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Landlords are still going to have an important part to play in the UK over the coming months and years as experts predict massive demand for homes.

Recent statistics from the Government revealed that housing completions rose to 39,320 in the last three months – the highest level since the first three months of 2008 and above the average quarterly completions rate of 37,300. But this still isn't enough – the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors says this still suggests an annualised rate of completions of only 160,000 – not enough to cater to demand.

Brigid O'Leary, senior economist for RICS says: "Completions may fall back again in coming months, reflecting the recent low levels of housing starts. This is well below the 240,000 annual increase in the housing stock that experts estimates is required to keep pace with demand over the next two decades."

Also, the Government revealed that there has been a huge increase in the number of Registered Social Landlords, rising by 34% between the end of March and the end of July 2009, taking them to the highest level since 1997.

O'Leary adds: "That suggests that the increased funding for social landlords, provided by the Government, is indeed having a significant impact on building activity."

So there is a lot of opportunity for landlords, both public and private. But only with the right property and the right finance can a landlord take advantage of what's out there. Talk to a professional buy-to-let mortgage adviser about what you need to do in 2009 to take advantage of the housing and mortgage drought. There are millions of Brits who need rental properties, so don't delay – make best of the situation while you can.

SOURCE: DCLG, RICS, 21/08/09

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