Welcome to “Landlords’ Barometer #18”, a round-up of trending topics in the private rented sector from landlord community PropertyTribes.com

Here is this week’s selection of our wide-ranging topics:

1. I’ve been featured in the Daily Mail in an article about buy-to-let

Find out why I was not a happy bunny!

It felt good to give my version of the interview and get across the points I felt needed to be expressed …

2. Can an estate agent force me to use their mortgage broker?

A Property Tribes member was concerned that they were being forced to use an estate agent’s mortgage broker in order for their offer to be considered.

Eye contributor, property lawyer David Smith, gave his professional input.

3. One man band landlords could “go the way of the corner shop” if institutional investors get involved in the PRS

Recent high levels of investment from institutional investors might mean small landlords have to raise their game and may even see them becoming an endangered species!

4. Outlook for the property market for the next five years – PRS to become more “dominant”

The Office for National Statistics estimates the UK population will grow from a current 64.8m to 67.2m by 2020; with national housing predictions suggesting the current number of households will increase by 1,327,000 households in the next five years. The PRS is predicted to play an increasingly important role.

5. “Cut immigration to solve housing crisis” says Migration Watch boss

The remarks come after official figures revealed that the UK population will overtake Germany’s in the next 45 years because of the huge number of immigrants expected to have children.

6. Kids grown up, almost mortgage free, now what?

This interesting discussion must be one that is had in many homes up and down the country as people look to secure their financial future.

Finally, I will end with the thought that it’s never too late to start a business or new venture!

Did you know that Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald’s, did not start his business until he was 52 years old!