New research nearly two out of five landlords will use limited companies to buy properties over the next year compared to just over a quarter as individuals.

Among landlords with more than four properties the percentage buying new property via a limited company rises to 42 per cent while among those with up to three properties it drops to 31 per cent. 

Landlords operating in London are the most likely to be planning to purchase through a limited company.

The findings underline the continued growth in popularity of limited companies among landlords according to Precise Mortgages, which commissioned the study.

Some 89 per cent of mortgage brokers questioned expect the number of landlords setting themselves up as a limited company to increase with the ability to continue to claim tax relief on mortgage interest seen as the main motivation.

Around 15 per cent of landlords questioned intend to add to their portfolios over the coming year buying an average of two new properties, the study found. Meanwhile 23 per cent of those planning to buy will add three or more properties to their portfolio.

The research also found that landlords with larger portfolios are significantly more aware of the Prudential Regulation Authority recent lending criteria and portfolio application process changes.