A National  Body representing Letting Agents states that from their research they are finding that despite the media coverage given to "accidental landlords" that they nowhere as common as reported.

In their research they found that only 13% of residential letting agents had seen a rise of properties being rented out because they could not be sold. 

The quarterly report highlighted the fact that the majority of landlords are long term investors and that 40% invested in buy-to-let for their "golden years".

This is in stark contrast to the situation in 2009 when 94% of agents reported increases in numbers of "accidental landlords" due to the economic crisis.

 

Managing director of the Association Ian Potter said: "The resurgence of property prices and buyer demand in many areas is reducing the number of so-called accidental landlords.

"Despite the reduction of landlords in this situation, wider investment in rental properties remains strong across the market. The shape of the private rented sector is changing once again, with long-term landlords returning to the fore."