Larger portfolio landlords/property investors are most likely to experience growth/maximise opportunities going forward, according to a webinar poll from Countrywide Surveying Services (CSS).

The poll was active during a CSS webinar which focused on the current performance of the BTL sector, the challenges and opportunities faced by landlords, and lenders and how the surveying industry is adapting to the changing BTL landscape.

Of the 300 people who attended the session, two-thirds (66%) of respondents highlighted that they expect growth and opportunities across the buy-to-let (BTL) sector to be experienced by landlords/property investors with a portfolio of more than 10 properties. 

Meanwhile, 22% opted for those with four to 10 properties and 12% selected those with one to three properties to be the most likely to experience growth/maximise opportunities going forward.

The webinar focused on the current performance of the BTL sector, the challenges and opportunities faced by landlords, and lenders and how the surveying industry is adapting to the changing BTL landscape.

A further poll taken during the webinar found that only 5% were ‘very pessimistic’ regarding confidence levels around the BTL sector for 2023. 

The poll also showed that 41% said they were ‘very’ or ‘somewhat confident’, 29% indicated that they were ‘neither confident nor pessimistic’ and 25% said they were ‘slightly pessimistic’

In addition, 45% of respondents suggested that the most significant challenge currently facing the BTL sector is rising interest rates. 

This was followed by 18% who said the cost-of-living increases, 18% who believed it was energy performance certificate regulations, 13% who said greater regulation and 6% who said escalating taxation.

CSS managing director Matthew Cumber says: “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.”