Is Buy-to-Let Still Worth It in 2026?

It's a question we're asked more often than ever: is buy-to-let still a viable investment in 2026? The honest answer is: it depends — but for the right property, in the right area, managed correctly, the answer is still yes.

The challenges are real

We won't pretend the landscape hasn't changed. The removal of mortgage interest relief, higher stamp duty on additional properties, and the increased compliance burden have all squeezed margins for landlords — particularly those with mortgaged portfolios. Some landlords have chosen to exit the market, and we've helped several clients sell their properties in an orderly way.

But the fundamentals remain strong

Rental demand in East London is as strong as we've ever seen it. Void periods are short, rents have risen meaningfully, and the supply of good rental properties has actually tightened as some landlords have exited. For cash buyers or those with low loan-to-value mortgages, yields in E7 and E12 remain attractive compared to most other asset classes.

Our honest advice

If you're considering entering the market, do the numbers carefully and honestly — including all costs, not just the mortgage. If you already own rental property, the key is to manage it well: keep it maintained, price it accurately, and build good relationships with tenants. The landlords who are thriving in 2026 are those who treat it as a business, not a passive income stream.