Generational shift as millennials make up half of new buy-to-let investors in England and Wales

The average rent for a newly let home in Britain fell
by 0.3% in the year to September.
Photograph: Yui Mok/PA

Millennials now account for half of new buy-to-let investors in England and Wales, signalling a generational shift in landlords, while rents have dipped, according to a report.

It is a surprise finding, as many millennials – people born between 1981 and 1996 – have struggled to afford a housing purchase, which means they are less likely than older generations to own their home. Even so, some have clearly fared better, and millennials are leading the charge in buy-to-let investment, according to analysis of Companies House data by the estate agent Hamptons.

For the first time, millennials made up 50% of all new shareholders in buy-to-let companies set up so far this year. Five years ago, they made up 40% of buy-to-let shareholders.

By Julia Kollewe

Full story at Yahoo News