One in five landlords have negative feelings about the PRS

One in five landlords (19%) feel negatively about their business and point to government interference, market uncertainty and negativity about landlords as the reasons why, a survey reveals.

The findings from Landbay found that 46% of landlords remain positive about the future of their buy-to-let business and investments, while 35% are neutral.

Of the landlords who are positive about the PRS, those with 11-20 properties had the strongest sentiment with 41% feeling optimistic.

For landlords with a portfolio between 4-10 properties, 26% shared the same feeling.

‘Strong proportion of landlords remaining positive’

Paul Brett, Landbay’s managing director of intermediaries, said: “It’s certainly encouraging to see a strong proportion of landlords remaining positive about the future prospects of both their business and the UK economy.

“After all, landlords play a critical role in the wider housing mix in the UK, with one-in-five households in England and Wales relying on rented housing.

“Whilst some may still feel unsure based on the current uncertainty and government policy, there are still plenty of reasons to be optimistic.”

Landlords enjoyed high occupancy rates

When asked why they felt so positive, the survey found that those landlords enjoyed high occupancy rates, strong demand and strong rental yields.

They also said that sound management and good service will continue to separate landlords.

And that any new regulation and tax changes will have more of an impact on new entrants to the PRS, more than the established landlords.

Asked landlords for their thoughts on the UK economy

The Landbay survey also asked landlords for their thoughts on the UK economy with 44% feeling positive about its future and expect it to bounce back.

The survey’s aim is to identify the key issues facing landlords and to establish their opinion on the future of the buy-to-let market.

In addition to business and economic expectations, landlords were asked about their plans for their properties or portfolios, for rent and for remortgaging.