Lender claims most landlords intend to keep properties as buying appetite grows

Most UK buy to let landlords plan to keep their rental homes over the coming year, showing renewed confidence in the private rented sector, a survey reveals.

According to Landbay, 58% of respondents said they have no plans to sell in the next 12 months – that’s up from 47% in the firm’s previous survey last year.

The strongest commitment came from those with fewer than four mortgaged properties, who made up almost a third of respondents.

Nearly a quarter of mid-sized landlords with between four and 10 homes also reported no plans to reduce their holdings.

‘Commitment from landlords to stay’

The lender’s sales and distribution director, Rob Stanton, 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.”

He added: “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.”

Renters’ Rights Bill worries

Landbay found that although some landlords intend to scale back on their portfolio size, the proportion remains limited.

Only 15% said they would sell up to a tenth of their portfolio, 4% suggested offloading up to a quarter, and fewer than one in 10 signalled they might sell half.

For those considering sales, the leading concern was the impact of regulation, such as the Renters’ Rights Bill, which was highlighted by 35% of respondents.

Taxation followed at 31%, a notable drop from more than half saying the same in the 2024 survey.

The research also revealed a sharp recovery in buying plans with more than half of landlords aiming to invest in new rental homes within the next year.

That’s nearly double the 27% recorded in the previous study.