The mass exodus of landlords unhappy with increased tax and regulation appears not to have happened – at least yet.

A quarterly survey by specialist finance firm Landbay shows that 42 per cent of landlords say they will purchase additional property in the next 12 months, and amongst those landlords a strong 79 per cent state they will not sell any existing units. 

The strongest intention came from landlords with larger portfolios, with half of all landlords with 11 or more properties planning to expand.

Some 21 per cent say they not know if they will buy more property.

Many of those not intending to buy describe themselves as content with their existing portfolio. 

“Rather than a ‘mass exodus’, this latest data shows a real statement of intent among landlords to not only maintain their existing portfolios but to expand. This is hugely encouraging given the myriad of challenges facing landlords and the wider buy to let sector” explains Paul Brett, Landbay’s managing director of intermediaries.

“Landlords will be encouraged by the news of rates trickling down recently. With the new year bringing lots of positive indicators for the year, plus strong rental yields still reported by many respondents, landlords clearly have the confidence to push ahead with expansion plans.”