Forty-seven per cent of buy-to-let (BTL) landlords have no intention of selling any properties in the next 12 months, according to a new survey from Landbay.

Among this number, the biggest intention came from landlords with four to 10 rental properties (36%), closely followed by those with portfolios numbering between 11 and 20 properties (26%). The majority owned their rental properties through a limited company (75%).

Just over a third of landlords (35%) told Landbay that they do intend to sell some of their property – up from 29% in previous Landbay research.

The BTL lender revealed that the biggest reason for doing so was landlord taxation – chosen by more than half of those looking to dispose of properties – and this was an increase from just over a third in Landbay’s previous findings.

Landbay also found that 46% of landlords intend to sell property due to worries about evicting difficult tenants, in light of plans as part of the Renters’ Rights Bill.

Fluctuations in mortgage rates was revealed as less of a concern but still cited by 39% of landlords – down from 48% previously. Just 1% of those questioned said they intend to sell all their properties.

Sales and distribution director at Landbay, Rob Stanton, said: “Landlords and the BTL market in general have once again shown to be more resilient than many people give them credit.

“Our research has shown that not only are a good proportion of landlords intending to buy this year, but they are also keeping hold of the properties they have. This is hugely encouraging and absolutely critical to the overall health and wellbeing of the private rental sector and wider UK housing market.”

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