The importance of investing in property in a green belt or conservation area is being underestimated by landlords, says Birmingham Midshires.

A report by the lender found that one in five tenants would pay more rent to live in a green belt, with a third of renters willing to fork out extra to live in close proximity to the countryside.

By contrast, just 4% of landlords thought eco-friendly credentials were important to tenants and only5% predicted that easy access to the countryside could command higher rent.

Tim Hague, managing director of mortgages at Birmingham Midshires, said: “There is a real disparity in what landlords and tenants feel is important in a rental property.”