Landlords were relatively optimistic about tenant demand with almost nine out of 10 landlords (86 per cent) saying demand for rental property is either stable or booming, according to the report.
Advisers said the findings reflected what they were experiencing at the coalface as landlords and the market adjusted to the recent and ongoing changes in the sector.
Carl Shave, director at Just Mortgage Brokers, said: "While smaller investors are seemingly being deterred by the increased costs such as stamp duty and the personal tax implications as well as increased legislation, larger portfolio owners continue to see value in the sector.
"The increased trend towards more landlords considering HMOs is not surprising where landlords are looking at sources of higher yields to provide an offset against higher tax costs."
Alan Lakey, director of Highclere Financial, said the results were "no surprise" considering George Osborne had "launched a taxation attack on buy-to-let landlords" which had a "marked impact on both confidence and applications".
Mr Lakey thought the reason professional landlords making up a higher percentage of the market was down to ‘amateur landlords’ ridding themselves of property.
Kevin Dunn, director at Furnley House, agreed and added that he had found an almost complete halt on landlords increasing their portfolio.
He added: "Any new enquiries tend to be around HMO opportunities which is very in vogue and can offer better yields, however with it taking arguably more risk.
"I believe stamp duty and tax changes for higher rate tax payers have led to these changes while a typically 25 per cent deposit requirement is a barrier for some to buy."
imogen.tew@ft.com
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