Commenting on the latest research on the buy-to-let market from the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA), Chris Norris, policy manager, NLA, said: "The reported 11% increase in average portfolio size, from 6.3 to 7 properties, is good news for the private-rented sector and, crucially, means that more homes are being made available. This upturn demonstrates the resilience, and counter-cyclical nature of private-renting that the NLA has long recognised.
"Our members have been reporting for some time that market conditions are improving, and experienced landlords are very keen to make new acquisitions. Unfortunately, many have been prevented from expanding their lettings businesses by the lack of available finance in the mortgage market. This should be a major focus for Government at the moment."
