The latest Landlord Trends report found the average landlord now owns 7.3 properties, while 21% describe themselves as full-time or self-employed landlords.
As the private rented sector (PRS) becomes increasingly professionalised, there is increased demand from landlords for specialist lending solutions, according to research from Pegasus Insight.
The latest Landlord Trends report found the average landlord now owns 7.3 properties, while 21% describe themselves as full-time or self-employed landlords, up from 17% at the end of 2025.
Limited company landlords continued to lead this trend, with average portfolios increasing from 12.8 properties in Q4 2025 to 15.3.
Around two-thirds (66%) of their properties are now held through corporate structures.
The research also highlighted strong refinancing demand, with almost four in 10 landlords with existing borrowing expecting to remortgage within the next year.
That figure rises to 56% among landlords with four or more buy-to-let mortgages, making portfolio landlords almost twice as likely as smaller investors to refinance.
Mark Long, founder and managing director of Pegasus Insight, said: “The PRS is becoming increasingly professional and sophisticated. The image of the landlord with one or two properties operating on the side of another career no longer tells the full story.
“The PRS is undergoing a gradual but important structural shift. We are seeing fewer landlords treating property as a sideline investment and more operating as professional businesses with larger, more sophisticated portfolios.
“That has significant implications for the mortgage market. Larger landlords tend to have more complex borrowing needs, make greater use of limited company structures and are more likely to require specialist lending solutions and refinancing support.”
He added: “At the same time, these landlords are often the most committed to remaining in the sector for the long term.
“As the market evolves, there is a growing opportunity for lenders and brokers that can provide the expertise, flexibility and products needed to support increasingly professional property businesses.”