Would-be property investors have an opportunity to make a good income next year, it has been suggested.

David Austin, managing director of investment consultancy Property for Life, predicted that 2008 would see continued interested in rental properties, allowing those who wish to enter the buy-to-let market to reap the rewards.

"Demand for properties will be as strong as ever, buoyed by the growing demand from students, immigrants and those who prefer to rent as a lifestyle choice," he said.

"Rental yields will improve as a result of strong growth in rental values."

Towns which offer particularly good investment opportunities include Reading, Swindon, Bristol, Southampton and Middlesborough.

"The development and regeneration in these areas and the jobs and opportunities they are creating will draw people inwards, providing some extremely lucrative prospects for the buy-to-let investor," Mr Austin explained.

In a further boost for the sector buy-to-let lender Mortgage Trust today revealed that more businesses are opting to let properties for their staff members, providing a large pool of potential tenants.