"Our research shows a clear shift toward professionalisation, with landlords making more structured, long-term decisions"
- Jonathan Stinton - Coventry for intermediaries
New research from Coventry for intermediaries shows that 72% of limited company buy-to-let (BTL) landlords entered the market within the last five years, with nearly a third (30%) being first-time investors. This trend is expected to continue, as half of landlords plan to expand their portfolios over the next one to two years.
Tax policy changes and new regulations, such as the Renters Reform Bill and Capital Gains Tax adjustments, have accelerated this shift. For 41% of landlords surveyed, tax efficiency was the main reason for incorporating, as they seek more structured and tax-effective ways to manage their portfolios.
Coventry’s report, The broker’s guide to limited company BTL mortgages, highlights how brokers are experiencing this change firsthand. Ninety percent of brokers have advised on limited company BTL mortgages in the past three years, a significant increase from just 25% a decade ago.
Despite this growth, only 35% of landlords arranged their latest limited company BTL mortgage through a broker, suggesting many investors might be missing out on professional advice. This gap presents an opportunity for brokers to guide landlords through the complexities and help unlock sustainable portfolio growth.
By assisting landlords in understanding structural and tax considerations, brokers can play a vital role in navigating incorporation and delivering long-term value.
Other findings from the research include:
47% of landlords with four or more properties incorporated in the last five years, compared to 30% of those owning one to three properties.
33% of landlords see understanding legal and tax implications as a major barrier to incorporation.
45% of landlords went directly to a mortgage provider for their most recent limited company property purchase.
Jonathan Stinton, head of intermediary relationships at Coventry for intermediaries, said, “Landlords are looking for more than just the best rate – they want sound, strategic advice to help them grow professionally and navigate the complexity of limited company BTL. That’s a golden opportunity for brokers to deepen relationships and offer real value.
“Our research shows a clear shift toward professionalisation, with landlords making more structured, long-term decisions. This creates the opportunity for brokers to widen their client base to new property investors and support landlords on their limited company BTL journeys.”
Sarah Brown, senior mortgage proposition manager at Coventry for intermediaries, added, “More landlords are moving over to limited company BTL, so they’re asking tougher questions about tax planning, structure and long-term planning."
"We’ve listened closely to what brokers are telling us and built our limited company BTL proposition around that. By combining simplicity, service, and expertise we’re helping brokers deliver better outcomes – and grow their business along the way.”
