The UK is currently facing a big housing problem as demand far outweighs supply. According to Halifax, Britain's biggest mortgage lender only about 160,000 homes were built in England last year whilst the number of households is thought to have increased by 200,000.

This is due to a number of demographic trends, explained Martin Godfrey of Imagine Homes. "People are living longer, there are a rising number of single homeowners and an increasing migrant/student population. Coupled with this is the huge demand from would-be first time buyers and affluent young professionals who now require properties to rent."

Irish investors are snapping up investment property in the UK safe in the knowledge that there is a strong demand for the right property in the right place.

For a buy-to-let investor the challenge remains to find the right property in the right location at the right price point.

A prime example of the right property in the right location can be found at Icon. This development . . .

due for completion in 2009/2010 . . . is situated next to Canary Wharf, one of the prime commercial locations in London.

Imagine Homes is offering investors the opportunity to buy off the plans with high specification, two bedroom apartments starting at stg�600,000 and a 22 per cent guaranteed rental return over four years.

Transport connections through the area are excellent, with links via public transport into London and the City. London City airport is close to hand and London Stansted can be reached in around an hour.

The development is also within easy access of the Docklands Light Rail.

Imagine Homes, Tel: 01 4294033