Back from holiday and to the latest  news that optimism among landlords in the UK is at its highest point since 2007, with many proprietors viewing the coming three months for their portfolios in a positive light.

This is the finding of the National Landlords Association's (NLA's) Landlord Optimism Index, which revealed 65 per cent of those surveyed rate their prospects for the next quarter as either "good" or "very good".

In addition, the study showed respondents are also looking favourably on the overall state of the private rented sector, as 54 per cent of those quizzed believe the field is in a healthy condition.

This was markedly up on the findings of one year earlier, when just 46 per cent said prospects were looking good.

David Salusbury, chairman of the NLA, noted the market has endured a difficult few years and noted it is encouraging to hear so many proprietors are viewing the future so positively.

Mr Salusbury observed: "The increasing availability of buy-to-let mortgages and strong demand for rental accommodation is further stimulating positive sentiments, with rent arrears appearing to stabilise and void periods decreasing in recent months."

The industry figure explained the private rented sector has been showing its resilience of late, while other industries appear to be struggling.

He added: "The fragile state of the economy is a concern for landlords, many of whom have mortgages to pay or rely on their property portfolios to earn a living."

Regarding the state of the UK financial market as a whole, however, just six per cent of those asked said they are optimistic - a drop of three per cent on the same time in 2010.

The NLA represents the interests of around 1.2 million landlords across the UK, including those who act as proprietors on a full-time basis with large property portfolios, as well as individuals with multiple occupancy houses or single bed flats.