Rental increases spur on buy-to-let investors in South East

According to a recent RICS residential lettings survey, rental yields in the South East of England have seen a sharp increase since 2007,* and this is tempting new investors to become buy-to-let property owners.

Robert Coppen, 40, is testament to this as he has recently bought a two bedroom buy-to-let apartment at The Fishing Village, a Countryside Maritime development on St Mary's Island, Chatham Maritime, in Kent.

Robert Coppen comments: "When I first visited The Fishing Village at St Mary's Island, I immediately knew it would be a great long term investment opportunity. The apartments are light and spacious and the riverside location is excellent. What attracted me most to the apartment I bought were the large cathedral style windows in the lounge and master bedroom, designed to ensure that you get the most out of the beautiful views across the marina and the Medway estuary.

Robert continues: "I have rented the apartment out but I can envisage myself using it as a 'getaway' in the future. I was slightly nervous about buying a property in the current market, but the quality and location of The Fishing Village makes it too good an opportunity to miss out on. The figures stack up on rental returns and I strongly believe that the capital investment potential for anyone who buys here is good."

Malin House is an integral part of The Fishing Village and comprises of large one and two bedroom apartments styled on a traditional Kentish fishing village. Exteriors feature striking yellow, turquoise and blue timber cladding, oatmeal coloured brickwork, varying roof elevations, grey slate roof tiles and most of the apartments have balconies with views over the River Medway.

Interiors are light and spacious and include large windows, a fully fitted kitchen with a stainless steel hob, oven, integrated extractor hood, integrated fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washer/dryer. Bathrooms offer sleek modern sanitaryware with chrome fixtures and fittings.

St Mary's Island is located off the A289 and is approximately one mile north of Chatham town centre. The M25 and A2 are also easily accessible. There are frequent train services to London Victoria from Chatham with a journey time of approximately 44** minutes.

Prices at The Fishing Village start at £140,000 for a one bedroom apartment. For further information on The Fishing Village visit Thefishingvillage.net.

* RICS residential lettings survey 2008
** Nationalrail.com