Will 2014 be good news for the property market? However, the expected rise in interest rates is thought to harden affordability and bring down price growth to between 3 per cent and 4 per cent, in other words just keeping up with inflation. Even in London, property prices are now predicted to slow down, with Savills predicting prices rising by 8.5 per cent in 2014, but falling to just a 2 per cent rise in 2017. Are these forecasts any use to buy-to-let investors? Well they are forecasts, so it doesn't mean they will be right. However, if they are reasonably accurate, it is good news for landlords, especially for those who have seen property values fall by up to 25 per cent since 2007. Over the next five years, the forecasts suggest prices will grow by 20-30 per cent depending on the area. With interest rates expected to increase from 2015/2016, together with the property forecast, it helps landlords to work out whether it's best to exit before interest rates go up or hang on, potentially paying a higher mortgage in return for extra capital growth. And it's not just property-price growth that is good news. For those who want to get into buy-to-let for the first time, or seasoned landlords wanting to expand, it looks like there might be more housing stock to choose from. Most of the forecasters suggest that more properties will be sold as sellers are tempted back into the market. Hamptons predicts a 9 per cent increase in sales while Savills suggests a 15 per cent increase in 2014. Whenever there is an upside to something, though, it's rarely all good news. As buyers are confident and sellers are keen to get the most for their property, getting deals becomes really tough. For those hoping to expand their portfolio in 2014, though you may have more choice, it's going to be a difficult year to get a property at a discount - an essential part of property investment success - so you'll have to work a lot harder to get a "good deal" in the next couple of years. Kate Faulkner is managing director of Designs on Property. Office of National Statistics + 3.8pc Land Registry +3.4pc Acadametrics + 4.3pc Nationwide +5.8pc How to make more money the right way >>