The PRS is becoming increasingly professionalised according to the latest Landlords Trends research from Pegasus Insight, further heightening the need for specialised finance.
Based on 631 landlord interviews between March and April, Pegasus found the average landlord now has 7.3 properties.
This is more than the 4.9 properties held by the average landlord Pegasus found in its earlier research from December to January.
However, that was based on a larger sample of 837 interviews.
Elsewhere, in the latest Landlord Trends update Pegasus found that 21% of landlords now describe themselves as full-time or self-employed landlords, up from 17% at the end of 2025.
Limited company landlords are at the forefront of this trend. Their average portfolio now stands at 15.3 properties, up from 12.8 in Q4 2025, and around 66% of their holdings are now owned through a corporate structure.
Demand for finance is also being driven by refinancing activity. Almost four in ten landlords with borrowing in place expect to remortgage in the next year, rising to 56% of those with four or more BTL mortgages. Portfolio borrowers are almost twice as likely as smaller landlords to be active in the refinancing market.
Mark Long, founder and managing director of Pegasus Insight (pictured above), said the data showed the PRS is undergoing a “gradual but important structural shift” with implications for lenders.
“Larger landlords tend to have more complex borrowing needs, make greater use of limited company structures and are more likely to require specialist lending solutions and refinancing support,” said Mark.
"At the same time, these landlords are often the most committed to remaining in the sector for the long term.
“As the market evolves, there is a growing opportunity for lenders and brokers that can provide the expertise, flexibility and products needed to support increasingly professional property businesses."
