Affordability issues have and still do contribute to the strong home rental conditions that we are seeing are the moment.

According to the latest figures released by the National Association of Estate Agents, demand for rental property continues.  The increase in Eastern European immigration, good employement conditions and the demand from those who cannot afford to buy ther first home has contributed to a thrivingrental market during Quarter 1 of 2007.

Despite the increase in in the number of buy-to-let investors and properties available, landlords have been very succesful in achieving the desired rental yields.

With affordability still a major issue for first time home buyers looking to get onto the property market, many professionals are being forced to stay in rented accomodation for longer and are now starting to pay higher premiums in order to enjoy better standards of living.

Chargeable rents rose in the first quarter of 2007, up an average 1.77%.  However, the interest rates rises in November 06 and January 07 are likely to have had an effect on the rental value as landlords increase their rent to cover additional outgoings.