While there has been much talk of problems in the housing market, starting in the US and expected to move to the UK in due course, will this impact upon the buy to let market - the investment market for companies and individuals alike.

While there is an obvious threat of funding costs rising as pressure on the credit market continues, as well as the risk of property values falling, the buy to let market may just be able to hold out.  As the number of repossessions goes up, we will see more people looking for short term rented properties, which should allow rental income to stay relatively firm.  There are even those in the market who believe that those with buy to let properties at the moment will benefit from the general market turmoil.

However, perhaps one of the largest influences on the buy to let sector will be the price of homes in the UK, and the fact that many first time buyers are not able to grab hold of the ladder, never mind climb up the property ladder.  This has seen a major rush towards rented accommodation and “social housing”, both situations which the buy to let sector can benefit from.

In summary, no matter what happens in the UK property market over the coming months, years, etc, there will always be a need for homes.  Social housing is becoming ever more popular, but the demand for spaces is moving much quicker than the number of new builds.  This will at some stage play into the hands of the buy to let owners, with many people likely to look for short / medium term rental arrangements.