UK landlords are doubling down on urban flats as potential buyers revert to city living amidst the return to office working. This is according to latest research from Shawbrook Bank.

The study found that over a quarter of UK landlords (28%) agreed that flats in cities were the best investment over the last 12months, and 26% believed they would continue to be so over the next year.

With recent data outlining the upward trend in office working, with a total of 43% of workers now returning to the office, landlords are identifying the investment opportunities of city properties.

Other notable investment opportunities Shawbrook highlight included semi-detached properties in cities (21%) and student accommodation (18%)

More widely, the number of landlords that agreed flats in cities were the best investment is even higher in areas such as London (30%), Scotland (39%), and Wales (28%).

Shawbrook Bank managing director of real estate Emma Cox says: “The end of ‘the flight to the countryside’ and resurgence of city living post-pandemic has not gone over landlords’ heads as investment in urban properties has gained strong momentum”.

She adds: “Whilst the property market still remains turbulent, with high interest rates and inflation impacting buyers, landlords are adapting their strategies to diversify and stay on par with changing trends. Now may also be the right time for professional landlords to partner with a specialist lender, to maximise opportunities available and future-proof businesses against any further market challenges.”