The rate at which house prices are falling has slowed significantly in June according to the latest report from the Nationwide Building Society.

As first-time buyers struggle to get on the housing ladder and homeowners get cold feet about investing, landlords believe there will be a surge in demand for rental property.

As consumers are losing confidence in the housing market, latest research reveals that buy-to-let investors are committed and realistic about the amount of time they will have to hold onto a property for.

In an increasingly competitive environment it is important that landlords "know their market" to attract the most suitable tenant for their property.

Homeowners concerned about being trapped in a stagnant housing market should consider adding extra space to their property to add value and attract buyers.

As buy-to-let investors find the market getting more competitive, the National Landlords Association (NLA) has suggested that having a modern bathroom and kitchen can attract tenants.