British nationals working abroad are being urged to consider a currency transfer so that they can invest in property in the UK.

According to Perran Cooke, mortgage consultant at estate agent Countywide, the UK market is ideal for those hoping to expand their buy-to-let portfolio.

He believes that first-time buyers will continue to find it hard getting a mortgage, but on the other hand the demand for rental property will be extremely high and will remain so for the forseeable future.

In recent months there has been a rise in people looking to rent out properties, especially in city centres.

Mr Cooke said: " The fixed rates are getting a lot longer, so you do find that it is more of a buyer's market for buy-to-lets at the moment.

However, people were advised not to jump straight into the rental sector without thinking. Advice from mortgage consultants is that thinking about the location of property will prove to be the best thing to do. Property needs to be in an area that is desirable to renters in order to maximise potential.