In an era of economic flux and shifting housing dynamics, the buy to let sector remains a vital pillar of the UK property landscape. While it has faced its share of scrutiny and regulatory change, the fundamentals that underpin its value - both to landlords and to society - are as robust as ever.
At its core, buy to let is about providing homes. The private rented sector (PRS) now accounts for over 4.5 million households in the UK, a figure that has more than doubled since the early 2000s. This isn’t just a statistic - it’s a reflection of real demand. From young professionals seeking flexibility, to families unable to access homeownership, to older renters downsizing in retirement, the PRS offers choice, mobility, and increasingly, quality.
Landlords - often unfairly caricatured - are in fact the backbone of this system. The vast majority are individuals or couples with one or two properties, investing for the long term, often to supplement pensions or provide financial security for their families. They are not faceless corporations, but people who take pride in maintaining good homes and building relationships with tenants. And they are responding to a clear need: demand for rental property continues to outstrip supply in many parts of the country.
From an economic perspective, the buy to let sector plays a crucial role in supporting the housing market’s fluidity. It absorbs demand that the social housing sector cannot meet and that the owner-occupier market is not always positioned to serve. Beyond its economic contribution - through letting agents, tradespeople, and property services - the sector also plays a vital role in sustaining local communities. By providing homes where they’re needed most, landlords help maintain neighbourhood stability, support local schools and services, and enable people to live near work, family, and essential amenities. At a national level, the sector contributes through taxation, investment, and its role in keeping the wider housing system moving.
Of course, the sector must continue to evolve. Regulation is necessary to ensure standards, and professionalisation is key to long-term success. But let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture: buy to let is not a problem - it’s part of the solution. It’s helping to house 1 in 5 households, support livelihoods, and underpin financial futures.
At The Mortgage Works, we remain committed to supporting landlords who share this vision. We believe in a sector that is fair, forward-looking, and built on long-term relationships. Our product offering is focused on the needs of landlords who are committed to responsible investment - whether you're a first-time landlord, operating through a limited company, managing a portfolio, or letting out HMOs.
Our role goes beyond mortgages. As part of Nationwide Building Society, we champion the buy to let sector through thought leadership, and practical support. We understand that being a landlord today means more than managing properties - it means staying on top of regulation, maintaining quality homes, and supporting tenant wellbeing. We also use our scale - supporting over 300,000 landlords - to engage with policymakers and help shape the future of the private rented sector.
We also recognise that the future of buy to let depends on collaboration - between lenders, landlords, policymakers, and communities. By working together, we can ensure the sector remains resilient, responsible, and ready to meet the challenges ahead.
We’re proud to be part of a sector that continues to adapt and deliver. And we’re especially proud to have been nominated for Best Buy to Let Mortgage Lender. This recognition means even more because it comes directly from landlords. To everyone who voted for us - thank you. Your trust and support continue to inspire our work, and we remain committed to helping you succeed.
As the housing market continues to evolve, so too must the support systems around it. At The Mortgage Works, we’re focused on the long term - not just in how we lend, but in how we listen, learn, and lead. We know that landlords play a vital role in meeting the UK’s housing needs, and we’re here to help them do that with confidence, clarity, and care.