Landbay claim landlords remain optimistic despite political uncertainty?

Fewer landlords feel negative about the buy-to-let market, according to a new study.

The research by Landbay reveals that 27% of landlords surveyed felt negative about their buy-to-let business, compared to 37% at the end of last year.

However, the study also reveals some landlords still feel anxious about the abolition of Section 21 and a change in government.

Demand is still high

According to Landbay, 43% of HMO landlords feel positive about their buy-to-let business, with just under 30% feeling negative.

Landlords with more than 20 properties had the strongest positive sentiment.

Those with 4-10 properties felt more negative, while sentiment among landlords with 11-20 properties was evenly split.

Those who were positive highlighted increased or steady demand as the reason for their optimism. One landlord commented: “While the world is uncertain, the demand for residential property and accommodation is and will remain very high.”

Reasons to be optimistic about buy-to-let

Rob Stanton, sales and distribution director at Landbay, says landlords play a vital role in the housing market and the next government must continue to support the private rented sector.

He said: “Whichever party forms the next government, we hope that they will be committed to supporting the rental sector. Nurturing confidence among landlords is absolutely key to the health and prosperity of the UK housing market, helping to provide much-needed accommodation.

“With affordability still a real challenge for residential buyers and demand continuing to outstrip supply, there is an abundance of tenants ready to rent across the country.

“There are many reasons to be optimistic about buy-to-let. Not only has it survived countless crises and changing governments over the years, it continues to thrive too.”

Everyone is anti-landlord

According to the study, several landlords are worried about a change in government, fearing it could bring more uncertainty.

They’re particularly worried about Labour’s promise to scrap Section 21 immediately if they win the election.

According to Landbay, several landlords mentioned anti-landlord sentiment as a problem. One said: “Everyone is anti-landlord. With the lack of affordable housing, we are the scapegoats.”

However, one landlord took a longer and more philosophical view, commenting that: “The current trend of policies regarding private rentals will have such a detrimental effect on the rental market that I do not see them either coming to fruition or lasting for long if they do.  Time is on the side of landlords.”