A survey has found that 66% of the UK's landlords are planning to invest and expand their portfolios this year,
The findings from property management and finance platform Lendlord suggests many landlords are focused on acquisitions, refinancing and refurbishments.
However, a sizeable minority says it is expecting to sell properties or pause investment decisions as tax and cost pressures bite.
Landlords are cautious
The platform's chief executive and co-founder, Aviram Shahar, said: "While the Budget has increased scrutiny around costs, tax and ownership structure, our latest survey shows that many landlords remain focused on growth and active portfolio management.
"They are adapting their approach rather than stepping back."
He added: "The data also highlights that confidence in the market is clearly divided, with some landlords opting for a cautious approach and others perceiving opportunity.
"That balance is significant when brokers and lenders are supporting funding and investment decisions going into 2026."
Mixed PRS landscape
The research has led to the publication of Lendlord's Navigating Change: Landlord Sentiment report gauging landlord reaction in a post-Budget market.
The findings point to a mixed landscape of the PRS rather than one that's moving in a single direction.
Almost a quarter of respondents (23%) intend buying more properties over the next 12 months.
Around 33% said the Budget had increased their appetite for investment while 43% described themselves as very concerned about the market.
Landlords reviewing rents
Confidence in UK property appears closely divided and the survey found 45% of landlords felt very confident about it.
Many landlords are now reviewing rents and ownership structures with renewed consideration of limited company models.
The report found that 66% of all planned landlord activity relates to growth including buying, refinancing and upgrades.
More than half of respondents (58%) expect that buying and holding properties to be their main strategy for 2026.
Goodlord predicts landlords will quit
Lendlord's research reflects what other recent surveys have found about the future shape of the PRS.
Among them is Goodlord, which is predicting that 2026 will see more landlords quitting the sector in the face of the Renters' Rights Act.
It comes into force from 1 May and the firm says landlords need to be prepared so they can navigate the law's changes.
Goodlord's managing director, Tom Goodman, said: "In 2026, more smaller landlords will decide it isn't worth it anymore and smaller agencies will also look to exit.
"The regulatory pressure, the compliance burden, the margin squeeze: it adds up."
He adds: "The ones staying in are either scaling up or finding a specific niche they can own."
Student landlord professionalism
The managing director of Accommodation for Students, Simon Thompson, said: "For student landlords, tenant demand remains robust, but regulation, tax and rising operating costs are forcing decisions about scale, structure and professionalism.
"For those prepared to invest, modernise and plan for regulatory change are likely to remain competitive, while others may conclude that the sums no longer stack up."
He added: "In that sense, surveys like the one from Lendlord reflect a private rented sector at a crossroads, with growth still possible, but only for landlords willing to adapt."
