According to a recent survey conducted by Landbay, almost half of the landlords in the UK (46%) have a positive outlook on the future prospects of their buy-to-let business and investments. Despite the challenges that the sector faces, landlords remain optimistic about their businesses. The survey found that landlords with a portfolio between 11-20 properties were the most optimistic with 41% of them expressing positive sentiment. Meanwhile, 26% of landlords with a portfolio between 4-10 properties shared the same optimism.
The landlords who participated in the survey attributed their positive outlook to factors such as high occupancy rates, continued demand, and strong rental yields. Respondents also noted that sound management and good service will continue to distinguish successful landlords from new entrants who may be impacted by new regulations and tax changes.
While only 19% of landlords feel negative about their business prospects, 35% remain neutral, citing general uncertainty in the market, government interference, and negative sentiment towards landlords as key concerns.
When asked about their thoughts on the UK economy, nearly the same number of landlords (44%) expressed a positive outlook and expect it to rebound. The survey aimed to identify the key issues facing landlords and their opinions on the future of the buy-to-let market. In addition to business and economic expectations, landlords were also asked about their plans for their properties or portfolios, for rent, and for remortgaging.
Paul Brett, the managing director of intermediaries at Landbay, stated that he finds it encouraging that such a large proportion of landlords remain positive about the future prospects of both their business and the UK economy. He also noted that 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. Finally, he added that lenders like Landbay are ready and willing to lend, and that tenants across the country are ready to rent.
