June 2, 2011 | Author

Author Julie Hanson

UK property prices remain on a downward curve – news which is likely to get a mixed reception from landlords with buy to let insurance.

Those looking to purchase more property to add to their portfolio may consider the latest statistics from Halifax to be an encouragement to get back into the market.

Others might fear that falling house prices will give people currently renting the impetus to buy.

The latest Halifax House Price Index revealed that house prices last month were 3.7% lower than in 2010 – as measured by the average for the three months to March against the same period a year earlier.

Halifax said that this represented the biggest annual fall since October 2009 (-4.7%);

Housing economist Martin Ellis said: “Weak confidence amongst households, partly due to uncertainty over the economic outlook, is constraining housing demand and resulting in some downward movement in prices.”

Looking from a landlord’s perspective, low property prices will stimulate buying – but only for those able to get mortgage finance.

As many people remain locked out of the mortgage market, business for landlords is likely to remain strong.

With this in mind, landlords should look after the properties that are currently looking after them so well by getting proper landlord insurance in place.

Advertorial feature