Arguments over the impact of buy to let on the affordability and availability of properties for owner occupiers will be fuelled by the findings of a London lettings agent that the number of BTL investors has surged eight per cent in just one year.
Agency ludlowthompson says the total number of buy-to-let investors in the UK is 1.63m, up from 1.51m a year ago.
It also claims the net income of these investors reached £13.1 billion in 2012/13 - the latest figure available - which is also eight per cent higher than the £12.1 billion net income in 2011/12.
ludlowthompson says five to six per cent yields remain achievable in some parts of London in addition to the well-documented high levels of capital appreciation.
Stephen Ludlow, the agency's chairman, says recent regulatory changes to the mortgage market are making it harder for potential first time buyers to acquire loans - meaning that they stay in the rental market for longer.
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