Buy-to-let investment falls to lowest level since 2007

But Hamptons believes 'the recovery in stock levels has peaked', which may put upward pressure on rents this year.

'Best-in-class stock is still moving quickly, but broadly there is much less urgency in the market,' says Savills.

Investors are shying away from buy-to-let, says Hamptons, reducing lettings supply and pushing up rental prices.