Despite daily headlines predicting nothing but doom and gloom for the property sector, there is still ample opportunity for the canny investor according to Mike Goddard, Chief Executive of Belvoir, one of the UK's leading lettings specialists.

"Without a shadow of a doubt, property remains an excellent long term investment and we are seeing experienced investors step up a gear as they take advantage of current market conditions and invest in buy to let properties," said Mr Goddard.

Would be investors should not allow the flurry of negative headlines to cloud either their judgement or indeed the truth, he claimed.

"The lettings market stands on its own merit and, rather than stagnate or indeed slump as some pundits are predicting for the sales sector, the rental sector will enjoy good growth not just over the next twelve months but also for many years to come."

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As predicted by Belvoir at the beginning of 2007, demand for rental property continues to rise across the country and the wise investor is still cashing in on this demand by doing their homework.

Rather than viewing the property market as one large entity, Mr Goddard believes the UK is made up of at least 30 different markets and, within each of these, there are further micro markets which are being driven by local demand.

"Conditions in the residential sales sector are certainly more challenging than in recent years but there are still plenty of investors buying properties on a buy to let bases," he said. "The canny investor is, indeed, rubbing his hands together at present, as there has never been a better time to invest in buy to let if you get it right.

Mr Goddard concluded: "Everyone thinks the property market is all about 'location, location, location' and while the area where you invest is important, I would argue that 'management, management, management' should be a buy to let investor’s mantra.

"Any investment must be protected. No-one wants to fall victim to a tenant who fails to pay rent, an empty property yielding no income and or indeed a property which has been destroyed by a rogue tenant, yet these scenarios are all too common among investors who attempt to manage their own properties."

(JM)