Recent shifts in the buy to let (BTL) mortgage market have left landlords seeking greater certainty amid ongoing volatility. A survey by lender Landbay reveals widespread concerns about product availability and rate fluctuations, yet landlord activity remains resilient despite these challenges.

Landlords increasingly value certainty in a volatile market

Landbay’s latest survey highlights that over 80% of landlords now perceive the BTL market as unstable or unpredictable. Specifically, 55.6% describe conditions as ‘somewhat unpredictable’ while 26.3% consider them ‘highly volatile’. This reflects the disruption experienced during March and April, particularly around mortgage rates and product availability.

Rob Stanton, Landbay’s sales and distribution director, emphasises that landlords remain active but are placing greater importance on certainty, consistency, and clear communication from lenders and advisers. He states, “While rates remain incredibly important, landlords also want confidence that products will remain available, that cases will progress smoothly and they can rely on lenders to support them through periods of market volatility.”

Stanton also notes that nearly half of respondents have either completed or are currently progressing a mortgage despite recent instability, underscoring ongoing engagement in the market. He adds, “Advisers continue to play an incredibly important role in helping landlord borrowers navigate changing market conditions.”

Confidence and behaviour changes among landlords

The survey reveals that 35.3% of landlords have reduced their activity due to global events and rate movements, while 21.8% have delayed their plans altogether. Confidence in accessing BTL finance has also declined for 49.6% of respondents, though 45.1% report their confidence remains unchanged.

Landbay interprets this as landlords still regarding funding as accessible, despite the unsettled market environment. This suggests that while uncertainty has affected sentiment, it has not entirely deterred landlords from seeking finance or pursuing investment opportunities.

BTL product availability shows signs of improvement

Product choice remains a key concern, with 57.9% describing current BTL product availability as ‘limited’ and 24.8% as ‘very limited’. However, Landbay notes that availability has begun to improve recently, as lenders reintroduce products and pricing stabilises following earlier spring disruptions.

Despite the turbulence, landlord activity continues, with almost half of those surveyed having completed a BTL mortgage in the last month. Competitive pricing remains the top priority for 66.2% of landlords, highlighting the ongoing importance of rates in decision-making.

What this means for landlords

These findings underline the critical need for lenders and advisers to provide clear, consistent communication and reliable product availability to support landlords navigating a fluctuating market. While rate levels remain a dominant factor, the ability to access stable products and smooth mortgage processes is equally valued.

Landlords should remain aware of the improving product landscape but continue to exercise caution given the recent volatility. Maintaining close relationships with trusted advisers can help landlords adapt their strategies and secure suitable finance amid ongoing market shifts.

Source: Based on reporting from Property118

TLA Training Academy

The Landlord Association has launched its new Training Academy for UK landlords, providing structured guidance, compliance education, and practical knowledge to support landlords at every stage. Members can now complete the programme and become TLA Certified Landlords at no additional cost as part of their membership.

Landlords can explore the Academy here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/tla-academy/

Those looking to join and access the full training and certification can register here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/landlord-association-membership-uk/

TLA update

The Landlord Association is currently onboarding new service providers into its Trusted Partner Hub, a new initiative designed to support landlords, tenants, letting agents, and property managers with vetted, high-quality services. As one of the fastest growing landlord associations in the UK, TLA offers partners direct access to an engaged and active member base at the point of need. Service providers across legal, maintenance, insurance, finance, mortgages, tenant screening, and property services can register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/