Almost half of UK buy-to-let landlords have no intention of selling any of their rental properties over the next 12 months, according to the latest landlord survey from Landbay.
The specialist lender’s research found that 47% of landlords plan to retain all of their current portfolio, with the strongest sentiment among those owning between four and ten properties (36%), followed by those with 11–20 properties (26%). The vast majority of these landlords (75%) operate through limited companies, a structure that remains popular for managing tax and regulatory obligations.
In contrast, 35% of landlords said they do intend to sell some of their properties this year — an increase from 29% in Landbay’s previous survey. The top reason cited was landlord taxation, chosen by more than half of those planning to sell, a sharp rise from just over a third previously.
RENTERS’ RIGHTS BILL
Just under half (46%) of landlords looking to sell pointed to concerns around evictions and the implications of the proposed Renters’ Rights Bill, which aims to reform tenant rights and remove Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions. Mortgage rate fluctuations were less of a concern, with 39% citing it as a factor — down from 48% in the previous survey.
Only 1% of respondents said they plan to sell all of their properties, while fewer than 20% remain undecided about their future plans.
The findings are part of Landbay’s ongoing survey series that gauges landlord sentiment on a wide range of issues, including government policy, economic conditions, and the future of the private rented sector (PRS).
STEADY MARKET
Rob Stanton, sales and distribution director at Landbay, said the results reflect a market that remains steady despite headwinds.
“As ever, I think landlords and the buy-to-let market in general have once again shown to be more resilient than many people give them credit. Our research has shown that not only are a good proportion of landlords intending to buy this year, but they are also keeping hold of the properties they have.
“This is hugely encouraging and absolutely critical to the overall health and wellbeing of the PRS and wider UK housing market.”
LANDLORD SUPPORT
Stanton added that while broader tax and legislative changes are outside the control of lenders, Landbay is focused on supporting landlord clients through product innovation and flexibility.
He added: “While government policy and taxation may be out of our control as a lender, it’s important that we continue to use the skills and capabilities we do have to give landlords the options and the confidence to stay put in the market.
“Just recently, we launched our product transfer offering to give brokers another option to support landlords when refinancing. The initial feedback has been really positive and we hope it continues to help landlords of all sizes as they weigh up their options.”
