As someone interested in new-build property, you may well have thought about buying this year. Now, a leading estate agency has found that the number of people renting a property rose by a quarter in 2011. So, isn't this the perfect time to be considering a property investment?

In addition, a report from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) recently showed that the number of buy-to-let properties in the UK rose by 84,000 last year. This combination of factors means it is the perfect time to invest in property. Keep reading to learn why.

Number of buy-to-let properties also on the rise

The latest data from the CML shows that the number of buy-to-let properties increased by 84,000 in 2011. Buy-to-let mortgages account for nearly 13% of the total outstanding value of mortgages in the UK. In addition, buy-to-let lending represented 11% of all lending in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Keith Osborne from leading new homes website whathouse.co.uk believes these factors make it a great time to buy. He says: "Canny investors understand that now is the time to buy property. With demand for rental property increasing by a quarter in 2011, there continues to be a shortage of good-quality accommodation. And, with lenders agreeing more and more buy-to-let mortgages, there is certainly the money in the market to fund your investment property purchase."

CML director general Paul Smee agrees, saying: "Buy-to-let lending continues to perform well. Demand for rented property remains high...and there is little reason to foresee any change to this positive outlook for the sector. [Buy-to-let lending] is performing a really important role within the overall housing market. The benefits of the availability of good quality, private rented housing should not be overlooked, especially as there are many households which need the flexibility and mobility that the private rented sector is well placed to provide."