Larger portfolio landlords account for the bulk of expected refinancing activity over the next 12 months
Nearly 40% of landlords intend to refinance within the next 12 months, according to Q1 2026 Landlord Trends research from Pegasus Insight, pointing to sustained borrowing demand in the buy-to-let sector.
Larger portfolio landlords are expected to account for a disproportionate share of this activity. Some 56% of those holding four or more mortgaged properties plan to remortgage in the coming year, against 24% of landlords with one to three mortgages. Those anticipating refinancing expect to remortgage an average of 2.7 loans each.
The research suggests that, despite regulatory change and broader economic pressure, landlords remain active participants in the mortgage market.
Tenant demand appears to be supporting continued landlord investment. Separate research from Pegasus Insight found that tenants have on average been renting for 8.2 years, with more than five years spent in their current property. Two-thirds of tenants said they intend to remain in their current rental home when their existing agreement ends.
"While much of the recent discussion around the private rented sector has focused on the potential negative impact of the Renters' Rights Act and the threat of future rent controls, these findings highlight the continued scale of borrowing activity taking place across the landlord market," said Mark Long (pictured right), founder and managing director at Pegasus Insight.
"Landlords are not standing still - many are actively refinancing, restructuring borrowing and reviewing funding arrangements across multiple properties, creating continued demand for dedicated buy-to-let lending and expert advice.
"What also stands out is the stability underpinning the sector. Tenant demand remains resilient and tenancies are often long term in nature, helping to provide landlords with relatively predictable rental income over extended periods. That combination of sustained refinancing activity and stable occupancy continues to make the buy-to-let market an important area of opportunity for lenders and intermediaries alike."
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