1 in 3 Brits Want to Be Landlords — But Are They Ready?
A growing wave of interest in UK property investment has emerged with one in three adults saying they want to become buy-to-let landlords. That headline figure, while striking, is only the beginning of the story.
Recent reporting across trusted sources like FT Adviser, Landlord Today, and Property Industry Eye reveals why this matters right now and what it could mean for investors at every level.
This isn’t just curiosity—it’s conviction.
- 60% of aspiring landlords say property investment offers reliable, long-term financial security (FTAdviser)
- 37% would choose buy-to-let over stocks and shares (Landlord Today)
- 53% view real estate as a safe, stable asset—even amid wider economic uncertainty (Property Industry Eye)
These aren’t one-off opinions. They reflect a clear shift in how UK adults see property as a tool for building wealth and achieving independence.
How Are People Planning to Make It Happen?
If one in three adults say they want to invest in buy-to-let, the next question is: how serious are they?
According to in-depth analysis from Mortgage Solutions and MF Brokers, many, would-be landlords are already taking deliberate action:
Action Investors Are Taking | % of Respondents |
Saving set amounts monthly | 52% |
Working extra hours to earn more | 44% |
Living with family/friends to cut costs | 33% |
Planning to ask family for help | 30% |
And notably, 24% of people who don’t yet own a home said they would purchase a rental property before buying a home to live in themselves (FTAdviser, MF Brokers, Mortgage Solutions). That’s a major mindset shift and a clear signal of intent.
Being a property Consultant, I speak to customers constantly about their motivations and goals, I’ve found that for adults across the UK, these aren’t just abstract aspirations. These are structured plans, based on financial trade-offs, personal sacrifice, and long-term strategy to achieve passive income long term.
Why the Surge in Interest Is Colliding With Reality Right Now
The fact that one in three UK adults want to become landlords is eye-catching—but if you’re part of that growing group, you need to know: this dream is arriving at a time of real regulatory change.
This week alone, two major updates have shifted the goalposts for current and future buy‑to‑let investors.
1. EPC Rules Just Changed—And They’re Stricter Than You Think
On 15 June, the government rolled out RdSAP 10, a complete overhaul of how Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are calculated (FT Adviser, LandlordsGuild, Cambridge Property Lettings).
Here’s what that means if you’re aiming to become a landlord:
You’ll now need documented proof—receipts, product specs, and photos—to get credit for insulation, heating upgrades, or energy-efficient materials. Verbal confirmation or visual checks alone won’t cut it.
Why this could be a shock to new investors:
A poor EPC rating can mean lower rental income, reduced access to buy-to-let mortgages, or even legal issues down the line if your property falls below minimum lettable standards.
If you’re one of the millions thinking about buy-to-let, this new rule introduces a clear early barrier: you need to plan not just how to buy—but how to upgrade and evidence energy performance from day one.
For many aspiring landlords—especially those balancing full-time jobs or investing from abroad—the rising regulatory load is already reshaping their plans. That’s why more investors are looking beyond DIY approaches and turning to fully managed solutions that handle compliance from day one.
At Find UK Property, we’ve seen a noticeable uptick in clients who want hands-off investment options with long-term rental income, but without the administrative burden that’s increasing year by year.
So, What Does “One in Three Adults Wanting to Be Landlords” Actually Mean?
The fact that so many people want to become landlords is important—but it doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s colliding with a real-world shift in what being a landlord involves.
This moment is a fork in the road.
- There’s unprecedented interest in BTL.
One in three adults want in. Among 18–34 year olds, that figure rises to 54%. This is not a marginal trend—it’s becoming mainstream (Property Industry Eye, FTAdviser). - But the entry point is evolving.
With new regulations and tougher standards ahead, success in BTL increasingly depends on knowledge, preparation, and willingness to adapt. The growing complexity of tenancy laws and maintenance requirements is now the biggest challenge for 67.5% of landlords (Landlord Today). Because of this, 30% have actively pivoted to professional management services to handle their properties and navigate these demands (Martin & Co.)
What Does This Mean for Investors—New and Experienced?
- Opportunity is real – The data shows strong belief in property’s long-term power. People are prioritising BTL over personal home ownership in some cases.
- Action beats intention – Saving, cutting costs, and getting support are how people are making it happen. If you want in, planning can’t wait.
- Compliance is no longer optional – New EPC rules are active now. If you can’t prove your upgrades, you’ll lose value and possibly tenants.
- Staying informed is the new edge – The next five years will likely bring more regulation, higher standards, and shifting expectations from renters, lenders, and local councils alike.
Final Thought
You might be one of the one in three or advising one of them. Either way, this is a moment of opportunity, if you’re informed.
The desire is there. The question is: are you ready for what’s coming with it?
