UK buy to let market proves increasingly popular with foreign investors

Buy to let property in the UK has long been an attractive option for foreign investors, but the last twelve months has seen a significant surge in the market. There are now over 2 million overseas landlords making money from renting out their property portfolios in the UK, according to the latest research from chartered accountants UHY Hacker Young. The figure represents an increase of 6% over the last 12 months, and an increase of 39% since 2006/7.

A taxing situation

Although the UK government’s recent announcement that foreign landlords will have to pay capital gains tax on the sale of properties they own in the UK is being analysed carefully for its likely impact, the UK is still seen as a welcoming environment for overseas buy to let investors. The relative stability of the UK market, compared with that of many other countries, and the opportunity to invest in high quality new build properties have meant that the UK has rapidly become the go-to place for those looking to gain rental income from overseas.

City hotspots

Some of the most profitable new build developments attracting attention are city centre projects in areas undergoing urban regeneration. Bradford, with its new Westfield Shopping Centre, is the first choice of many investors, while Liverpool, where below market value properties are attracting above average rental yields, is also attracting considerable attention. Manchester is another key hotspot for buy to let landlords, with the ambitious 20 year NOMA urban regeneration project in the city centre set to create over 4 million square feet of retail, office, residential and hotel space.

The shortage of prime housing in these cities ensures that those investing in high quality new build developments can not only attract excellent rental incomes, but can also expect their property value to rise by somewhere between 4% and 7% during 2014.

What the experts say

Property Frontiers is known for being at the forefront of the UK buy to let market and Chief Executive Ray Withers is excited to be offering a number of carefully selected city centre options to investors. Ray comments,

“We already have two fantastic buy to let opportunities available in the UK, in the city hotspots of Bradford and Liverpool. The developments are attracting both UK and overseas investors looking to be part of this growing and dynamic market. Property Frontiers will be adding a Manchester development to its portfolio soon as well, so watch this space!”

If you would like to know more about Property Frontiers’ buy to let investment opportunities in the UK, please get in touch for the latest information.