Buy to let landlords 'holding on for long term'

A new survey of buy-to-let landlords has shown that most of them are keen to hold on to their investments for the long term.

The study by the Association of Residential Lettings Agents (Arla), covering the third quarter of 2008, has found that less than one in four landlords are planning to sell up their holdings.

At the same time, Arla found that those keeping their assets intend to do so for an average of 16 years, with a quarter looking to extend the time of their investment to over 20 years.

Such figures may suggest that most investors are focused on an extended period of time and are not about to change tack because of the current economic situation.

This view was expressed by Arla's head of operations Ian Potter, who said: "The average investor is cautious, mature and aims to support the private rented sector for the long term by looking for the right property in the right market."

Commenting on the report, head of communications at the National Landlords Association Simon Gordon said "research" was the "key" to successful investment in buy-to-let.