The boundless optimism of buy-to-let landlords

Landlord optimism is simply irrepressible. Interest rates may rise, house prices may stall, and housing affordability indicators may be at all time highs, but today's landlord remain undeterred. They want more houses regardless of market fundamentals.

A recent survey conducted by Mortgage Express found that 88 per cent of landlords would like to increase or maintain their property portfolio; up two percentage points from last year. Furthermore, their optimism is not confined to their portfolios. Over 96 percent of landlords expect rent levels either increase or stay the same over the next six months.

The survey also provided some interesting insights into the typical buy-to-let landlord

The typical buy-to-let investor is male and between 36 and 45 years of age.

The average landlord has between one and five buy-to-let properties.

Half of landlords have been investing in property for less than five years.

Only 10 percent of buy-to-let investors are self-employed as a full-time professional landlord.

In other words, the typical landlord is an overly optimistic amateur middle-aged male, who just entered the buy-to-let scam and have no memory of a housing recession. However, that optimism will soon disappear when house prices crash. The buy-to-let landlord of today will become the buy-to-let victim of tomorrow.