Research by Emerging Property found while buy-to-let owners in other areas are confident in the market, just 21% of North East landlords believe the market will continue to grow.

This compares to the most optimistic area, London, where 39% of landlords are positive about the future of the market. Those in the West Midlands area (38%) were also found to be expecting market growth in the future.

With changes to the pensions market having taken place, the research by stock picking services predicts more people will look to invest in property and the number of landlords will increase.

It claimed investment in student property was regarded as the preferred choice amongst the public, with one-in-eight looking to take advantage of this. Retirement property (10%) and holiday homes (9%) were also popular places to invest cash.

James Harrington, business development manager at Emerging Property, said: “In 2014, we witnessed record university intake levels in the UK, with numbers exceeding half a million for the first time. With existing supply gaps, this is resulting in high demand and positive rental growth, which ultimately leads to improved yields and enhanced security.

“This trend is set to continue, with legislation, both at the national and local level, encouraging increased university intake and exacerbating demand for purpose built accommodation.

“Not only are they operating within a market that delivers far greater yields than traditional buy-to-lets, but also, as the result of onsite property management and guaranteed returns, provide a hassle-free passive income, with zero costs and complete peace of mind.”