Rents in the UK have risen significantly to make the country's buy-to-let market the "strongest in the world", according to analysts.

Figures compiled in the Assetz House Price Index reveal a ten per cent rise in rents in the past year.

In London, the rise was even stronger, with landlords in the capital seeing an average increase of 19.3 per cent.

Stuart Law, chief executive of Assetz, said: "While there has been much suggestion of a problematic era for the property market, there are many more positive signs for the year ahead, with latest buy-to-let figures outweighing any negative outlook, as well as reflecting a hugely successful year for the property investor in 2007."

He added: "On balance, the UK buy-to-let market is just about the strongest in the world and investors can look back on a successful 2007 with surveys showing excellent returns across the board."

Mr Law added that the strong performance was not restricted to London, with the north-west also seeing very strong rent rises.

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