One in Five Landlords Now Own Through Limited Companies, Pegasus Reveals

Limited company ownership in buy-to-let is moving from niche to mainstream. Pegasus Insight reports that 20% of UK landlords now hold properties through limited companies, reflecting a shift in portfolio management and investment strategy.

The Landlord Trends Research Report Q2 2025 from Pegasus Insight shows that 7% of landlords now hold their entire rental portfolio in a limited company, while a further 13% operate a mix of personal and company-owned properties. The study, based on 794 NRLA members, highlights the growing appeal of incorporation for portfolio landlords.

The average proportion of a limited company landlord’s portfolio held through incorporation has risen from 36% in Q1 2020 to 74% in Q2 2025. Most new property purchases are now made via limited companies, particularly among landlords with four or more buy-to-let mortgages, 34% of whom hold at least one property in a company structure.

Tax efficiency remains the primary motivation for landlords incorporating, while new regulation and the upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill are prompting landlords to review rents and investment strategies. Despite growing popularity, awareness of specialist limited company lenders remains low, leaving opportunities for brokers and advisers to add real value.

Mark Long, founder and director of Pegasus Insight, commented: “Limited company ownership has shifted from niche to mainstream. Portfolio landlords, often higher-rate taxpayers, are the most active borrowers. Yet awareness of lenders and product options is still patchy. Advisers can help landlords navigate limited company mortgages without providing tax advice, ensuring buy-to-let activity remains strong.”

A separate report earlier this month also found that one in five buy-to-let companies set up in the UK so far this year are owned by international landlords.