Property experts are calling on landlords to step up and save the UK from the critical lack of housing that currently blights the public housing sector.

The British Property Federation says it is down to landlords to save the nation from homelessness – it says the "massive gulf" between social housing and private ownership is huge and can only be filled by a successful, vibrant private rented sector. Essentially, not enough people can afford their own home but at the same time there are not enough homes provided by the Government for all the people on this little island.

Ian Fletcher, director of policy for the BPF, says: "The private rented sector has gained more attention in housing circles – it's the only way of satisfying housing need for the foreseeable future. We need to redouble our efforts to emphasise this is not just about quality renting, but about delivering the housing supply the country needs.

"The events of the past 18 months have illustrated more than any policy document why we need a quality, thriving private rented sector. The flexibility the sector provides for those who found themselves in mortgage difficulty, or having to move to find new work, or getting a better home for their family than they can afford to buy has been absolutely crucial to the well-being of our people and our economy."

There is a lot of scope for landlords to be successful in this environment – people are crying out for a roof over their heads that they can afford. So if you can engineer it so as your property is affordable to them and profitable to you, you will be sure of bountiful dividends for your property investment this year.

Andrew Cunningham, chief executive of Grainger, the UK's largest listed landlord, says: "It is now painfully apparent that with new house build levels well below 100,000 units for 2009, the government's ambitious 2020 target of three million homes is unachievable. The private rented sector has been a subject on which we have campaigned for some time and it appears that 2010 could be the year that the rhetoric might finally become a reality."

SOURCE: Grainger, BPF, 27/01/10

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Investment mortgage laws will affect just how well your investment does, so every buy to let landlord should pay attention to the appropriate legislation. There are laws to govern all aspects of your buy to let investment. For example you might need to be part of an assured shorthold tenancy scheme so that tenants know that their deposits are safe. If you are renting to students, then you will need to be aware of investment mortgage laws relating to houses in multiple occupancy. Paying attention to the laws that apply will ensure that you make a success of your property investment.

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Property investment can be a risky business and you will want to make sure you can repay your investment property mortgage loan. Here are some tips to make sure you can do just that. For example, a fixed rate investment property mortgage loan may allow you to keep your payments under control so that you know exactly what you will repay on your buy to let mortgage during a certain period. If you use a letting agent, then you can be sure that you will pick the right kind of property and will be able to let it out most of the time.

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