Landlords are investing in urban flats as prospective buyers revert to city living amid the return to office working, according to latest research from Shawbrook Bank.
More than a quarter of landlords (28%) agreed that flats in cities were the best investment over the past 12 months, and 26% believed they would continue to be so in the next 12 months.
With recent data outlining the upward trend in office working, and 43% of workers now returning to the office, landlords identified the investment opportunities of city properties.
Other notable investment opportunities included semi-detached properties in cities (21%) and student accommodation (18%).
The number of landlords that agreed that flats in cities were the best investment was even higher in London (30%), Scotland (39%), and Wales (28%).
Emma Cox, managing director of real estate at Shawbrook Bank, said: “The end of ‘the flight to the countryside’ and resurgence of city living post-pandemic has not gone over landlords’ heads as investment in urban properties has gained strong momentum.
“Whilst the property market still remains turbulent, with high interest rates and inflation impacting buyers, landlords are adapting their strategies to diversify and stay on par with changing trends.
“Now may also be the right time for professional landlords to partner with a specialist lender, to maximise opportunities available and future-proof businesses against any further market challenges.”
