Paragon Bank’s analysis of UK Finance data shows a clear generational shift in the buy-to-let (BTL) market. The average age of landlords purchasing rental property dropped from 46.4 years in 2014 to 42.9 in 2023, driven by a rise in younger investors.
Landlords in their 30s accounted for 31% of BTL purchases last year, up from 21% in 2014. Meanwhile, the share of buyers in their 40s remained steady, while those in their 50s and 60s saw notable declines—from 29% to 20% and 10% to 6%, respectively.
The youngest group of landlords (aged 18–29) also grew their share of purchases, increasing from 6% in 2014 to 10% in 2023.
Among landlords aiming to grow their portfolios, the average age was 37.8, with the largest share (35%) aged 25 to 34, followed by those aged 35 to 44 (31%).
Richard Rowntree, Managing Director of Mortgages at Paragon Bank, said:
“The perception that landlords are predominantly older is outdated. Nearly three-quarters of new BTL purchases are made by those under 50, with strong growth in landlords in their 20s and 30s.”
He emphasized the importance of a stable regulatory and fiscal environment to support these younger landlords and meet growing rental demand driven by demographic change.
