For sure. Buy to let landlords are definitely enjoying the 500% increase in house prices and skyrocketing rents that came after that.

The shift in wealth from people who do things to people who own things has been palpable.

Why would that be the result? I'd think that removing the deduction would depress prices, for single-family dwellings at least.

They picked a good time, right as the bubble was beginning[1].

[1] - http://www.economicshelp.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/nomi...