A recent survey conducted by specialist buy-to-let lender Landbay has unveiled a pervasive scepticism among UK landlords regarding proposed planning reforms. With only 23% of landlords expressing optimism about the potential positive impact of these reforms on their businesses, the findings highlight a growing disconnect between government initiatives and the realities faced by property investors.

The survey, published on April 24, 2026, indicates that a staggering 77% of landlords believe that the easing of planning regulations will not benefit their buy-to-let (BTL) operations. Furthermore, only 13% of respondents felt that these reforms could lead to increased opportunities for acquiring new-build properties. The overwhelming sentiment among landlords suggests that they do not view these changes as a viable solution to the ongoing housing crisis.

Concerns Over Housing Crisis

A significant aspect of the landlords' scepticism revolves around their belief that planning reform alone will not resolve the multifaceted housing crisis currently affecting the UK. Nearly half (47%) of respondents indicated that they do not believe these reforms would contribute to alleviating the housing shortage. Many cited the ongoing skills shortage within the construction sector as a major impediment to achieving the ambitious housebuilding targets set by the government.

Rob Stanton, Landbay’s sales and distribution director, articulated the gravity of the situation, stating, “If property investors are not convinced planning reform will positively affect their business, we’re in real trouble.” Landlords play a crucial role in the housing market, driving the conversion of properties into houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), refits, extensions, and contributing to the new-build housing stock. The current level of cynicism surrounding proposed reforms is seen as damning by many in the industry.

The Skills Shortage Challenge

Landlords operating in the development sector have echoed concerns regarding the feasibility of meeting the government's housebuilding targets. Comments from landlords involved in construction highlight that the existing skills shortage severely limits building capabilities. One landlord described the targets as “impossible to achieve with the current level of skills available,” while another labelled them as “unrealistic” given the insufficient trades available.

These insights underline a critical issue: without a skilled workforce to support housing projects, even the most ambitious reforms may fall short of delivering meaningful results. The construction sector faces a daunting challenge in recruiting and training new workers, which is exacerbated by the recent economic uncertainties and the long-term impact of the pandemic.

The Broader Market Implications

The pessimistic outlook among landlords regarding planning reforms is compounded by other pressing concerns within the property market. With the impending implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act on May 1, 2026, many landlords are already feeling the pressure of compliance and potential changes to their business operations. A separate survey indicated that 82% of landlords are unprepared for the upcoming regulations, further straining their confidence in the market.

As landlords grapple with these challenges, the potential for increased rental demand remains a point of contention. While some believe that easing planning restrictions could stimulate new housing supply, the current sentiment suggests that many landlords are not convinced this will translate into higher occupancy rates or profitability.

The Future of Planning Reform

As discussions surrounding planning reform continue, it is crucial to consider the perspectives of landlords who are integral to the housing market. Their insights reveal a pressing need for policies that address the root causes of the housing crisis rather than focusing solely on regulatory adjustments.

The government must engage with landlords to understand their concerns and develop reforms that not only incentivise new builds but also enhance the overall viability of the rental market. Without this collaborative approach, the risk of further alienating property investors looms large, potentially stalling any progress towards resolving the housing crisis.