Originally Posted by sqftmag

Am I the only person who throws things at the TV when doom merchants rant on about a falling property market? As I and other investor friends see it, 2008 could be our year.

The future for us landlords could be surprisingly positive. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors recently reported record growth in the demand for rental property, and the National Landlords Association claims one in four landlords are feeling so confident they are planning to grow their property portfolio significantly over the next five years.

Whether you're an experienced landlord with a large property portfolio or an amateur investor poised to dive into buy-to-let property, next year looks to be an interesting year.

The downside could be:

• Increased mortgage costs following five interest rate rises
• Predictions that house prices will flatten out or fall, reducing the likelihood of significant capital growth
• Fewer transactions in a weaker property market.

Yet, on the upside you have:

• The chance to capitalise in a buyer's market where repossessions are set to rise
• A predicted 10% increase in rental demand,
• A growing pool of immigrant tenants and first-time buyers who cannot afford to buy or who prefer not to do so in an uncertain market
• A further drop in interest rates on the horizon.

What's your view?