UK property investors have said that they are "optimistic" for the year ahead, even in the face of economic and regulatory challenges, Market Financial Solutions (MFS) has found.

Research by the specialist lender, which conducted a survey of 2,000 UK adults, revealed that 16% hold property developments, including buy-to-let (BTL) properties, holiday homes and commercial units.

Of those with investments in property, over half (53%) said they are confident for the future of their investments, while just 14% are pessimistic.

However, investors have acknowledged that challenges remain. Less than two in five (38%) believe that it will be easier to manage their properties this year compared to 2023.

Over half (56%) stated that they are worried about the UK economy entering a recession, which was confirmed earlier this month.

Meanwhile, of the investors who own BTL properties, 63% said they are worried about the amount and complexity of regulation, with 56% saying that increasing regulation is deterring them from investing more in BTL properties.

Chief executive officer at MFS, Paresh Raja, said: "First and foremost, it’s notable that one in six UK adults holds some form of property investment, underlining the lasting appeal of bricks and mortar among retail and sophisticated investors alike. What’s more, we can clearly see that optimism far outweighs pessimism among property investors at present.

"Quite rightly, though, investors are evidently mindful of the challenges impacting their property portfolios. Concerns over the now-confirmed onset of a recession loom large, while escalating regulation – particularly in the BTL space – is another concern.

"It will be intriguing to see how the upcoming general election either eases or exacerbates these worries. As a lender, we know that people dislike uncertainty. So, greater clarity around the state of the economy and the future direction of housing and investment policy would undoubtedly help people better manage their investment strategies in the short, medium and long-term."

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