"Professionalisation isn’t shutting smaller landlords out; it’s raising the bar. Those who adopt a business‑first approach, invest in future‑proofing and seek the right advice will remain competitive and well‑positioned as the sector continues to evolve."
- Angelika Christian - Accord Mortgages
PR: What are the biggest opportunities you see for landlords and investors in the current property market—and how can they capitalise on them?
AC: There’s a clear shift happening in the market right now, and with that comes real opportunity for landlords who are thinking long term rather than focusing solely on short‑term gains. We’re seeing many of the so‑called ‘accidental landlords’ exit the sector, particularly those with just one or two properties. Their departure is releasing stock back into the market, creating openings for committed, strategic investors to strengthen and scale their portfolios.
Regulation is another area of opportunity. With major changes on the horizon, from the Renters’ Rights Bill to future EPC requirements, proactive landlords can get ahead by reviewing their portfolios now.
Those with unencumbered properties, for example, may be able to release equity to reinvest, or to fund energy‑efficiency upgrades early. Acting sooner rather than later could prove cost‑effective, especially as demand for retrofit work increases once new rules take effect.
Finally, this is a moment where holistic, professional advice is absolutely critical. The pace of regulatory change means landlords can’t be expected to keep on top of everything themselves.
Brokers play a vital role in helping investors understand their options, structure their finances and position their portfolios for long‑term resilience. In the current environment, specialist advice isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.
PR: How has investor behaviour changed over the past year, and what trends do you expect to shape the sector in 2026?
AC: Investor behaviour has become noticeably more cautious over the past year, with landlords increasingly prioritising long‑term sustainability over short‑term yield. The days of opportunistic, accidental landlords are fading, and we’re seeing a clear shift towards more intentional, portfolio‑driven strategies.
Those without a long‑term plan are the ones exiting the market, which, in turn, is creating opportunities for committed investors to expand.
Energy efficiency and property condition are now central to decision‑making. With EPC regulation edging closer, landlords are scrutinising the cost of bringing properties up to standard and factoring this into both acquisition and refinancing strategies. Investors who get ahead of the curve on retrofit work are positioning themselves strongly.
We’re also seeing a rise in demand for specialist advice. The volume and complexity of legislative change means more landlords are turning to brokers and advisers to understand their true costs, obligations and long‑term options. Professional guidance is becoming a core part of running a viable portfolio.
Location strategy is evolving, too. Many investors are looking beyond traditional hotspots and towards regions such as the North-East and Scotland, where entry prices are lower and rental yields can reach 9–10%. These northern markets have also seen some of the sharpest house‑price growth, making them increasingly attractive for yield‑focused and growth‑focused investors alike.
Taken together, these trends point to a sector that is maturing. The investors who will thrive in 2026 are those who think strategically, invest in quality, and seek expert advice to navigate a more regulated and competitive landscape.
PR: What’s your view on the shift toward professionalisation in the landlord sector, and how can smaller investors stay competitive?
AC: The sector is clearly moving toward a more professional, business‑minded style of landlordship, driven largely by regulation and rising operating standards. What we’re seeing is a shift away from hobbyist approaches and towards landlords who treat their portfolios with the same discipline and structure you’d expect from any other long‑term investment business.
Smaller landlords can absolutely stay competitive in this environment, but it requires a more strategic mindset. That starts with running their portfolio like a business, understanding cashflow, planning for future regulation and taking a proactive approach to compliance rather than reacting when deadlines hit.
Again, seeking specialist advice at the right time is becoming a major differentiator. With legislation evolving quickly, smaller investors increasingly need expert mortgage and tax guidance to stay compliant, manage costs and structure their finances efficiently. Those who lean on professional support will be better placed to navigate complexity and make informed decisions.
In short, professionalisation isn’t shutting smaller landlords out; it’s raising the bar. Those who adopt a business‑first approach, invest in future‑proofing and seek the right advice will remain competitive and well‑positioned as the sector continues to evolve.
PR: Where do you think landlords should be focusing their attention right now—whether it’s location, property type, or tenant demographics?
AC: Right now, location strategy is playing a major role in landlord decision‑making, and the data backs it up. According to Zoopla’s latest rental yield rankings, the strongest‑performing postcodes are heavily concentrated in the North East, Yorkshire, the North West and parts of Scotland, areas benefiting from low entry prices, strong rental demand and ongoing regeneration. Sunderland, Aberdeen and Burnley currently top the charts, delivering average gross yields above 8%.
But yield isn’t the only factor landlords should be watching. Properties in cities with strong professional and student demand, such as Leeds and Manchester, continue to offer reliable occupancy and long‑term rental resilience. These markets are supported by major employment hubs, large student populations and consistent inward investment, all of which help stabilise returns.
Portfolio diversification is becoming increasingly important, too. Professional HMOs remain one of the fastest‑growing segments of the market, driven by rising rents and growing demand for high‑quality, shared accommodation.
For landlords exploring this route, specialist advice is essential, both to understand regulatory requirements and to ensure the financials stack up.
Landlords also need to keep an eye on wider global trends. Recent reports of increased rental demand in London from expats highlight how geopolitical events can influence tenant flows and create short‑term opportunities. While some of these shifts may be temporary, they underline the importance of staying alert to external factors that can reshape demand.
In short, landlords shouldn’t focus on a single factor in isolation. The most successful investors will be those who combine smart location choices with the right property types, a clear understanding of tenant demand and a willingness to adapt their strategy as the market evolves.
PR: If you could give one piece of advice to landlords looking to grow or future-proof their portfolio, what would it be?
AC: I’d say ‘invest in high‑quality, specialist advice!’ The pace of regulatory change has been relentless, and even experienced landlords are finding it increasingly difficult to stay ahead. Proper guidance helps investors identify the right properties, secure the appropriate finance and structure their portfolio in a way that supports long‑term growth.
That guidance shouldn’t stop at mortgages. Tax advice is just as critical, ensuring landlords are investing in the most efficient way possible and aren’t caught out by unexpected liabilities. As the sector becomes more complex, understanding the financial and regulatory landscape is essential to protecting profitability.
Expert support is no longer optional, it’s a core part of running a resilient property business. With the right advisers around them, landlords can stay compliant, manage costs effectively and build a strategy that stands up to whatever the market or policymakers throw at them next.
