Over half (52%) of the nation’s property investors expect to purchase new properties in the next 12 months, despite upcoming regulatory changes, Landbay research shows.
This marks an uptick in confidence, as following the Autumn Budget at the end of October only a third (27%) of landlords said they planned to purchase more.
The Budget was particularly notable for increasing the stamp duty surcharge on investors from 3 to 5%.
Rob Stanton, sales and distribution director at Landbay, said: “While there are those that try to talk down the BTL sector and focus solely the obstacles, it is fantastic to see many landlords are still looking at the opportunities. ‘
“Whether it be high tenant demand, strong rental yields or viable investment opportunities up and down the country, landlords are setting their sights on growing their portfolios – which is fantastic news for the one-in-five households that rely on the private rented sector.
“BTL lenders – including Landbay – continue to demonstrate that they are ready and willing to lend to support landlords and their ambitions.
“Furthermore, the sector is supported by tremendous advisers who are well placed to help landlords of all sizes to identify growth areas and navigate both their local market and the wider sector amid changing policy, legislation and economic conditions.
“Continued innovation from lenders and expertise from advisers is the winning combination landlords need to expand with confidence.”
Nearly two thirds of those intending to buy (64%) say they will factor in the stamp duty increase into their negotiations. Just over half (52%) intend to purchase homes that require little to no modification to meet future EPC deadlines.
Landlords plan to buy on average three more rental properties, with the biggest intension coming from those who currently own less than four properties.
The biggest proportion of those looking to buy is landlords with rental properties in the South East (25%), followed by London and then the North West of England.
