42% of buy-to-let landlords intend to purchase additional property in the next 12 months, according to the latest Landbay quarterly landlord survey.

Despite ongoing pressures on landlords, 79% of those intending to buy said they do not plan to sell any of their existing properties. The strongest intention came from landlords with larger portfolios, with half of all landlords with 11 or more properties planning to expand.

21% said they don’t know if they will buy more property, with most of those planning to wait and see what happens in the market.

Meanwhile, many of the 37% not intending to buy said they are content with their existing portfolio. In fact, 64% of those landlords don’t intend to sell any either.

Landbay’s latest quarterly survey questions existing landlords on a range of topics to find out their attitude and intentions. The survey uncovered the key factors facing landlords and their thoughts on the future of the buy-to-let market.

Paul Brett, Landbay’s managing director, intermediaries, said: “Rather than a ‘mass exodus’, this latest data shows a real statement of intent among landlords to not only maintain their existing portfolios but to expand. This is hugely encouraging given the myriad of challenges facing landlords and the wider buy-to-let sector.

“Landlords will be encouraged by the news of rates trickling down recently. With the new year bringing lots of positive indicators for the year, plus strong rental yields still reported by many respondents, landlords clearly have the confidence to push ahead with expansion plans.”