The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that the consumer prices index measure of inflation remained static in March at 2.5%.

Research by the ONS established that inflationary factors such as rising transport costs were balanced out by falling furniture and household equipment prices. The figure surprised analysts who expected an increase to 2.6%.

Such a figure may be evidence that inflationary pressures are starting to tail off, which may make it easier for the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to make further rate cuts. This in turn could lower the cost of buy-to-let mortgages.

In its recent announcement of a rate reduction, the MPC said it expected the inflation rate to rise in the near future but to then fade as economic growth slowed.