Buy to let 'may have boosted outlay on structural changes'

19 August 2009

Written by Michael Aglony

Recent figures from Sainsbury's Home Insurance suggest that the average amount of money to be spent on property structural changes in next 12 months will be nearly £5,000 higher than last year.

This is despite fewer homeowners planning on getting involved in such projects, which has prompted the director of the National Home Improvement Council, Andrew Leech, to speculate on the impact of buy-to-let landlords on that figure.

Sainsbury's research indicated that the average amount of money set to be put towards structural developments per household over the next year is £22,730, compared to £17,361 in 2008.

In response, Mr Leech said: "I wonder if this also includes private landlords who are doing extensions on the back of rented properties to get a bit more room and a bit more space so they can charge more rent."

Indeed, many landlords in the UK have been looking to find ways of boosting their income since the recession took hold, with rents dropping year-on-year and mortgage lenders less willing than in previous times to provide the relevant finance.

Why not take a look at our best Buy to Let mortgages and make an enquiry online now.