» Read the full story

The latest statistics from the Land Registry have shown even more falls in average UK house prices, meaning many landlords' investments have decreased considerably – but that is nothing to be worried about.

The average house price is now just £156,753, down almost £28,000 on January 2008. That was a monthly house price fall of 0.8% on December' figures, proving that the downturn has not abated.

And for some investors this may mean a change of plan. If you were looking to sell your property, you could find yourself with a significant loss. And in these challenging times, no one can afford a loss.

But it's nothing to fear – house prices may continue to fall, but good landlords will still be making money on their properties now, and will certainly make money on the in the future. This year is not the year for quick profits by flipping properties, its a year of making the most of the buoyant rental market.

So talk to your mortgage broker about your long-term plans. Maybe it's time for a new mortgage rather than selling the property completely. With interest rate drops, that new mortgage might mean a saving of hundreds of pounds a month – and who would want to sell that investment?

House price drops are a concern, but only to those who are looking to sell now. Those with a long-term plan and long-term profit making potential should not even consider selling up.

SOURCE: Land Registry, 06/03/09

To keep up with the latest News and comment on the UK buy to let market visit the Buy to Let Mortgage Blog