Beyond the headlines: why buy-to-let still has plenty of life in it
Guest Blog Writer: Caroline Mirakian, Proposition and Marketing Director, Mortgages, BTL & Bridging, United Trust Bank
19 June 2026Yet that's not what many brokers and lenders are seeing on the ground.
Yes, the market is more complex than it was a decade ago. Higher interest rates, tax changes and increased regulation have all raised the bar for investors. But complexity is not the same as decline.
In fact, many of the landlords who remain active today are more professional, more strategic and more focused on long-term returns than ever before.
Recent data supports that view. According to the Office for National Statistics, average UK private rents increased by 3.4% in the year to March 2026, reaching £1,377 per month. Meanwhile, Zoopla reports that rental supply remains well below pre-pandemic levels despite signs of greater market stability. The fundamentals that underpin demand for rental housing have not gone away.
The buy-to-let market isn't disappearing. It's evolving. And for brokers who understand what's changing, there are still plenty of opportunities to help landlord clients grow and succeed.
A more professional market
One of the biggest changes we've seen in recent years is the changing profile of the modern landlord.
Whilst some smaller or accidental landlords have chosen to leave the sector, many experienced investors have continued to adapt and grow. Property is increasingly being treated less as a passive investment and more as a business, with landlords taking a more strategic approach to portfolio management, funding and future growth.
That shouldn't be a surprise. Demand for rented accommodation continues to outstrip supply in many parts of the country, and experienced investors recognise that long-term fundamentals still matter. Whilst some landlords have exited the market, others continue to see opportunities where less committed investors see obstacles.
For brokers, this creates a different type of conversation.
It's no longer just about finding the cheapest rate. Landlords want to understand how best to structure borrowing, whether a limited company approach is appropriate, how to fund improvements, and how finance can support their longer-term objectives.
The brokers who add the most value are increasingly those who act as advisers rather than simply facilitators of transactions.
Advice matters more than ever
The Renters' Rights Act is now in force, having taken effect from 1st May 2026 and is dominating conversations across the private rented sector. It is understandably causing some uncertainty among landlords, being the biggest change for decades in the private rented sector.
However, if history tells us anything, it's that landlords are remarkably resilient.
Over the years we've seen numerous legislative and regulatory changes accompanied by predictions of mass landlord exits. In reality, the sector has consistently adapted.
What feels different today is the demand for guidance.
Many landlords are not necessarily looking for someone to tell them the market is easy. They simply want help understanding what changes mean in practice and how they might affect future investment decisions.
That creates a real opportunity for brokers.
Whether it's discussing portfolio strategy, cashflow, refinancing options or future acquisitions, advisers who can provide practical, informed guidance are likely to become even more valuable to their clients.
A more complex market creates a greater need for advice, not less.
The search for yield continues
Landlords remain firmly focused on returns.
Whilst the days of easy gains may be behind us, investors are still finding opportunities by looking at different property types, locations and strategies.
We're continuing to see interest in specialist areas such as HMOs, multi-unit properties, semi-commercial investments and refurbishment projects where landlords believe they can add value or improve yields.
As investors diversify, financing requirements inevitably become more complex.
This is where broker expertise can make a real difference. Understanding lender appetite, underwriting requirements and the nuances of specialist property types can help clients access opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked.
Don't overlook refinancing opportunities
Whilst purchase activity often grabs the headlines, refinancing remains one of the biggest opportunities for brokers.
Many landlords will review existing borrowing arrangements throughout 2026 as products mature and investment strategies evolve. However, refinancing conversations today are rarely just about securing a lower rate.
Some landlords are looking to release capital for future acquisitions. Others want to fund refurbishment projects, improve portfolio efficiency or restructure existing borrowing to better support their long-term plans.
That's why proactive portfolio reviews are so important.
The brokers who engage clients regularly and understand their wider objectives are often best placed to identify opportunities before clients even realise they exist.
Looking ahead
The buy-to-let market may be more demanding than it was ten years ago, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Property has become less of a passive investment and more of an active business. The landlords who are succeeding are often those who stay informed, plan ahead and adapt as the market changes.
The same is true for brokers.
A more complex market creates a greater need for advice, not less. Whether it's refinancing, restructuring, diversification or identifying new opportunities, landlords increasingly need trusted advisers who can help them make sense of a changing landscape.
The market is evolving. The most successful landlords are evolving with it. And the brokers who do the same should continue to find plenty of opportunity in the years ahead.
As Proposition and Marketing Director of Mortgages, BTL & Bridging at United Trust Bank, Caroline Mirakian works closely with brokers, networks and distributor partners across the UK, supporting advisers with specialist lending solutions for professional landlords and property investors.
