Property investors show clear optimism

It has been widely reported that this month's Homebuyer and Property Show in Birmingham staged a debate with the somewhat emotive title: "Is the UK buy-to-let sector facing its Armageddon?"

However, while the debate saw differing views from many experts, perhaps less attention has been given to the response of property professionals who attended the event.

Perhaps in an effort to rectify this and undoubtedly to emphasise the point, the editor of Property Investor News, Richard Bowser, has given an account which may greatly encourage those looking to invest in property.

Reviewing the event, he noted that 180 people were in the audience for the two-hour debate, of which 90 per cent were property professionals. He added: "We certainly had a frank and lively discussion this time as the panellists had some sharply conflicting views, whilst the audience certainly added to the quality of the debate by posing some very incisive questions."

The significance, Mr Bowser stated, came in the outcome. After all the ideas had been heard and contrary positions expressed, a show of hands revealed that 60 per cent of those property professionals were planning to buy more property in 2008, while the other 40 per cent were looking to keep hold of what they had. Nobody was looking to sell any of their portfolio off.

Mr Bowser commented: "In light of the sharp downturn in stock market values and the turmoil in the financial markets, this was a genuine vote of confidence from those who are directly investing in property and who clearly consider 2008 to be a year of investment opportunity."

Such sentiments may put in perspective the different view expressed in the debate, crystallising their impact. For example, when Neil Lewis, chief executive officer of international investor portal Property Secrets, said "You should stay away from making additional new investments into UK property for the next 12 months," this may well have influenced the 40 per cent who will maintain the status quo this year, while not prompting anyone to sell.

At the same time, the words of Ray Boulger, senior technical manager for independent mortgage brokers John Charcol, may have been influential in bolstering the confidence of those still looking to buy. He said: "If you can look at property in an unsentimental way & and not be tempted to bid up, then I think you can find some good deals this year."

Either way, the message that has come out of the debate and the reaction of investors to it is clear. Buy-to-let is certainly not facing doom, because it appears all of those in it now - if the show's audience was any guide - intend to be so in a year, while those looking to expand represent a majority. In the heat of debate, buy-to-let property seems to have emerged strongly.

In today's world Property investment is an excellent investment option especially investment in UK

Jim Barnaby is a real estate investment broker and successful property investment adviser delivering research and selected UK and overseas property investment solutions with experience in spanish properties, french property investment, German property, Cyprus holiday homes, Property in Cape Verde, German property investment, cape verde property buy to let property