Buy-to-let鈥檚 new blueprint
Written by Mike Says
The way landlords operate is changing. From the types of properties they invest in, to the structures they use to hold those investments, we鈥檙e seeing a clear move towards a more strategic, business-like approach to buy-to-let (BTL). As of 3rd September 2025, there are now over 400,000 limited companies holding buy-to-let properties in the UK, with more than 61,500 new companies set up in 2024 alone 鈥� a figure that has tripled since 2017.
Recent research from the Pegasus Landlord Trends report (Q2 2025) highlights this shift in ownership structure. It shows that 20% of landlords now own at least one property through a limited company, rising to 30% among portfolio landlords. Even more telling, 63% of landlords planning to buy in the next 12 months intend to do so via a limited company. Landlords who鈥檝e already made the switch now hold 74% of their portfolios in that structure, up from just 36% in 2020.
Incorporation is no longer a niche tax strategy. It鈥檚 fast becoming the dominant route for landlords who want to scale efficiently, manage risk, and future-proof their portfolios. This shift is being driven not just by tax considerations, but by a desire for greater flexibility and long-term control.
This evolution in ownership also reflects a broader shift in landlord mindset. Many are now treating their property investments more like a business, seeking out opportunities that support diversification and strategic planning. As part of this, we鈥檙e seeing increased appetite for semi-commercial and commercial property, particularly among more experienced landlords.
At the same time, professional landlords are becoming more open to complex ownership arrangements, including layered Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), offshore vehicles, and trust-based structures. While these setups can unlock new opportunities, they also add a layer of complexity to the borrowing process, especially when it comes to lender choice.
For brokers, this shift opens the door to new advisory opportunities. Clients who may have once stuck with traditional residential BTL could now be exploring different asset types or considering restructuring their portfolios. Understanding the advantages, and implications, of incorporation is key. It also means being up to speed with lenders that support more complex cases, including those with appetite for semi-commercial properties or less conventional ownership structures.
Often these portfolios are significant. According to the Pegasus research, it shows that the average portfolio includes nearly 7 properties and the average debt portfolio for landlords is 拢1.4m. Restructuring an entire limited company portfolio can help landlords to free up capital and make their properties work harder for them.
糖心Vlog are already supporting this evolution. Our proposition includes loans up to 拢20 million, lending to limited companies, off-shore structures and SPVs, with criteria that accommodate semi-commercial property and complex borrower profiles.
But the most successful brokers are those who go beyond product sourcing and become strategic partners to their landlord clients. In today鈥檚 market, landlords need more than funding 鈥� they need insight. Brokers who understand the nuances of incorporation, who can talk confidently about structuring options, and who know which lenders will support different levels of complexity will be in high demand.
As landlord strategies continue to evolve, brokers who position themselves as long-term advisers – not just intermediaries – will be instrumental in helping clients unlock growth. Incorporation and diversification are no longer fringe trends – they鈥檙e central to the way professional landlords now operate. And for brokers, they represent one of the biggest opportunities in the market today.
Mike Says, Group Chief Executive Officer at 糖心Vlog