LANDLORDS regard their property portfolio as an important part of their post-retirement income, as their confidence in the economy slumps to an all-time low.

A survey by the National Landlords Association (NLA) has found 81 per cent of landlords expect to rely on their portfolio to help them financially after they stop working.

The news comes after the number of savers contributing to pensions dropped by 8 per cent in the last 10 years – from 46 per cent to 38 per cent of all employees.

David Salusbury, chairman, National Landlords Association, said: "Landlord confidence in the financial market is at an all-time low.

"This, combined with record low interest rates, means that many individuals are looking for alternative ways to secure their financial future.

"Private-residential property can be a sound long-term investment for those planning their retirement.

"However potential landlords must realise that letting property is a lot more complicated than contributing to a pension.

"Becoming a landlord is just like starting any other small business.

"Anyone considering using property to bolster their pension plans must make sure that they put together a long-term business plan, taking account of the various regulations governing the letting of property, as well as their responsibility to tenants."