Landlords 'to double portfolios in five years'

Research conducted by Mortgage Trust claims landlords hope to increase their portfolios, from an average of 1.8 properties today, to 4 properties by 2012. Rising interest rates, and a further rise expected this year, have caused many to speculate that buy-to-let investors might feel the pinch and have to sell part of their portfolios. However, Mortgage Trust says that high demand for rental property among students and migrants has allowed landlords to increase rents to keep up with interest rates. The proportion of student tenants has risen from 7% to 15% since January this year and th...