I think it is wrong that so much investment is allowed from external investment as the apartments are left empty and really doesn't help the current economic climate in the long run. I think it is important that to have a mixture of investment.

http://www.propertymentor.co.uk/property-uk.php

The UK hasn't been able to fund its own property-related debt for more than a decade now - whether residential or commercial. This is seen both directly (with overseas investors purchasing property as per the Standard story) and indirectly (with the portion of UK mortgage-backed securities that were purchased by overseas institutional investors). The property market would be in for a major correction if this funding were to be withdrawn (such as an ill-conceived 'Tobin Tax'...)