As the UK’s Private Rented Sector (PRS) continues to professionalise, landlords are growing their portfolios, utilising more sophisticated ownership structures, and increasing demand for specialist and portfolio lending solutions.
The latest Landlord Trends research from Pegasus Insight reveals that the average landlord portfolio has grown to 7.3 properties, with 21% of landlords now operating as full-time property professionals (up from 17% at the end of 2025.)
The ongoing professionalisation of the PRS, underpinned by the increasing adoption of limited company ownership structures and substantial refinancing requirements, is driving demand for more sophisticated and flexible specialist lending solutions from mortgage lenders.
The findings of the research
The latest Pegasus Insight research points to a significant structural transformation in the UK's Private Rented Sector (PRS). On top of an increase in the number of landlords going full-time, there have also been portfolio increases (especially amongst limited company landlords), as well as a refinancing surge.
The findings suggest that, despite ongoing regulatory and tax changes, a significant proportion of landlords are treating property investment as a professional business rather than a sideline activity.
Portfolio growth
The average landlord portfolio has increased from 6.6 to 7.3 properties, indicating an ongoing shift towards larger, more business-focused landlords as smaller, amateur investors leave the market.
Limited companies
Limited company landlords continue to lead this shift, with their average portfolio increasing to 15.3 properties from 12.8 in Q4 2025. Around two-thirds (66%) of their property holdings are now owned through a limited company structure, highlighting the growing adoption of corporate ownership among professional landlords.
Remortgaging surge
Demand for finance is also being fuelled by refinancing activity. Nearly 40% of landlords with existing borrowing expect to remortgage within the next 12 months, rising to 56% among those with four or more buy-to-let (BTL) mortgages. As a result, portfolio landlords are almost twice as likely as smaller landlords to be active in the refinancing market.
Impact on the mortgage market
Mark Long, founder and managing director of Pegasus Insight, says the growing scale and complexity of larger landlord portfolios are driving demand for specialist lending and portfolio finance solutions, replacing the need for traditional, one-off buy-to-let mortgages:
“Larger landlords tend to have more complex borrowing needs, make greater use of limited company structures and are more likely to require specialist lending solutions and refinancing support.
“At the same time, these landlords are often the most committed to remaining in the sector for the long term. As the market evolves, there is a growing opportunity for lenders and brokers that can provide the expertise, flexibility and products needed to support increasingly professional property businesses.”
