In a recent survey conducted by specialist mortgage lender, Landbay, an improving sentiment among landlords was observed. Just 27% of landlords expressed negative feelings about their business, a significant improvement from the 37% reported at the close of the previous year.

Interestingly, while 40% of landlords maintained a neutral stance, just under a third, or approximately 33%, conveyed a positive outlook. Those optimistic landlords pointed to the consistent or rising demand for rental properties as a key factor.

One landlord encapsulated this sentiment by stating, “While the world is uncertain, the demand for residential property and accommodation is and will remain very high.”

Delving deeper into the data, it becomes evident that the highest levels of positive sentiment were among landlords who owned more than 20 properties. Conversely, landlords with a portfolio ranging from four to ten properties tended to harbour more negative feelings than positive ones. Interestingly, those with portfolios of 11 to 20 properties were evenly divided in their sentiments, balancing between optimism and pessimism.

Among landlords of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), more than 43% felt a positive sentiment towards their businesses, while just under 30% felt negative.

These insights are drawn from Landbay’s latest survey, which scrutinizes the perspectives of current landlords on various topics to gauge their attitudes and intentions. The survey reveals the critical factors affecting landlords and their outlook on the future of the buy-to-let (BTL) market.

Landlords with a negative outlook frequently cited uncertainties regarding potential changes in government and possible rental reforms. Particularly concerning for some were the proposed abolition of ‘no fault’ evictions, or Section 21s, a measure supported by both the Conservative and Labour parties.

One landlord lamented, “Everyone is anti-landlord. With the lack of affordable housing, we are the scapegoats.” Another, however, expressed a contrasting view, “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.”

Rob Stanton, sales and distribution director at Landbay, voiced his thoughts on the matter: “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.”

Stanton further elaborated, “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. As a buy-to-let lender, we are incredibly positive and remain committed to innovating to meet the needs of landlords.”

This comprehensive survey by Landbay not only highlights the current sentiments among landlords but also underscores the dynamic and resilient nature of the buy-to-let market, which continues to adapt and evolve amidst changing political and economic landscapes.