Recent analysis by buy-to-let lender Landbay has revealed that over half of landlords treat property management as a full-time occupation.

Only 19% of landlords rely on property management companies, while 25% use estate agents. The majority handle property management independently.

Among landlords without other employment, most own small portfolios of four to ten properties. This group is closely followed by 34% who own more than 20 properties, while only 18% have between 11 and 20 properties.

The survey also found that landlords who manage their own properties spend the highest proportion of their rental income on property management. This is despite nearly half of the landlords paying the same or less through estate agents or property management companies.

Notably, 15% of landlords spend 13% or more of their rental income on property management.

The preferred structure for most landlords is a limited company, with 65% owning their properties through this mechanism.

Rob Stanton, sales and distribution director at Landbay, said: “We are increasingly seeing landlords treating their portfolios as a full-time business, with the sector becoming more of a career choice. There is no doubt that managing your own portfolio can be very rewarding although taking professional advice at the right time is essential. We continue to see high levels of activity across the buy-to-let sector. The sector is proving remarkably resilient, despite some challenges.”

The survey underscores a significant trend toward professional property management among landlords, reflecting the evolving nature of the buy-to-let sector.