Landlords continue to view buy-to-let as a good investment, with the number buying more rental properties jumping sharply over the past three months.

The proportion of ARLA members who believe landlords are increasing their net investment in the private rental sector has risen from 30% to 39% since April, despite a slight fall in the level of tenant demand.

The proportion of landlords selling investment properties has fallen from 15% in the previous quarter to 14% in the latest.

ARLA attributes these trends to rental property being perceived as an attractive and safe investment in an uncertain economic climate.

Tenant demand remains robust, but has weakened slightly, with 54% of ARLA members saying there are more tenants than properties on the market, a decrease from 57% seen in the first quarter.

Susan Fitz-Gibbon, director of specialist letting agents Fitz-Gibbon and President of ARLA, said:

“Our research shows that rental properties are still seen as a good investment option, despite the challenging economic climate. The slight slowing in tenant demand is worth noting, but the overall trend is still a continued appetite for rental homes.

“We would urge anyone planning to let out additional properties, or landlords looking at changing their portfolio, to do plenty of research and consult with experts.”