No mass exodus of buy to let investors, poll suggests

A poll of 1,250 landlords suggests that far from being concerned about the profitability of buy to let, almost 80 per cent want to expand their portfolios.

In addition, some 84 per cent say they have no plans to sell up in the next three years at least, and 66 per cent say even if the government introduces further tax measures - such as restricting interest relief for companies - they still wouldn’t be selling up.

The survey also polled landlords on anticipated proposals for the private rental sector including the possibility of three-year tenancies becoming mandatory.

When asked what would need to happen in order for them to support this policy a massive 82 per cent said they would need to be assured there was a way to remove tenants who fall into rent arrears that is faster than the current fault-based method.

In addition, 69 per cent said the ability to increase rent would need to be given, and 59 per cent said there would have to be tax incentives, such as the ability to deduct more mortgage interest. 

Fewer than nine per cent said they would oppose the policy outright.

Asked what they would need to see happen in order to support compulsory landlord licensing, 37 per cent said they would want the removal of any additional local schemes, except those applying to HMOs.

Some 65 per cent wanted a plan to ensure that it would discourage rogue landlords – such as proof that non-registration could be detected and enforced.

The survey was conducted for advice platform Property Hub.