PR: What are the biggest opportunities you see for landlords and investors in the current property market—and how can they capitalise on them?
AB: While the market has undoubtedly become more complex, that complexity is creating opportunities for well-informed investors. Some landlords have chosen to exit the sector in response to higher costs and regulatory change, which has increased the availability of stock, potentially softening competition in some areas.
At the same time, demand for rental accommodation remains consistently strong, underpinned by affordability pressures and lifestyle and demographic shifts. Investors who take a long-term view, focus on areas with robust rental demand, and work closely with experienced brokers and lenders to structure the right finance will be well positioned to capitalise on the opportunities available.
PR: How has the risk appetite of property investors shifted over the past year, and which segments of the market are attracting interest that might surprise people?
AB: Rather than seeing investors become significantly more risk-averse, we’ve seen them become more disciplined and selective. Today’s landlords are looking beyond headline property prices and placing greater emphasis on long-term rental demand, yield resilience, and the overall sustainability of their investments.
We’re also seeing investors pay closer attention to the ongoing costs associated with different property types, with rising service charges making some leasehold flats less attractive than they once were. Our latest BTL Barometer research also shows that investors are increasingly looking to diversify, with almost all landlords (95%) saying they are considering different property types. Corporate lets topped the list (37%), followed by larger HMOs (18%), family homes (17%), and single-tenant properties (13%).
PR: What’s your view on the shift toward professionalisation in the landlord sector? Can smaller investors stay competitive?
AB: Professionalisation is one of the defining trends in today’s BTL market. As regulation evolves and operating a rental portfolio becomes more complex, landlords are increasingly approaching property investment as a business rather than a side venture. That said, smaller landlords shouldn’t see this as a barrier.
In fact, our own data shows that around seven in ten new limited company buy-to-let applications come from landlords with portfolios of between one and five properties, demonstrating that smaller investors remain a vital part of the market. In many cases, they can be more agile than larger portfolio operators, allowing them to make quicker decisions and adapt to changing market conditions.
PR: If you were building a buy-to-let portfolio from scratch today, what would you do differently from five years ago, and what would you keep exactly the same?
AB: If I were starting today, I’d spend even more time assessing the long-term fundamentals of each investment, looking closely at local employment, infrastructure, population growth, and tenant demand rather than focusing solely on potential capital appreciation.
I would consider the ownership structure from the outset too, as changes to the tax landscape mean purchasing through a limited company has become an increasingly attractive option for many landlords. I’d also ensure energy efficiency and future regulatory requirements were factored into every purchasing decision from day one. What hasn’t changed is the importance of adopting a long-term mindset.
Successful property investment has always been about careful planning, prudent borrowing, and buying properties that meet genuine tenant demand, rather than trying to chase short-term market movements.
PR: Which external factor, whether economic, legislative or demographic, do you think will have the single biggest impact on the landlord sector over the next two years, and why?
AB: The biggest influence over the next two years is likely to be the continued evolution of the regulatory landscape. Proposed reforms affecting renters’ rights and property standards, particularly for energy efficiency, will require landlords to review how they operate their portfolios and plan for future investments.
While change inevitably brings challenges, it also presents an opportunity to raise standards across the sector. Importantly, these developments sit alongside a structural shortage of rental housing and sustained tenant demand, meaning landlords who remain well-informed, adaptable, and financially prepared should continue to find attractive long-term opportunities.
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