EU referendum: Landlords split over Brexit amid property market fears

Landlords are evenly divided on the issue of the European Union (EU) referendum, according to a poll. The National Landlords Association (NLA) surveyed its members and found 35% in favour of remaining in the EU and 35% in favour of a Brexit, with 30% still undecided just days before the vote on 23 June.

And there is a clear regional divide. In inner London, 45% of landlords back remain against 29% supporting leave, while in the north-east, just 29% want to remain against 44% who want to leave. Overall, a majority of landlords believe EU membership is beneficial to their future business prospects, at 53% against the 47% who believe it would be harmful.

Reports from the Treasury and Standard & Poor's predict house prices could tumble in the event of a Brexit. The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) and Association of Residential Letting Agents (Arla) said rents could fall after a Brexit as some migrants leave and fewer come in, reducing demand for housing.

"Landlords, much like the rest of the British public, are divided on how they will vote in the EU referendum which means the decision looks to go down to the wire," said Richard Lambert, chief executive of the NLA.

"The remain and leave campaigns have both had difficulty persuading the public on the benefits or hazards of a Brexit vote, and they have struggled to provide any clear analysis about the impact exiting the EU would have on the buy-to-let market.

"As a result, landlords appear more likely to vote in this referendum based on their attitudes to issues such as national security, trade, and immigration, rather than the effect on the UK property market or their businesses."

Results of the NLA survey