‘Accidental landlords’ are set to record prominent growth in 2026, according to new research from Carter Jonas.
The firm’s 2025 Private Landlords Report analysed responses from 200 PRS landlords and found 14% plan to meaningfully expand next year.
Of this cohort, accidental landlords were the most prominent with 42% of whom planning to expand their portfolios.
These are defined by Carter Jonas as landlords who own and rent out one or more properties that were previously their own residence, or that they gained through inheritance.
According to Carter Jonas, many may not have set out to be long?term investors but now see value in adding to their portfolios.
With tenant demand having surged post-pandemic and most households renting for longer, demand for homes remains robust, supporting landlords who see opportunity in the market.
Despite this, 80% of all landlords do not expect to purchase other properties in the mean term with regulatory complexity cited as the leading barrier (37%).
A further 11% have admitted they plan to sell their entire portfolio.
“Our survey records a cautious stance, yet the direction of travel is constructive,” said Lisa Simon, head of residential at Carter Jonas.
“Since the Budget, clarity has improved, although outcomes depend on how policy is applied in practice.
“With rental demand strong and a cohort of accidental landlords’ planning to expand, our outlook is cautiously optimistic, provided measures remain proportionate and financially viable.”
