Over two fifths of UK property investors rely on trade press to inform decisions

By Bridging Loan Directory 18th March 2024

More than two in five UK property investors say they rely on the property and finance trade press to inform their investment decisions, new research from Market Financial Solutions (MFS) has revealed.

The specialist lender commissioned an independent survey of 2,000 UK adults, finding that 16% hold property investments, ranging from buy-to-let and second homes to holiday homes and commercial units.

Among those with property investments, 55% of respondents revealed that they have become more diligent in assessing risk before making investment decisions in the past two years.

Over half (57%) say that macroeconomic factors (such as interest rates and inflation) significantly influence their property investment decisions at present, while 55% place a high importance on house and rental price forecasts when considering changes to their portfolios.

To help them guide their investment decisions, 46% said that they seek out news, analysis and opinion on specialist property and finance websites.

Over a third (35%) rely on an intermediary (IFA, wealth manager, broker or advisor) to inform their strategies.

Despite this, two fifths (43%) of property investors said they find it challenging to remain up to date on property market news and trends.

Paresh Raja, CEO of Market Financial Solutions, said:

“The past two years – defined by high inflation, rising interest rates and house price stagnation – have clearly prompted property investors to become more diligent in assessing risk.

Here, our research underscores the important role the trade press plays.

More investors look to news and analysis in specialist property and finance publications to inform their decisions than rely on advisors or brokers.

Undoubtedly, it’s more important than ever that lenders and brokers double down on their commitment to providing insightful and engaging content – on their own platforms and in the trade press – to help investors navigate the various challenges they face.

With the economic climate still testing, and a general election approaching, this will certainly prove highly valuable in the next 12 months.”