A majority of UK landlords remain committed to growing their portfolios over the next year according to the latest Landlord Sentiment Survey from property finance and management platform Lendlord.
The 2025 edition of the annual report, based on responses from a diverse group of landlords across the UK, reveals that 70% intend to acquire, refinance or refurbish properties in the coming 12 months.
This signals a striking level of confidence in the long-term strength of the buy-to-let sector, even as 42% of respondents described their current approach as more cautious than six months ago.
The findings come as landlords navigate a challenging landscape marked by higher mortgage costs, lingering inflationary pressures and the impending Renters Reform Bill – legislation that 67% of those surveyed say they are concerned about.
MARKET CONFIDENCE
Nonetheless, optimism remains relatively high. Over half of respondents rated their market confidence at four or five out of five, and nearly 60% expect house prices to rise slightly in the next year.
Some 42.3% expressed confidence in their ability to secure mortgage finance, while a growing number are deploying value-add strategies such as the BRRR (buy, refurbish, refinance, rent) model, cited as the primary approach by 29% of landlords surveyed.
DIGITAL SHIFT
The report also highlights an accelerating digital shift within the sector. Over half of landlords now use digital tools or AI at least occasionally, with platforms like Lendlord playing an increasing role in portfolio management, performance tracking, and accessing alternative finance solutions.
Rather than exiting the market, many landlords appear to be evolving their business models. This includes recycling capital through refinancing, leveraging data for yield analysis, and pursuing selective refurbishment projects to unlock value in a tight rental market.
LANDLORDS ADAPTING
Aviram Shahar, Co-founder and CEO of Lendlord, says: “Despite the headlines, landlords are not retreating from the market – they’re adapting. The sentiment is cautious, yes, but it’s also clear-eyed and pragmatic.
“Landlords are still finding ways to invest, recycle capital and manage their portfolios efficiently. What they need is support in making confident decisions, whether that’s running the numbers on a refurbishment or understanding how regulation might affect them.
“Our aim at Lendlord is to provide that clarity, through better insights, better tools and better finance options.”
