Buy-to-let landlords are demonstrating renewed confidence in the private rented sector, with a majority indicating no plans to sell in the coming year, according to new research from Landbay.

The specialist lender’s latest survey found that 58% of landlords intend to keep all their existing properties over the next 12 months. This compares with just 47% in the equivalent survey a year ago, carried out immediately after the Autumn Budget.

NON-PORTFOLIO LANDLORDS MOST RESOLUTE

Commitment to holding assets was strongest among landlords with fewer than four mortgaged properties, who made up nearly a third of those not planning to sell. Portfolio landlords with between four and 10 properties accounted for a further 24%.

Only 15% of respondents said they intended to sell up to 10% of their stock. A small minority indicated plans to sell larger proportions, with 4% looking to dispose of up to a quarter of their holdings and fewer than one in 10 suggesting sales of up to 50%.

REGULATION AND TAXATION STILL THE MAIN DRIVERS

Among landlords who are considering selling, the most frequently cited reason was regulatory change, chosen by 35% of respondents. The looming Renters’ Rights Bill was identified as a particular concern. Taxation followed closely at 31%, though this marks a significant drop from 51.4% in last year’s survey.

The research was conducted in May among landlords with portfolios totalling around 3,000 properties. It pre-dated reports that the Treasury may consider imposing National Insurance contributions on rental income in the Autumn Budget.

BUYING INTENTIONS ON THE RISE

Alongside the stronger intention to hold existing stock, Landbay found buying appetite has also returned. More than half (52%) of landlords said they plan to acquire additional rental properties in the next 12 months, up from 27% last year.

Rob Stanton, sales and distribution director at Landbay, said: “This latest survey data is hugely encouraging and once again demonstrates just how robust and resilient buy-to-let landlords are.

“In the face of increasing operating costs and the threat of new legislation, this commitment from landlords to stay put is a huge win for the PRS and for renters all over the country – especially when you consider the massive role rented accommodation plays in the UK’s housing mix.

“We know this isn’t the story for all landlords, and while selling is a natural part of developing a successful portfolio, there are still those just looking to scale back.

“As a sector, we absolutely need to get behind these landlords and give them the confidence to not just stay put, but to expand and succeed.”