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The specialist market research agency found that 41 per cent of landlords were optimistic about the property sector, while just 26 per cent have a positive outlook for the UK's financial markets.

Just over half of landlords said they had experienced 'void' time, when their property did not generate rent.

As a result of this, 17 per cent said they had missed a mortgage payment in the last 12 months, up from 9 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2007.

The research also found that rental property levels were at their lowest recorded levels.

However, some landlords are using the credit crunch as an opportunity to grow their portfolios, with 6 per cent saying they had already bought a repossessed property. A further 65 per cent stated that they would be interested in buying one.

Mark Long, client services director for BDRC said: "While there is currently pessimism amongst British landlords about the state of UK financial markets, the majority continue to have faith in property as a long-term investment and many are taking advantage of the opportunities presented by the credit crunch to expand their lettings business.

"We will continue to track the market over the next quarters and it will be interesting to see how these attitudes change throughout the year."