Julie says: “Landlords are benefiting from the current economic climate which is helping them to buy properties at very reasonable prices with an almost guaranteed solid rental income. We have therefore seen a marked increase in the numbers of properties landlords are purchasing as well as a growing number of ‘accidental landlords’ entering the market for the first time.

“Accidental landlords are those that in the first instance may have been unable to sell their home, but have come to realise the benefits of being a landlord investor and gone onto build up a solid buy-to-let portfolio.”

These landlords are now making a significant contribution to the growth of the Private Rented Sector (PRS) which currently accounts for 19% of all UK residential housing stock and is predicted to increase to 20% by 2020.  

Julie says: “What both accidental landlords and seasoned landlords need to remember is there is always a risk of void periods or tenants defaulting on their rent so it’s essential that they use a professional agent to help maintain cash-flow as well as ensuring all the legal requirements are met. This will help to provide both a secure income and the prospect of long-term capital appreciation during a period when alternative cash investment yields are either very low or non-existent when inflation and taxation are taken into account.”

Dacre Son & Hartley’s lettings division currently manages one of Yorkshire's largest rental portfolios and has seen the number of properties it manages increase by almost 10 per cent over the last 12 months alone.

For further information on the company's lettings department call Julie Craven on 01943 600655

or email jcr@dacres.co.uk.  Alternatively for investor information call David Phillip on 01943 463321 or email jdp@dacres.co.uk.