Survey also reveals key factors influencing landlord attitudes and intentions
With renter demand outstripping supply, fewer landlords are feeling negative about their buy-to-let businesses and investments, according to the latest Landbay landlord survey.
More than a quarter, or 27%, of landlords surveyed reported negative sentiments about their business, down from 37% at the end of last year. Meanwhile, 40% of landlords expressed a neutral stance, and just under 33% felt positive.
Those with a positive outlook cited increased or steady demand for residential property, with one landlord commenting: “While the world is uncertain, the demand for residential property and accommodation is and will remain very high.”
The strongest positive sentiment was among landlords with portfolios of over 20 properties. For landlords with between four and 10 properties, more felt negative than positive. Sentiments among landlords with portfolios between 11 and 20 properties were evenly split.
Among house in multiple occupation (HMO) landlords, just over 43% felt positive about their businesses, while just under 30% felt negative.
The survey, which questions existing landlords on various topics, also revealed key factors influencing landlord attitudes and intentions. Landlords who felt negative cited uncertainty over potential government changes and rental reforms. Many expressed concern about the proposed abolition of ‘no fault’ evictions, supported by both the Conservatives and Labour.
Some landlords mentioned anti-landlord sentiment as a significant issue. “With the lack of affordable housing, we are the scapegoats,” one landlord remarked.
“Whichever party forms the next government, we hope that they will be committed to supporting the rental sector,” said Rob Stanton (pictured), sales and distribution director at Landbay. “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.”
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