Landlord Trends & Properties Mortgage Lenders Avoid

Big Rise in Landlords Using Company Status to Reduce Tax Burden

Landlord Today – 01/08/2025

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Incorporated landlords generally pay less tax than individual buy-to-let landlords.

The latest research conducted by Pegasus Insight on behalf of Foundation Home Loans reveals that 20% of landlords have at least one buy-to-let mortgage for a property held in a limited company – rising to 30% among portfolio landlords.

The study also highlights a sharp rise in incorporation, with the average proportion of a limited company landlord’s portfolio held in this structure more than doubling from 36% in Q1 2020 to 74% in Q2 2025.

Limited company ownership is especially common among portfolio landlords, with 34% reporting at least one incorporated property. Additionally:

• 7% of all landlords have fully incorporated portfolios.
• 13% hold a mix of personally and company-owned properties.

Future purchase trends also show a shift:

• 63% of landlords intend to buy through a limited company.
• Only 29% plan to purchase in a personal name.
• 0% of existing incorporated landlords plan to revert to individual ownership.

Refinancing trends show that portfolio landlords with 4+ buy-to-let mortgages are more likely to refinance via a limited company (30% vs. 8% for consumer borrowers). Key lender selection factors include:

• Minimal fees
• Overpayment flexibility
• Service quality

Property – What NOT to Buy

Money Saving Expert – 04/08/2025

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Mortgage lenders are not just selective about who they lend to – they’re also selective about the properties themselves.

There are many types of property that lenders don’t like, and buying one could mean:

• Reduced borrowing power
• Higher rates
• Mortgage rejection

Before committing to a property, it’s wise to check if the following types apply:

• Uninhabitable properties (no kitchen/bathroom, severe disrepair)
• High-rise flats, especially those over 5–10 storeys
• Concrete or prefab construction (non-standard)
• Short leaseholds (typically under 70 years)

Investors should do their due diligence early to avoid costly delays or disappointments when financing through a mortgage.

Dubious Sales Tactics at Two Leading Estate Agencies Uncovered

BBC News – 05/08/2025

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A BBC investigation has uncovered dubious sales tactics at two of the UK’s leading estate agencies. The exposé, backed by undercover filming and whistleblower accounts, reveals how commission-based incentives were prioritised over customer service.

The report alleges that agents were encouraged to steer clients toward higher-commission deals, sometimes at the expense of buyers’ best interests. It raises concerns about transparency and ethics within parts of the property sector.

These revelations serve as a reminder for both buyers and sellers to stay informed, question advice, and seek independent support where possible.