UK is a top global buy-to-let location

Tuesday, 03, Apr 2007 03:26

The UK is one of the best places to invest in a buy-to-let property in the global housing market, a new study reveals.

Overseas property investors are being advised the UK is the second-best place to invest based on buying costs, rental yields and capital growth, the latest research from Assetz shows.

The property investment group calculates Poland is firmly at the top of the table, with a 165 per cent return in cash investment, followed by the UK (63 per cent), Bulgaria (54 per cent), France (51 per cent) and Turkey (45 per cent).

"This latest research suggests that many investors will be keeping their money closer to home in 2007, benefiting from continued strong and sustainable housing market growth in the UK," Assetz noted.

"The six major UK house price indices show an average of 9.8 per cent annualised growth for the twelve months to February 2007, primarily as a result of the continued imbalance between supply and demand.

"The UK remains a low risk investment destination. Despite recent interest rate rises, purchasing costs remain low and the prospect of avoiding management costs through self-management, which is attractive to investors and not generally possible for overseas properties."

Stuart Law, Assetz managing director added: "As first-time buyers are increasingly priced out of the market demand for rental properties is likely to rise, providing a strong basis for buy to let investment.

"The overall shortage of homes is set to drive house prices in the UK up by eight to ten per cent in 2007 and 2008, encouraging investors to take a long-term view and benefit from strong capital gains despite historically low yields."