New research suggests sentiment among landlords has improved sharply over the past year, despite ongoing regulatory and cost pressures.
Confidence is returning to the UK’s private rented sector, according to new research from Rely, the buy-to-let lender from OSB Group, with landlords reporting a far more optimistic outlook than a year ago.
The lender’s annual Landlord Leaders 2025 study indicates that sentiment across the sector has stabilised, even as landlords continue to navigate higher operating costs, increased regulation and ongoing affordability challenges for tenants.
Nearly two-thirds of landlords surveyed, 62%, say they now feel optimistic about operating as a landlord in the future. This marks a notable improvement on last year, when fewer than half expressed the same level of confidence.
The proportion of landlords actively questioning their future in the sector has also fallen. Just under a quarter, 24%, say they are concerned and reassessing their position, down from 29% in 2024, suggesting that uncertainty is beginning to ease.
Despite the pressures facing the market, a growing number of landlords continue to view their role as an essential one. The research found that 62% believe they provide a vital service by housing those who need it most, underlining the importance of the private rented sector in meeting housing demand.
Adrian Moloney, group lending distribution director at Rely Mortgages, said: “We are seeing a clear shift in sentiment in the buy-to-let space. Confidence is returning as landlords adapt to a new operating environment.
“This is a sector that is becoming more professional, more informed and more deliberate in how it responds to change.
“Rising optimism reflects landlords taking control of their businesses, seeking advice, planning for the long term and focusing on sustainability rather than short-term reactions.
“That matters not just for landlords themselves, but for brokers, lenders and tenants who all rely on a stable and functioning private rented sector.”
The findings are based on a survey of 800 UK landlords, conducted by Opinium Research between 8 December and 19 December 2025.
