For many with money to save there are two choices: put money into property via a buy-to-let, or invest in stocks and shares via a pension or Isa.

Mark Meikle, 33, is at such a crossroads. He has two buy-to-let properties in addition to his own home and cash savings. He has no other significant investments or pensions.

Mr Meikle works in medical equipment sales, and earns just over £50,000 including bonuses. After mortgage payments he has around £2,800 a month surplus from his salary and rental income. His earnings should rise in future years.

He has £35,000 in cash in a Santander 123 account, and several thousand pounds of premium bonds and shares.

He said: "I seem to have accumulated a bit of money and I don't know in what direction to go. Do I continue trying to invest in buy-to-lets, or do I diversify and look at other long-term investments? I know I'm not maximising my Isas or my pension pot so I know those are areas I probably need to consider."

Mr Meikle lives with his girlfriend, who is an IT adviser and has three properties of her own, including two buy-to-lets.