Generational shift as millennials make up half of new buy-to-let investors in England and Wales

Surprise finding by Hamptons shows age group comprises 50% of all new shareholders in firms set up this year

Millennials now account for half of new buy-to-let investors in England and Wales, signalling a generational shift in landlords, while rents have dipped, according to a report.

It is a surprise finding, as many millennials - people born between 1981 and 1996 - have struggled to afford a housing purchase, which means they are less likely than older generations to own their home. Even so, some have clearly fared better, and millennials are leading the charge in buy-to-let investment, according to analysis of Companies House data by the estate agent Hamptons.