"The adoption of limited company structures by landlords continues to gather significant momentum, particularly among more experienced investors who are growing and restructuring their portfolios"
- Grant Hendry - Foundation Home Loans
One in five landlords now hold at least one buy-to-let mortgage for property owned through a limited company, according to new Q2 2025 Landlord Trends research from Foundation Home Loans, carried out by Pegasus Insight. Among portfolio landlords, this figure rises to 30%.
The data points to a continued upward trend in incorporation, particularly among larger landlords. The proportion of properties held within a limited company by these investors has increased markedly over the past five years, climbing from 36% in Q1 2020 to 74% in Q2 2025.
Limited company ownership is most prevalent among portfolio landlords, with 34% reporting they hold at least one property through an incorporated structure. Across the broader landlord population, 7% have fully incorporated portfolios, while 13% maintain a mix of personally owned and company-held properties.
Looking ahead, the research also explores how landlords intend to structure future purchases. Buying through a limited company remains the most popular option, selected by 63% of respondents who plan to expand their portfolios. In comparison, 29% intend to buy in their personal name, and 6% remain undecided, indicating they will choose based on circumstances at the time. Among those who currently hold property in a company structure, none plan to purchase their next property as individuals.
Refinancing trends also reflect the growing role of incorporation. Portfolio landlords with four or more buy-to-let mortgages are considerably more likely to refinance within a limited company structure than consumer landlords, with 30% doing so compared to 8% of non-portfolio borrowers.
When selecting a lender for limited company buy-to-let finance, the most important factors beyond interest rates are minimal fees, overpayment flexibility, and service quality.
“The adoption of limited company structures by landlords continues to gather significant momentum, particularly among more experienced investors who are growing and restructuring their portfolios,” said Grant Hendry, director of sales at Foundation Home Loans. “This shift reflects both a strategic response to the tax landscape and a desire for greater long-term flexibility.
“The research underlines the growing importance of limited company buy-to-let finance and reinforces the commitment required from lenders to deliver tailored, specialist solutions that meet the evolving needs of today’s landlords. And whether clients are refinancing, expanding, or reshaping their portfolios, we’re here to support them with products and service designed for a more complex market.”
