UK landlords are buying more homes from other investors

Landlords accounted for 13.3% of residential property purchases across Great Britain from January to April 2026, the highest share since 2016. The data points to a buy-to-let market being reshaped by landlord-to-landlord transactions, especially in northern England, rather than a surge in first-time investors.

Why it matters: - The latest figures suggest the UK buy-to-let market remains active despite higher borrowing costs and tighter regulation. - Landlord-to-landlord sales indicate that rental housing is still attracting capital, especially in established markets with proven demand. - The trend matters for tenants, because constrained rental supply is helping support rents in many parts of Great Britain.

What happened: - Landlords made up 13.3% of all residential property purchases across Great Britain between January and April 2026. - That is the highest share recorded since 2016. - Much of the activity came from landlords buying properties from other landlords. - Liquid Expat Mortgages said the pattern reflects changing ownership rather than a sharp rise in new property investors.

The details: - Northern England recorded the strongest landlord purchasing activity, with the North West, North East and Yorkshire & Humber standing out. - Those regions continue to draw investors because property prices are lower than in parts of southern England. - Tenant demand is established, and rental yields are often higher in those markets. - Regeneration projects, employment growth and expanding university populations are also supporting rental demand in several regional cities. - A growing share of buy-to-let purchases involves homes that were already rented by the previous owner. - Average gross rental yields on previously rented properties have risen to around 6.7%. - The gain reflects rental growth and relatively stable property prices. - Borrowing costs are still higher than in previous years, but stronger rental income is helping support returns for many landlords. - The UK rental market continues to face strong tenant demand and limited supply in many areas. - Average rents have kept rising across Great Britain, with the pace varying by region. - London has posted strong rental growth. - Several regional cities are also seeing steady demand backed by jobs, population growth and affordability. - Specialist buy-to-let mortgage products remain available for UK expats and foreign national investors. - Lenders vary their criteria based on country of residence, source of income, currency of earnings and intended property use.

Between the lines: - The data suggests the sector is adapting rather than shrinking. - Experienced landlords appear to be concentrating on properties with an established rental history, where income potential is easier to assess. - That favors investors who want predictable cash flow over buyers seeking speculative growth. - Regional affordability and yield are becoming more important as higher financing costs pressure returns.

What's next: - The buy-to-let market is likely to keep favoring well-located rental assets with strong tenant demand. - Regional cities in northern England may continue to attract both domestic and overseas buyers. - Specialist advisers are likely to remain important for international investors navigating lender requirements. - Future activity will probably hinge on rent growth, financing conditions and further regulatory changes.

The bottom line: - UK buy-to-let demand is still alive, but the market is increasingly being driven by landlords trading properties among themselves rather than by fresh investor entry.