Research from specialist lender Foundation Home Loans indicates that 84% of buy-to-let landlords maintained profitable operations during the first quarter of 2026, despite ongoing regulatory pressures and rising costs.
The study, conducted in partnership with Pegasus Insight, found that average rental yields increased to 6.5% during the period, whilst both portfolio values and rental income rose across the first three months of the year.
Landlord confidence improves
Confidence levels among landlords showed signs of recovery, with 63% planning to remain in the sector, up from 58% in the final quarter of 2025. The proportion of landlords intending to exit the market decreased over the same period.
Grant Hendry, Director of Sales at Foundation Home Loans, stated: “While landlords are clearly facing a range of challenges, from rising costs to regulatory change, the fundamentals remain strong.”
The research revealed that 39% of landlords plan to remortgage within the next 12 months, whilst average portfolio sizes have grown to 7.3 properties. This expansion comes as property professionals reassess their business strategies in response to market shifts.
EPC compliance preparations
Energy Performance Certificate compliance emerged as a focus area, with 62% of landlords holding lower-rated EPC properties planning improvement works. This regulatory preparation comes as the sector adapts to evolving requirements.
However, the research identified softening tenant demand, with 43% of landlords reporting void periods and 30% experiencing rental arrears during the past year. In response, 61% of landlords expect to raise rents within the next 12 months by an average of 5.7%.
Hendry told Mortgage Solutions: “Softer tenant demand and rising voids show this is a more balanced market than in recent years, and some landlords will continue to reassess their position.”
The findings suggest the buy-to-let sector is undergoing structural changes rather than contraction, with landlords taking longer-term strategic approaches to portfolio management. The data indicates a shift towards more professional landlord operations, even as wider property market dynamics evolve.
