When we look at the current situation in Ireland and the lack of flexibility the country has in terms of reorganising their economy, it shows how relatively fortunate we are in the UK that we have not joined the Euro. The fact that the Bank of England firstly is independent, but more importantly can decide on interest rates has made a significant difference in the UK.

For the UK to have managed to get interest rates down to 0.5% and hold them here for 20 months and counting - with the expectation they will still be at this level in another 10 months - and being able to action the quantitative easing so quickly, allowing extra liquidity into the economy to the tune of £200 billion has undoubtedly saved us in the UK from a deeper recession.

Quantitative easing, is about getting further liquid funds into the economy, generally through the buying of government bonds by the Bank of England from financial institutions, such as banks, giving them fresh liquidity which then should result in more lending to businesses, and individuals.

Ireland on the other hand is now looking at getting bailed out by the EU - as it struggles to cope with huge debts, and trying to bail out in particular the Anglo Irish bank. An official investigation into Anglo Irish bank by PricewaterhouseCoopers revealed it had 15 customers who owe the bank more than €500m each, money that will never be recovered - incredible figures! Clearly there was a great deal of irresponsible lending in Ireland, but the lack of flexibility in monetary policy clearly has a major impact in trying to work their way out of the situation.

As previously mentioned in the UK, finance markets are slowly improving - with many new lenders entering the market, and existing lenders reducing their rates, both on fixed and tracker mortgages which is an excellent indication that they see interest rates staying low.

With buy to let properties available on 75% LTV finance giving over £150 a month positive cashflow this is a great time to be buying investment property.

For more information on our latest deals and opportunities - email us at info@property-investment-deals.com or call us on 0115 9853969.