New homes “make great buy-to-let investments”

More landlords should consider buying "hassle free" new build homes which are instantly ready for occupancy upon completion makng them ideal buy-to-let investments, according to north-London based estate agency Robert Anthony.

Adam Feather, the company's managing director, says that new homes are a "landlords dream" because they do not require any modifications and are immediately ready to let out to tenants.

"We have been inundated with tenant enquiries all year, but among the most popular homes are new build properties, because they are contemporary and often consist of energy efficient features, saving tenants money on utility bills, particularly during the cold winter months," said Feather.

He added: "As long as the figures stack up as far as the purchase price and rental return are concerned, I would urge landlords to consider adding a hassle free new home to their portfolio."

A recent report by Paragon Mortgages shows that landlords are feeling increasingly positive about the prospects for the private rented sector (PRS) in 2012 and are looking to invest in their portfolios in the coming months, with 22% of existing landlords looking to purchase additional properties in the next 12 months.

The research also highlighted that landlords are more positive about being a landlord, with 77% agreeing to this statement and 57% rating the prospects for the PRS in the next 12 months as very good or good.

Responding to the research findings, John Heron, Paragon Mortgages Managing Director, said: "This is an interesting time for the PRS as landlords are experiencing very high levels of tenant demand as other areas of the housing market come under increasing strain.

"Looking at the year ahead, I am pleased to see that landlords are expecting to add to their portfolios as there is no sign that tenant demand is going to slow in 2012."