Miller Homes East Midlands has predicted that 2012 will be the year of the investor.

The builder, which has a portfolio of developments across the region, is expecting a second buy-to-let boom as rental values in many areas reach an historic high.

Paul Walters, regional sales manager for Miller Homes East Midlands, said: "According to recent data from the LSL Property Services Buy-to-Let Index, the average rent in England and Wales has never been higher.

"Demand for quality rental properties is continuing to soar and anecdotal evidence suggests there is fierce competition among tenants to secure a home – particularly in prime locations.

"We have begun to see a marked increase in the number of landlords looking to capitalise on the current situation and we expect this upward trend to continue throughout 2012.

"Recent research from specialist buy-to-let lender, Paragon Mortgages, backs this up.

"Its findings suggest more than 22 per cent of landlords expect to buy additional properties this year, while just eight per cent are considering reducing their stock.

"Today's first-time buyers face many challenges. Many believe they face the prospect of years of saving for a deposit.

"While builders, including Miller Homes, and the Government are working hard to make home ownership more accessible, with schemes such as FirstBuy, there is still a widespread and often incorrect perception that a home of their own is not achievable.

"As a result, many are turning to renting as a long-term solution.

"Taking the economic situation into consideration and the fact that the UK is experiencing the worst housing shortage since the Second World War, conditions are looking favourable for savvy investors.

"Low returns on savings and record low interest rates also make property look an increasingly attractive investment proposition."

Potential investment opportunities include the three-bedroom Auden-style townhouse at the Lakeside Country Park development in Hamilton, Leicester.

With prices starting at £194,950, the spacious property includes a master bedroom with dressing area and en suite shower room, and a separate study.

For information on Miller Homes' East Midlands portfolio go to:

www.millerhomes.co.uk.

For further details on Lakeside Country Park, call 0800 840 8637 or visit the development, which is open daily 10am to 5pm.