33% of investors are planning to increase their property portfolios, while 50% plan no changes in 2018, according to a poll from bridging finance lender mtf.

No one questioned planned to reduce their exposure to the UK property market.

Of the 33% looking to expand their portfolios, 60% are looking to buy in the South East, compared to 20% that said they were looking to buy in London, as investors look to diversifying their portfolios geographically to broaden outside of the more expensive Capital.

However, 40% of respondents don’t think conditions for landlords and property investors will improve in 2018.

When asked what had been the biggest challenge for landlords and property investors last year, 43% cited an additional stamp duty charge of 3% when buying an investment property.

Economic uncertainty was the second biggest challenge at 21%, followed by new affordability rules at 16%. Some 15% said accessing funding was the biggest challenge while only 5% cited the stripping back of tax relief.

During 2017, some 45% of those questioned bought residential properties as investments compared to 21% buying foreign properties. 11% bought commercial properties as investments.

Tomer Aboody, director of mtf said: “While there is continuing uncertainty, particularly over how the Brexit negotiations will unfold, UK property investors remain resilient. The fact that property professionals have continued to invest in the UK, despite the uncertainty and numerous challenges, bodes well for the future of the market. Bridging finance is there as a tool to help investors fulfil their requirements when looking to purchase properties quickly and increase their portfolios.”