1 in 3 adults still tempted by buy-to-let

Would it surprise you to know, the younger you are, the more likely it is you want to become a landlord? The desire was confirmed by a new survey, conducted by Opinium on behalf of Market Financial Solutions.

Of the 2,000 UK adults questioned, 1 in 3 hoped to own a buy-to-let in the future. The results come at a time when we’re on the cusp of a radical shake up of the private rental sector. Despite the changes contained in the Renters’ Rights Bill – which should become law early in 2026 – the UK is still keen to invest in property.

Better than stocks & shares

More specifically, the survey found 60% of those questioned believed property investment was a good way to build long-term wealth. Additionally, 37% said they preferred investing in buy-to-let property rather than in stocks and shares, while 53% agreed property was a safe and stable asset.

Half of under 34s hope to be a landlord

The results took an interesting turn when the answers were filtered by age. More than half (54%) of 18 to 34 year olds wanted to own a buy-to-let. This compared to the 33% all-age average and just 14% of those aged 55 and above.

The survey proves the tangible qualities of property remain attractive to younger generations. Participants will no doubt have been swayed by news of rising rents and long-term property price appreciation.

We agree that professionally-run buy-to lets in well-chosen locations continue to offer good short- and long-term returns. Expert advice, however, has never been more important, especially with increasing levels of compliance and an ever-changing mortgage market.

There are two main approaches to becoming a landlord – each with their pros and cons:

1. Make your only property a buy-to-let: it’s not a common approach but some people want an investment property much more than they want to live in the home they buy. You can be a first-time landlord with just one property by choosing to live as a tenant. 

This strategy can work if you yourself rent in a cheap area and purchase a buy-to-let in one of the UK’s highest-yielding locations. The sums, however, have to be right and the first-time landlord will need a hefty deposit to secure a buy-to-let mortgage.

2. Buy an ‘additional property’: if you own your own home, any other property purchases are considered as ‘additional’ by HMRC, making them liable for a high stamp duty bill when bought. The cost will be substantial and is a critical figure to work into the investment affordability equation.

Already owning a property, however, may give you the equity needed to fund a buy-to-let purchase and you’ll have a mortgage history, which lenders will take into account when assessing your suitability for a loan.

Buy-to-let by accident

Some people become ‘accidental’ landlords and choose to stick with buy-to-let. This can happen when a person inherits a property, or when they move in with someone else but choose to retain their own property.

If either of the above circumstances applies to you, please contact us to discuss starting your buy-to-let journey. We can explain specific tax and mortgage conditions that may apply, as well as create you a passive, hands-off tenancy plan.

Getting up & running

Whichever route takes you to landlord status, you’ll need to be aware of the legal compliance, tax and financial implications of running a buy-to-let. If you’re confident and have the time, it is possible to self-manage an investment property but the safest, hassle-free buy-to-lets are usually managed by a professional on a landlord’s behalf – a service we can discuss with you. 

Get in touch and we can talk about all things property investment.