Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Property118. Read the original article for full details.
Landlord Sentiment Survey Q2 2026: Majority Plan to Sell or Hold
A new survey by Property118, completed by 2,096 landlords, reveals that most UK landlords are either maintaining or reducing the size of their property portfolios. The Q2 2026 results also show a significant proportion expect to sell or exit the sector in the next three years.
The survey, which follows a record response in Q1, allows for the first like-for-like comparison of landlord sentiment between quarters. According to the published results, just over half of landlords (53.8%) report their portfolio size has remained roughly the same over the past two years. Meanwhile, 40.2% have reduced their holdings through sales, and only 6% have expanded their portfolios. These figures have remained stable since Q1 2026.
For the first time, landlords were asked about their expectations for property values over the next three years. The results indicate a downbeat outlook: 48.7% expect property values to stagnate or fall below inflation, while 43.3% expect values to keep pace with inflation. Only 8% anticipate real-terms growth in property values.
When asked about their future intentions, more than two-thirds of landlords (67.7%) said they expect to sell some properties or exit the sector entirely over the next three years. The proportion intending to exit completely has risen to 27.1%. Fewer than one in ten (9.5%) plan to buy property during this period. The survey notes that the time horizon for this question was extended from one year in Q1 to three years in Q2.
These findings highlight ongoing caution among landlords in the UK private rented sector, with implications for letting agents and inventory clerks as the market continues to see more landlords holding or reducing portfolios rather than expanding.
Source: Property118