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Tens of thousands of investors have joined Britain’s biggest investment “club” in the hunt for cheap buy-to-let properties. Thousands are signing up to the “club” each month, and half already own a buy-to-let property Photo: keith morris / Alamy Britain’s biggest property investment “club” – it prefers to call itself a provider of specialist services to private property investors – has doubled its membership in 12 months. Assetz, founded by entrepreneur Stuart Law, said it now has 65,000 “live” investor members, up from 35,000 a year ago. Members register for free and then receive emails alerting them to potential property opportunities, which include, the firm claims, “highly discounted newbuild stock and resale buy-to-let properties, up to 50pc off 2007 prices” and offering “typically 8pc yields”. Thousands are signing up each month and half already own a buy-to-let and are looking to add to their holdings, Mr Law said. “They are cash-rich and ready to invest further.” This may sound reminiscent of the buy-to-let hysteria gripping Britain in 2006 and 2007 but Mr Law said it’s different – with today’s investors more focused on generating income, not quick capital growth. There is other evidence of growing landlord activity, such as increased lending and lettings agency business. HM Revenue & Customs is also upping its game to ensure tax is properly collected from the sector. Last week it announced a clampdown through which it will try to recover an estimated £500m per year of unpaid tax due on landlord’s rental income. HMRC believes up to 1.5million landlords may be failing to pay taxes due. Continue reading →