66% of respondents highlighted that they expect growth and opportunities across the BTL sector to be experienced by landlords/property investors with a portfolio of 10+ properties. 22% opted for those with 4-10 properties and 12% selected those with 1-3 properties to be the most likely to experience growth/maximise opportunities going forward.
These responses emerged at Countrywide Surveying Services’ during their regular webinar series which focused on the current performance of the buy-to-let sector, the challenges and opportunities faced by landlords, and lenders and how the surveying industry is adapting to the changing BTL landscape.
Over 300 people actively engaged with the session, with the audience consisting of lenders, brokers, surveyors and other property professionals. The panel included Jonathan Stinton, Head of Intermediary Relationships at Coventry for Intermediaries and David Hitches, Head of Property Risk at Paragon Bank.
It was hosted by Matthew Cumber, Managing Director at Countrywide Surveying Services who was joined by John Baguley, Director of Technical, Risk and Compliance at Countrywide Surveying Services.
A further poll taken during the webinar found that only 5% were ‘very pessimistic’ when it came to confidence levels around the BTL sector for 2023. 41% said they were ‘very’ or ‘somewhat confident’, 29% indicated that they were ‘neither confident nor pessimistic’, with 25% suggesting that they were ‘slightly pessimistic’
In addition, 45% of respondents suggested that the greatest challenge currently facing the BTL sector is rising interest rates. This was followed by cost of living increases and EPC regulations with both recording 18%, greater regulation (13%) and escalating taxation (6%).
Matthew Cumber, Managing Director at Countrywide Surveying Services, commented: “Questions have constantly been asked of the BTL sector over the years and certainly in more recent times in the wake of economic uncertainty, rising interest rates and more stringent lender stress testing. However, it’s a sector which has a long history of overcoming a raft of challenges to prove its resilience, value and importance in the overall housing market and this will continue to be the case.
“Looking forward, tenant demand is likely to rise and yields remain strong in many parts of the country. This combination, amongst other factors, will lead to further opportunities emerging for landlords, lenders and intermediaries, especially at the more professional end of the landlord spectrum.”
