The majority of landlords intend to maintain their involvement in the buy-to-let sector over the long-term, research has revealed.

Alliance & Leicester said that 64 per cent of people who currently let a property plan to continue to do so, with just 21 per cent seeing their investment as a short-term arrangement.

Men are far more likely to be interested in adding to their portfolio than women, however, with 65 per cent planning to buy further properties in the next few years.

Stephen Leonard, director of mortgages at the firm, said: "It is encouraging to see landlords taking a measured, long-term approach to their buy-to-let investments."

"Releasing the equity built up in a rental property over a number of years could provide a crucial lump sum to cover future needs, like university fees, helping their children onto the property ladder, or even acting as an alternative pension pot."

The buy-to-let market continues to show signs of growth, with figures released by Hamptons Mortgages today revealing that demand for buy-to-let mortgages soared by 23 per cent in 2007.