The housing market is currently giving off confused messages, with some areas reporting increased prices, whilst others appear to be suffering from a surplus of properties and a relative dearth of prospective purchasers.

The two-year stamp duty holiday up to £250,000 for first time buyers appears not to be helping very much, because so many of what we might instinctively think of as "first timers" (because they have nothing to sell at the moment) are actually people who owned property previously in another partnership or marriage and do not therefore qualify.

The current situation can have two results: first that more people may be planning to rent; and secondly that current house prices could appeal to landlords in investment terms. The mortgage market certainly appears to have expanded for this type of property.

One of the last things you might consider when taking on a property that you intend to let, however, is ensuring that you get the right property owners' insurance in place. The reason for this is that many people do not realise that insurance companies set their buildings insurance premiums on the basis that the property will be owner occupied. In their eyes, this means that the owner will be taking more care to ensure that no damage occurs, than might be the case when a tenant is in day-to-day control of the premises. This can mean that the insurance is more expensive; but it also means that the insurance company will be less likely to argue over a claim, on the grounds of non-disclosure.

It is not just the buildings insurance that matters. Other important issues relate to any contents that you may have in the buildings, either in the form of furnishings within residential areas or carpets and so on in the common portions of buildings occupied by flats. A suitable landlord insurance policy will provide cover that recognises the nature of the occupancy of your property and protects your interests.