Navigating Change: Landlord Sentiment in a Post-Budget Market
Our December 2025 survey suggests that while budget shifts remain a key consideration, many UK landlords are prioritizing portfolio resilience and strategic growth for the year ahead.
- 23%
- Planning to Acquire
- 41%
- Planning to Increase Rent
- 17%
- Planning to Sell Properties
- 17%
- Planning to Pause Investments
- Survey Period
- Dec '25
While recent fiscal changes have added an element of caution, the appetite for growth remains clear, with 23% currently focused on acquiring new assets and 21% on improving existing properties.
66% Growth-Focused Activity ⭐ Key FindingInvestment Plans for the Next 12 Months
Respondents could select multiple options - showing diverse and active portfolio strategies
- 23%
- Acquire More Properties
- 22%
- Refinance Properties
- 21%
- Carry Out Refurbishments to Increase Value
- 17%
- Sell Properties
- 17%
- Pause New Investment
📈 Growth Mindset Prevails
Acquisition represents the largest share (23%) of planned investment activity, demonstrating continued confidence in property as an investment class.
🔄 Active Portfolio Management
Combined, 66% of planned activity relates to growth (acquiring, refinancing, refurbishing) - indicating active engagement rather than passive holding.
Strategy OutlookMain Investment Strategy for 2026
How landlords plan to approach property investment in the coming year
- 58%
- Buy and Hold (Long-term)
- 17%
- BRRR Strategy
- 9%
- Commercial / Mixed-use
- 7%
- Holiday / Short-term Lets
- 9%
- Other
Effect on Investment Appetite
- 54%
- Decreased
- 33%
- Increased
- 13%
- Unchanged
Key Insight: A third of landlords (33%) report an increased appetite for investment, seeing opportunity where others see risk.
Market OutlookConfidence in UK Property Market
- 45%
- Very Confident
- 43%
- Very Concerned
- 12%
- Neutral/Positive
Notable: Confidence levels are nearly split, with 45% remaining "very confident" about the market's future.
Business StrategyPlanned Business Model Adjustments
How landlords are adapting their approach in response to market conditions
- 41%
- Increase Rent
- 19%
- Move to Limited Company
- 17%
- No Changes Planned
- 12%
- Reduce Portfolio Size
- 11%
- Consider Exiting Market
Budget Measures of Most Concern
Which announced changes are landlords most focused on
- 49%
- Property Income Tax Rates
- 25%
- Dividend Tax Rate Increases
- 21%
- Savings Income Tax Increases
- 5%
- Mansion Tax (£2m+ properties)
Savings Income Tax Impact (2027)
- 41%
- Not at all (ISA protected)
- 24%
- A Lot (rely on savings)
- 21%
- A Little (some impact)
- 14%
- Don't know yet
Dividend Income Tax Impact
- 40%
- Moderate Impact
- 23%
- Not Applicable
- 20%
- Major Impact
- 17%
- Minor Impact (ISA/Pensions)
Considering Limited Company Structure?
In light of budget changes, are landlords reconsidering their ownership structure
- 46%
- No, transition costs too high
- 26%
- Already in Limited Company
- 16%
- Maybe, now a priority
- 12%
- Yes, actively planning
What Landlords Are Saying
Selected responses on budget impact and policy suggestions
💬 On Budget Impact
"With higher mortgage rates it was already difficult to make a profit, higher tax on the already punitive tax policy means a real risk of running at a loss."
"2% increase on rental income means I have to review my rents to reflect this and have to be passed on to the tenants."
"Its made me think is Ltd best for me."
💡 Policy Suggestions
"I would suggest creating a defaulting tenant portal accessible by landlords to assess potential new tenants."
"Private landlords provide an essential service to the rental sector. The government should not treat private individuals less favourably than commercial entities."
"Delete Section 24."
SummaryKey Takeaways for 2026
✅ Growth Intent Strong
23% of planned activity focuses on acquiring new properties - the largest single category in the survey.
✅ Active Management
66% of planned activity relates to growth (acquisitions, refinancing, refurbishments), showing continued portfolio commitment.
📊 Buy & Hold Dominates
58% favour long-term buy and hold as their primary 2026 strategy, indicating stable, patient investment approaches.
⚖️ Confidence Split
Market confidence is nearly evenly split, with 45% "very confident" vs 43% "very concerned" - creating opportunities for decisive investors.
📋 Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted by Lendlord.io in December 2025, targeting UK-based landlords who own at least one buy-to-let property. The survey was distributed via email to Lendlord.io registered users.
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