Landlords rush to sell as new Renters' Rights Act tightens eviction rules
Tomorrow (1st May) marks one of the biggest changes in rental history, as the government's Renters' Rights Act comes into force.
First introduced in September 2024, the legislation sets out a wide range of reforms, including the abolition of Section 21 'no-fault evictions' and tighter controls on rent increases.
While the changes have been welcomed by tenants, landlords have been more cautious to celebrate. New research, published today (30th April), shows they are increasingly turning to quick-sale platforms to exit the rental market.
According to House Buyer Bureau, the number of landlords using quick-sale services has risen by an average of 4.5% annually over the past five years.
In 2024 and 2025, landlords accounted for more than one in five transactions on such platforms, up from 19% in 2023 and 18% in 2022. Early figures for 2026 indicate the trend is continuing, with landlord-owned properties making up 21% of transactions between January and March.
Chris Hodgkinson, managing director of House Buyer Bureau, said: 'Talk of the Renters' Rights Act (RRA) leading to a widespread landlord exodus risks oversimplifying what is actually a more gradual and strategic shift.
'Most landlords aren't making knee-jerk decisions, but the direction of travel is becoming clearer as the RRA approaches, and that's prompting many to reassess both risk and return within their portfolios.'
Alongside the RRA, rising mortgage rates and tax changes are also prompting some landlords to reconsider their position in the market. The latest figures show the average two-year fixed rate has risen from 4.24% in February to between 5.35% and 5.87% in April.
'What we're seeing is a growing number opting for certainty and control, particularly those with smaller portfolios or tighter margins, where the cumulative impact of regulatory change and higher costs is being felt most,' Hodgkinson added.
'As the new legislation beds in, more landlords are likely to reach that same conclusion, and for many, a quick, guaranteed sale will become an increasingly attractive way to exit on their own terms rather than reacting under pressure further down the line.'
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