Three quarters of residential buy-to-let landlords (74%) feel confident about the performance of the property market over the next 12 months, according to research from The Mortgage Lender (TML).

The findings also indicated that more than one in four (27%) of landlords are feeling “very confident”.

Confidence in the future of the property market peaked for landlords that predominantly owned homes of multiple occupancy (HMOs) at 86%, student accommodation landlords (84%) and portfolio landlords with more than five properties (82%).

TML’s findings were based on a study of 1,001 residential BTL landlords, and when it came to the performance of their own rental properties over the next 12 months, the lender found that 71% of landlords felt confident, with portfolio landlords – those owning five or more properties – feeling the most confident at 78%.

Those more seasoned landlords that have been renting out properties for over five years were more likely to feel confident about their rental property portfolios over the next 12 months compared to those with less experience, at 73% compared to 69%, which TML suggested could be due to the fact they have weathered several economic cycles.

Head of key accounts and specialist distribution at TML, Chris Kirby, commented: “Given the pivotal role that the BTL industry plays in supporting the residential market and ensuring the maintenance of the much-needed supply of homes, it’s encouraging to see these levels of confidence.

“Despite the fact that many landlords are facing higher operating costs, and additional to the inflationary pressures that are impacting everyone, the continued supply of good quality, well maintained rental properties is a must.

“For landlords who are looking to expand their existing portfolio, or remortgage their properties, it’s important to seek broker advice to ensure they are accessing the best possible opportunities in the coming year.”

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