Over 50% of landlords regard the management of their properties as a full-time job, a survey by a buy to let lender claims. 

Only 19% said they relied on a property management company, with a quarter using a lettings agent.

Among landlords that regarded property as a full time role, most owned small portfolios of between four to 10 properties, followed by 34% who owned more than 20 properties. Only 18% owned 11 to 20 properties.

Those who managed their own properties also spent the biggest proportion of their rental income on property management. 

This was despite around half the landlords surveyed paying the same or less through an agent or property management firm.

Some 15% of landlords spent 13% or more of rental income on property management.

A limited company was the preferred set-up for most landlords, with 65% of owning their properties through this mechanism.

A spokesperson for lender Landbay says: “We are increasingly seeing landlords treating their portfolios as a full-time business, with the sector becoming more of a career choice.  

“There is no doubt that managing your own portfolio can be very rewarding although taking professional advice at the right time is essential. 

“We continue to see high levels of activity across the buy-to-let sector. The sector is proving remarkably resilient, despite some challenges.”