Landlords still have 'plenty of opportunities’ despite interest rates expected to remain on hold this week, a specialist lender has suggested.

The Bank of England is scheduled to announce whether it will cut the Bank Rate on Thursday.

The Bank rate currently stands at 4.5%, while the average rate on a two-year buy-to-let fixed rate mortgage stands at 5.4%.

The Bank Rate is expected to remain at its current level, after being cut last month from its previous level of 4.75%.

The Bank began raising interest rates at the end of 2021 to help reduce inflation.

Inflationary pressures have eased and the Bank has significantly cut rates from a recent highs of 5.25% during the summer of 2023.

Future interest rate cuts

The Bank has said that if those pressures continue to ease, it should be able to “reduce interest rates further over time”.

However, no further cuts are expected this week amid a backdrop of global events, including trade wars.

What does this mean for landlords?

Despite the prospect of no further cuts in the Bank Rate, there are still plenty of opportunities for landlords, according to specialist lender Together.

Tanya Elmaz, of Together, said: “March saw a rise of 1.1% in asking house prices, which may signal increased buyer demand to complete ahead of the deadline for stamp duty hikes on April 1.

“The Bank of England cut its base rate to 4.5% in February and is expected to hold at the current rate at Thursday’s meeting, with lower rates than a year ago first time buyers and home movers are offered improved positivity

“While interest rates are expected to fall further this year, inflation remains volatile, meaning mortgage rates could remain higher for longer, which could delay some buyers getting onto or stepping up the housing ladder. There is also the consideration of current global events such as tariffs and the threat of trade wars, which will have a negative impact on the market.

“That said, there are plenty of opportunities out there, whether for aspiring homebuyers or landlords looking to invest. Those keen to seize an opportunity and move forward with their property plans are best to consider the wide range of financial products available.”

Rightmove revealed that the average price of a property coming to market for sale this month increased by 1.1% - the equivalent of £3,876 - to £371,870.

Meanwhile, figures from financial group Moneyfacts reveals that the average rate on a two-year buy-to-let fixed rate deal stands at 5.4%.

Last month, it also revealed that buy-to-let product availability stands at a record high of 3,560 deals, the highest level since records began in 2011.