By Tony Booth

As the mortgage market has become ever more competitive, there are now signs that providers are becoming more willing to include flats over shops within their mortgage range - making this avenue of investment easier to access and more lucrative for everyone.

Residential units above commercial outlets provide a valuable alternative to the more usual type of property for many people, particularly those wanting relatively inexpensive accommodation along popular thoroughfares or within town centres.

However, investing in this type of unit has always been difficult, because mortgage lenders have been reluctant to offer products that support such purchases.

The potential to access substantial tax advantages is one reason why investing in flats over shops has become a more popular speculation.