The survey showed that 53 per cent of intermediaries think pension reforms will bolster buy-to-let business by up to 20 per cent while a significant 37 per cent believe the changes will result in an uplift of more than 20 per cent.
The figures suggest there will be an increased appetite for investment when the changes are implemented in April 2006 with 68 per cent of brokers stating they are planning to actively promote the ability to hold buy-to-let property in a SIPP to their clients.
84 per cent are in agreement that the government has left publishing the final SIPPs rules too late, a result which could lead to confusion among their clients.
Nicola Severn, marketing manager at Mortgage Trust, said: “Overall confidence in buy-to-let remains high and there is little suggestion of a downturn in business.
“Intermediaries are looking forward to the introduction of residential property into SIPPs and are crying out for more details from the government so they can plan their strategies.”
Andy Frankish, managing director at Mortgage Talk, believes the reforms are only likely to be appropriate for those clients who have significant funds already in their pension schemes.
He said: “The changes present a significant opportunity but more education and information on the scheme is greatly needed.”
Ian Nie of Lief Financial Services commented: “Many investors still believe they will be able to just transfer existing properties without using a pension fund to provide the deposits.”
