Strong Profits and Yields for UK Property Investor

Let’s cut to the chase: the UK’s buy-to-let sector is holding its ground as a solid investment, even in a climate that’s thrown more than its fair share of curveballs. The latest numbers from Paragon Bank (collected by Pegasus Insight, for those keeping score) reveal that a hefty 87% of landlords reported profits in Q2 2025. That’s nearly back to the high-water mark of 88% from late 2020. Losses? Only 5% of landlords fell into the red, with another 8% breaking even—a marked improvement from 2023’s tougher conditions, when profit-makers dropped to 77%.

This resurgence speaks volumes about the underlying resilience of the market. The fundamentals are still working in landlords’ favour.

Why Buy-to-Let Continues to Deliver

Louisa Sedgwick, Managing Director of Mortgages at Paragon Bank, highlighted the sector’s strong performance, noting yields are holding steady near multi-year highs. In practical terms, well-managed rental properties are generating consistent, attractive returns.

Key drivers behind these results:

  • Persistent tenant demand: There’s no shortage of people seeking quality rental housing, which helps keep vacancy rates low and properties occupied.
  • Strong rental yields: Yields remain at some of the best levels seen in more than a decade, supporting reliable returns for investors.
  • Professional, proactive management: Landlords who invest in maintaining their properties and building strong tenant relationships tend to see the best results.

Of course, challenges like arrears or property maintenance issues still exist. But the data’s clear: even with these hurdles, well-managed portfolios are reliably profitable—almost 80% of landlords in this group are making it work.

What This Means for Investors

For investors—whether UK-based or international—these figures highlight genuine opportunity. Nine out of ten landlords are turning a profit, and regions like London, Manchester, Birmingham, and rising northern markets continue to offer robust returns and capital growth potential.

You don’t have to go it alone, either. Partnering with reputable property management agencies, focusing on quality tenant selection, and investing in strategic upgrades can help safeguard and maximise returns.

Key Takeaways

  • 87% of landlords reporting profits in Q2 2025
  • Rental yields remain near decade-long highs
  • Proactive management and tenant engagement are key
  • The market continues to present stable, high-yield opportunities nationwide

Conclusion

In summary, buy-to-let continues to stand out as a reliable and profitable asset class in the UK. With strong demand, high occupancy, and competitive yields, it remains an attractive route for investors seeking steady income and long-term capital appreciation.

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