Positivity among buy-to-let (BTL) landlords has more than doubled since last year’s Autumn Budget, new survey data from Landbay has revealed.

More than a third of landlords (36%) told Landbay earlier this year that they feel positive about the future of their BTL businesses – up from just 18% in the wake of last year’s Autumn Budget. Meanwhile, the number of landlords feeling negative about their future business prospects has declined – from nearly half (43%) following the Autumn Budget, to just one-in-five (21%) now.

Just over 40% of landlords (44%) remain neutral about business prospects, which is roughly the same as in previous surveys from last year and in Q2 2024 (40%).

Speaking to Landbay, landlords stated rental demand and strong rental yields as key reasons why they remain optimistic. Those invested for the long term believe property investment is still “very viable” and a “rewarding investment”.

One landlord said: “Whilst landlords are exiting the market, this has caused rents to increase because of the lack of stock, allowing a decent return. It took two hours to rent my last property.”

Another said: “I believe that demand for rental will continue, the country cannot build the number of new homes required. Operating as a limited company still works – those owned in personal names are less viable which we intend to address when the time is right.”

All is revealed in Landbay’s latest survey which questions existing landlords on a range of topics to assess their attitude and intentions. The survey uncovers the key factors facing landlords and their thoughts on upcoming regulation, government policy and the future of the buy-to-let market.

Landbay conducted their research in May 2025, polling buy-to-let landlords with portfolios totalling approximately 3,000 properties. The survey took place prior to leaks of potential Treasury plans ahead of this year’s Autumn Budget which could see landlords paying National Insurance (NI) on their rental income. 

Rob Stanton, sales and distribution director at Landbay, says: “It is very encouraging to see landlord confidence rebounding. The data reflects what we are hearing on the ground with high rental demand and strong yields helping to underpin optimism across the sector. 

“On top of that, our survey and lending data tells us that landlords remain committed to the sector – not just staying put, but seizing new investment opportunities available in the market.

“As the data demonstrates, this isn’t the story for everyone and is likely a shifting picture as we head towards the Autumn Budget. As a lender in this space, it is our duty to work closely with our intermediary partners to throw our arms around these landlords, remind them what the sector has to offer and use our broad range of products to give them the confidence to refinance their existing properties and expand their rental portfolios.”