Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Mortgage Strategy. Read the original article for full details.
Landlords Turn to Brokers Amid Buy-to-Let Market Changes
Landlords are increasingly seeking support from brokers as the buy-to-let (BTL) market faces a wave of regulatory and tax changes. Recent research and updates from lenders highlight a shift towards more advisory roles for intermediaries, as landlords navigate a complex landscape.
According to the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA), more landlords than ever are approaching brokers for guidance. IMLA’s latest ‘New Normal’ forecast expects gross BTL lending to rise to £44bn in 2026 and £48bn in 2027, with the intermediary share of regulated lending projected to remain at around 87% for both years.
Aldermore’s 2026 Buy to Let Market Report found that 31% of landlords are considering exiting the market, but 64% still believe property is a good way to make money. The report also notes that 56% would recommend being a landlord, the proportion of landlords making a loss has fallen to 25% (down from 31%), 47% report rising tenant demand, 76% raised rents in the past year, and average tenancy length has increased to 4.5 years.
Lenders have responded with new resources and support. Accord has relaunched its Buy to Let Properties and Tax Guide for 2026, a 14-page document covering topics such as stamp duty, income tax, Making Tax Digital (MTD), capital gains, annual tax on enveloped dwellings, limited company structures, and Autumn 2025 Budget changes. Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has introduced dedicated relationship managers, while other lenders such as Keystone and ModaMortgages have announced product updates.
Recent regulatory changes include the end of Section 21 in England from 1 May, with all assured tenancies now periodic. Landlords who did not issue the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet to existing tenants by 31 May face fines of up to £7,000 per property. From April 2026, dividend tax has risen, MTD has begun for landlords with qualifying income over £50,000, and property income tax is set to increase by two percentage points in April 2027.
The Mortgage Works’ Q1 Market Barometer indicates that landlords are restructuring their portfolios rather than leaving the market. The current environment requires brokers and letting agents to provide more in-depth guidance, as landlords face decisions on issues such as limited company structures, portfolio refinancing, and compliance with new regulations.
Source: Mortgage Strategy