increase by 10% or more, some 15% more than the overall average. None of the HMO landlords surveyed expect house prices to decrease in the next five years.
However, UK buy to let investors have some concerns about what 2015 may bring. When asked for their number one concern, an increase in interest rates topped the poll at 29%, closely followed by future changes in laws and legislations for landlords at 26%. A further 9% are most concerned about the impact of a change of government ahead of the general election and 20% have absolutely no current concerns.
‘A rise in interest rates is one of landlords’ main concerns for 2015, yet the majority don’t anticipate that these rises will be dramatic or unaffordable. As a result, our research reveals that the sector will continue to grow next year, with two in five planning to add to their portfolio despite a likely interest rate rise,’ said Steve Bolton, PPP chairman.
‘Investors in HMOs show the greatest intention to increase their portfolios, which reflects the fact that HMOs and renting to working tenants such as young professionals delivers extremely attractive returns, and offers higher rental income compared to other buy to let options if done properly. This has cultivated robust confidence among those already reaping the fruits of this type of investment, and has sown the seeds for ambitious expansion in the sector next year,’ he pointed out.
He believes this is great news for the long term health and prosperity of the sector, as thousands of ambitious young professionals at the beating heart of economy depend on the flexibility of rental accommodation to follow the best job opportunities. However, they also require more choice of high quality yet affordable homes to help them save for a deposit should they wish to buy in the future.
‘Naturally, as an investor you can never guarantee the level of your return, and even seasoned landlords need to do their homework and seek expert advice before making another investment to maximise their profit potential,’ he added.