PR: What are the biggest opportunities you see for landlords and investors in the current property market—and how can they capitalise on them?
PB: Periods of market suppression often present some of the most compelling opportunities for landlords and property investors. Over the past 12 months, we have seen a marked increase in below-market-value acquisitions and distressed sales, highlighting where value is currently being created.
Despite short-term uncertainty, underlying capital values remain resilient, and with housing supply in England structurally constrained, long-term demand is assured. Historically, acquiring assets during periods of market weakness has proven to be one of the most effective strategies for generating sustained value over time.
PR: How has investor behaviour changed over the past year, and what trends do you expect to shape the sector in 2026?
PB: I anticipate a gradual decline in below-market-value transactions as the base rate stabilises and potentially begins to ease. As confidence returns, capital values are likely to edge upward, alongside an increase in development finance activity as market sentiment strengthens.
PR: What’s your view on the shift toward professionalisation in the landlord sector, and how can smaller investors stay competitive?
PB: The landlord sector is becoming increasingly professionalised, driven by regulation, higher costs and a more sophisticated lending environment. While this favours larger, well-capitalised operators, smaller investors can remain competitive by treating property as a business, focusing on operational efficiency and being highly selective with acquisitions.
Targeting niche strategies and value-add opportunities allows smaller landlords to compete effectively as the market evolves.
PR: Where do you think landlords should be focusing their attention right now—whether it’s location, property type, or tenant demographics?
PB: Right now, landlords should be focusing on fundamentals rather than speculation. Location remains key, particularly in regional cities and commuter hubs where affordability, employment and rental demand remain strong. In terms of property type, well-located, energy-efficient homes and assets that can be improved or repositioned continue to offer the best risk-adjusted returns.
From a tenant perspective, demand from professionals, young families and long-term renters remains resilient, so prioritising quality, compliance and sustainability is increasingly important.
PR:If you could give one piece of advice to landlords looking to grow or futureproof their portfolio, what would it be?
PB: The most important advice I would give is not to rush. The most successful landlords take a long-term, disciplined approach — being patient with acquisitions, stress-testing investments properly and waiting for the right opportunities rather than chasing short-term returns.
Markets move in cycles, and those who allow time for value to compound, while maintaining strong fundamentals, are far better placed to grow and futureproof their portfolios.
