I’m sure we’re all glad to see the back of 2020 but there’s no getting away from the tough start ahead of us in 2021.

Although, I refuse to be too downbeat. So, let me take this opportunity to wish you all a happy New Year and try to inject a little optimism.

The fact is we are all better placed, practically and hopefully mentally, to deal with some short-term hardships and we have to keep reminding ourselves that there is certainly plenty of light at the end of the tunnel.

Technology has supported many of us over the course of the past nine months and we must continue to embrace its benefits in 2021 and beyond. It has proved itself to be a great tool for landlords in terms of helping them to better manage portfolios, optimise yields and for educational purposes. These will range from the ending of the stamp duty holiday to changes in the right to rent. From surcharges for overseas investors through to some uncertainty over whether the capital gains tax (CGT) system will be reviewed.

The effects of Covid-19 continue to influence how landlords can tackle potential evictions and with the Renters’ Reform Bill having been delayed for an indefinite period, there has been some talk that this could be revisited in 2021.

It’s certainly not all bad news though. The sheer number of landlords looking to add to their portfolios over the back end of last year was huge. Many BTL lenders continue to report record volumes and while these activity levels may slow a little in Q1 2021, there will be plenty of opportunities for landlords to capitalise on a highly competitive purchase and remortgage market.

The value attached to good, professional advice will also continue to rise and with the BTL market set to become even more complex for an array of landlords we remain open for business and ready to help you support and satisfy all of your clients’ ever-changing demands.