Elderly and problem tenants rehomed as landlord celebrates “success” in selling 5 buy-to-lets

We’re already over halfway through 2025. It’s hard to believe that in the blink of an eye we’ll be entering into 2026. We’ve been through a lot as landlords, the tax nightmares, refurb costs, struggling to rent, and the Renters’ Rights Bill edging closer to implementation. The list goes on.

It’s a testament to many of us that we’re still standing, and thank goodness we are.

For a landlord based in Wallasey, who brought five of her properties to us at Landlord Sales Agency, she managed to completely turn the tables. These weren’t easy properties: an HMO with five tenants, two mixed commercial/residential units, a tenanted property with an elderly vulnerable tenant and another with a tenant in huge arrears.

Understandably she was anxious about how and whether these would sell. But we did what we do best: we got to work.

With the HMO, we managed viewings with all five tenants and coordinated the sale while handling multiple surveys to get it through to completion. The commercial units weren’t easy either, two shops with flats above, one of which had no fire regulations in place. Even with these issues, we managed the entire sales progression and got both across the line.

Her tenanted property with the elderly resident needed sensitivity. We sourced an investor who not only bought the property but agreed to keep the vulnerable tenant in place, protecting their home and health.

Then came the most challenging: the arrears-heavy tenant. We managed the vacation of the property, which required a full refurb, to enable a successful sale. Every resource we had we threw at it in ways that no-one else out there is selling landlord properties.

Despite the odds, we sold all five properties. And this isn’t a one-off. We do this every day.

Landlords like this one are flooding to us to sell. Not because they’ve read our articles and suddenly believed we can “save the day,” but because we actually are doing exactly what we say we’ll do.

No matter what the reason you have for wanting to sell, we get it done.

What’s more, we’re fast. Super fast. All our properties sell on average in less than 28 days. In some cases, we can get you a sale within an hour of listing.

What you do with the cash is up to you. We get you the highest prices out there, and our results, like our Wallasey landlord’s, speak for themselves.
So whether you’re looking to sell to buy more later down the line, or you’re looking to get out and retire from the business, we’re the best in the UK to help, and we’re ready to help you today.

All you have to do is get in touch.

Sharp Rise in Mortgage Repossessions as Landlord Cases Shift

All Mortgage Actions Surge in Early 2025

New data from the Ministry of Justice reveals significant increases in mortgage possession actions across the board between January and March 2025, compared to the same period in 2024:

  • Claims up 31% (to 6,765)
  • Orders up 53% (to 4,624)
  • Warrants up 20% (to 3,517)
  • Repossessions up 42% (to 1,092)

This marks a continuation of the upward trend that began in mid-2021. The figures, while still below pre-COVID peaks for warrants and repossessions, show that more homeowners are struggling to keep up with their mortgage payments.

Landlord Possession Orders Up Despite Fewer Claims

Landlord possession trends tell a mixed story:

  • Claims down 4% (to 23,976)
  • Warrants down 6% (to 10,849)
  • Orders up 3% (to 18,713)
  • Repossessions up 5% (to 7,308)

The drop in claims is mainly due to fewer actions by private and accelerated landlords. However, social landlord claims remain stable, and actual repossessions continue to rise, with London still seeing the greatest volume.

Time to Repossess a Mortgage Is Getting Shorter

There’s some improvement in court efficiency for mortgage repossessions:

  • Claim to repossession now takes 40.3 weeks (down from 46.1 weeks)
  • Claim to warrant takes 30.4 weeks (down from 36.6 weeks)
  • Claim to order has slightly risen to 9 weeks

This reflects ongoing efforts by courts to clear pandemic-era backlogs and speed up possession cases.

Landlord Repossession Times Get Longer

In contrast to mortgage cases, landlord repossessions are taking longer:

  • Median time from claim to repossession is now 26.1 weeks (up from 24.1)
  • Claim to order remains steady at 8.3 weeks
  • Claim to warrant has dropped slightly to 15.9 weeks

This may reflect more complex cases or delays in enforcement processes for tenanted properties.

London Still a Hotspot for Landlord Cases

London continues to dominate landlord possession activity:

  • 33% of all claims (7,802) and 33% of orders (6,141) were in the capital.
  • The number of landlord warrants in London dropped 16%, but London still saw more than any other region (3,604).

The capital also had six of the ten highest local authority rates for private landlord possession claims, led by Barking & Dagenham.

Social Landlord Claims: Stratford-on-Avon Tops the List

  • Stratford-on-Avon recorded the highest rate of social landlord claims: 759 per 100,000 households.
  • Enfield and Kingston upon Thames followed closely behind.
  • In contrast, Neath Port Talbot had the lowest rate of social landlord claims at 8.3 per 100,000.

Regional Repossession Rates: North East and London Dominate

  • Hartlepool recorded the highest mortgage repossession rate (99 per 100,000 mortgaged households).
  • Newham led private landlord repossessions (346 per 100,000).
  • Castle Point had the highest social landlord repossession rate (341 per 100,000).

Notably, 44 local authorities had zero mortgage repossessions during this period, showing the disparity in housing stress across the country.

Methodology Update Gives Sharper Local Insight

Since late 2022, possession rates are calculated based on the number of households by tenure type rather than total households, allowing for more precise comparisons between private, social, and mortgaged homes.

Advice Services Still Available

Tenants and homeowners facing eviction can access free legal help through the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (HLPAS), regardless of income. The service supports anyone who has received written notice to leave their home.

What’s Next?

  • The next update will be published 14 August 2025
  • Users are invited to provide feedback on the bulletin and interactive data tools via CAJS@justice.gov.uk

Final Word from the Statistician

“Mortgage possession actions continue to rise sharply, with increases across all regions. Landlord claims have dipped slightly, but repossessions continue to edge upwards. Court timeliness improvements in mortgage cases contrast with slower landlord proceedings, suggesting growing pressure in both sectors.”

Sell Landlord Portfolio Fast & Smoothly with Landlord Sales Agency

Are you looking to sell your landlord portfolio quickly and profitably? Whether you’re exiting the market, reshaping your investments, or simply ready for a new chapter, the process requires expert guidance to ensure a seamless outcome.

At Landlord Sales Agency, we specialise in helping landlords sell their portfolios with minimal hassle, maximum speed, and the best possible return.

How to Sell a Landlord Portfolio

Selling a landlord portfolio involves strategic decisions and understanding your options. Here’s an overview of the common routes:

Traditional Estate Agents

A familiar route—but often slow, especially when selling tenanted properties. High-street agents market your portfolio, negotiate offers, and manage the admin, but the sales process can stretch over many months and high street agents do not engage with tenants or arrange vacant possession if required.

Property Auctions

Auctions can be faster than private sales and reduce the risk of deals falling through. However, the average return from traditional property auctions is only 70% of market value and sellers are responsible for auction listing costs and legal fees.

Property Investment Companies / Cash Buyers

We do not buy landlord portfolios directly for cash but we do represent several large buying companies that do. We ensure sellers are happy to accept 85 – 90% of the market value and ensure all processes comply with UK Law.

This route ensures a rapid, certain sale—often completing in days. While offers may be below full market value, the speed, certainty, and reduced costs often outweigh the difference.

Specialist Portfolio Agents

Landlord Sales Agency differ to traditional estate agents by engaging with tenants to find solutions that benefit all parties – sellers, buyers and tenants – to avoid stressful, unpleasant and expensive delays through court orders.

Key Factors When You Sell a Landlord Portfolio

When planning to sell a landlord portfolio, consider:

  • Tenants in Situ: Keeping tenants can be attractive to other landlords seeking immediate rental income, but may narrow the pool of potential buyers.
  • Property Condition: Portfolios needing refurbishment might be best suited to cash buyers who are used to dealing with properties in any condition.
  • Speed of Sale: If speed is crucial — due to financial pressures, tax deadlines, or personal reasons — or desirable rather than wait years to sell properties individually, working with PRS Exit Specialists like Landlord Sales Agency is often the best path.
  • Legal and Financial Matters: Selling a landlord portfolio involves tenancy agreements, capital gains tax, and possible mortgage constraints. It’s essential to work with specialists who understand these complexities and who can ensure the sale is fully compliant with all landlord obligations towards tenants and regulations.

Steps to Sell a Landlord Portfolio

1. Assess Your Portfolio
Review your properties, tenancy status, and any repair needs.

2. Choose the Right Method
Decide whether you want maximum value, fastest completion, or minimal hassle.

3. Prepare the Properties
Address any urgent maintenance if required—but remember, cash buyers like Landlord Sales Agency purchase in any condition.

4. Engage Experts
Instruct a solicitor and a specialist portfolio buyer or agent who understands the buy-to-let sector.

5. Market and Negotiate
If going the open market route, be prepared for negotiations. With Landlord Sales Agency, we handle this for you and may even buy directly ourselves.

6. Complete Your Sale
Finalise contracts and transfer ownership, with funds swiftly released to you.

Why Sell Your Landlord Portfolio with Landlord Sales Agency?

Speed – Complete your sale in weeks, not months.

Reliable – We secure buyers by taking non refundable deposits at the START of the process so 95% of agreed sales complete (compared to 70% of high street sales where the agreement is not secured until contracts are exchanged at the END of the process).

Cash Advances Available – If you are looking to release cash quickly, we can provide an interest free cash advance of upto £20,000 once a buyer has been found and secured, which must be repaid from the sales price as soon as the money is paid by the buyer.

No Tenant Evictions Required – We sell landlord portfolios with tenants in place, maintaining their security and your income until completion. We also sell landlord portfolios with vacant possession and safeguard seller income by negotiating with tenants and coordinating their move as close as possible to completion dates.

Any Condition or Location – Our buyers are looking for portfolios nationwide – , including ready made rentals with tenants in situ as well as problem properties they can add value to.

Expert Support – We’re specialists in helping landlords sell landlord portfolios and navigating legal and financial complexities.

No Hidden Fees – Transparent offers and no estate agency commissions to pay.

Ready to Sell Your Landlord Portfolio?

Don’t let your sale drag on through uncertain markets or costly traditional routes. For a fast, professional solution, contact the experts at Landlord Sales Agency today.

For our fastest reponse:

Please click here to provide information so we can prepare our response

Alternatively,

Tel: 0800 612 8579

Email: info@landlordsalesagency.co.uk

Unlock the value of your landlord portfolio and move forward with confidence. Get in touch for your free, no-obligation consultation now!

Sell a Property Portfolio in One Instruction to Exit the UK PRS Fast

Landlords across the UK are increasingly choosing to sell multiple properties together in one instruction as a property portfolio rather than spend years selling them off one at a time.

Whether you’re streamlining your investments, protecting cash flow amid rising interest rates, or simply ready for retirement, Landlord Sales Agency offers a faster, simpler way to sell your property portfolio in one move and move on with confidence.

Why Sell a Property Portfolio Now?

Rental stock has dropped by 50% in just three years as landlords offload properties due to shifting regulations, rising costs, and evolving market dynamics.

Typical reasons landlords decide to sell a property portfolio:

  • Offload underperforming properties to improve yield on others
  • Exit the market quickly due to financial pressures
  • Release cash for new opportunities
  • Retire from property management entirely

No matter your motivation, Landlord Sales Agency can help you sell a property portfolio quickly, discreetly, and profitably.

Things to Consider Before You Sell a Property Portfolio

Selling a property portfolio involves decisions that can significantly affect your outcome:

  • Sell as a whole or split into individual properties?
    Selling individually may achieve higher prices for small portfolios but can be time-consuming and complex for larger holdings.
  • Market vs Investor Sale:
    The open market can deliver higher offers but comes with delays and potential fall-throughs. Selling directly to a professional investor ensures speed and minimal disruption.
  • Price vs Speed:
    Decide if your priority is achieving top market value—or completing a fast, certain sale.
  • Selling with Tenants:
    Evicting tenants can be costly and stressful. Selling to an investor like Landlord Sales Agency often means tenants can stay in place, preserving rental income until completion.

The Quick Way to Sell a Property Portfolio

Traditional sales can take 4–9 months per property — and more than 30% fall through. If you don’t want to spend years selling your assets, Landlord Sales Agency provides a powerful option to sell a property portfolio as one lot:

Sell Your Property Portfolio Through Our Investor Network

Landlord Sales Agency’s database of high-net-worth investors are actively seeking tenanted portfolios and individual buy-to-let properties.

  • Pre-vetted cash buyers
  • Faster than the open market
  • Non-refundable holding fees to secure deals

Although timelines can vary, our investor sales typically complete far quicker than traditional methods.

How to Sell a Property Portfolio in one go – The Landlord Sales Agency Way

Selling your property entire portfolio with Landlord Sales Agency is simple:

Step 1: Contact us by phone, email, or online form.
Step 2: Our property experts discuss your objectives and gather property details.
Step 3: We look at historical sales of comparative properties to work out a realistic sale price based on recent sales history and provide our offer in writing.
Step 4: If you accept the offer, we sell in 28 days or less and secure the buyer.
Step 5: We manage the completion process, making sure all problems are solved so you don’t have to be involved.
Step 6: That’s it! You’ve sold your entire portfolio all at the same time.

Selling a Property Portfolio with Tenants

Worried about tenants when you want to sell a property portfolio? Landlord Sales Agency makes it simple. Our cash buyers and investors often prefer properties with tenants in place. This:

  • Guarantees instant rental income for buyers
  • Minimises disruption for tenants
  • Helps you avoid costly and lengthy evictions

Landlord Sales Agency’s experience managing tenant relations ensures a seamless handover.

What Types of Property Portfolios Can We Help Sell?

We help landlords sell their FREEHOLD PROPERTIES – sell a property portfolio of any size, in any condition, including:

  • Vacant or tenanted properties
  • Houses needing refurbishment
  • HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation)
  • Short leasehold properties
  • Inherited property portfolios
  • Properties with tenants in arrears

Wherever your properties are in England and Wales, Landlord Sales Agency can help you sell them quickly and efficiently.

We’re sorry but due to current market conditions, we CANNOT SELL FLATS nor any LEASEHOLD property.

The Landlord Sales Agency Difference – Why Sell a Property Portfolio With Us?

Speed

Complete your sale in as little as 7 days—or on a timeline that suits you.

Convenience

Avoid endless viewings, negotiations, and sales chains. We handle it all.

Transparency

We’re members of The Property Ombudsman and the National Association of Property Buyers. No hidden fees and no dropping the accepted offer once a sale has been agreed with a buyer.

Zero Fees

We pay your legal fees from the difference between the offer you accept and the final sales price.

Why Selling a Property Portfolio Can Be Difficult

Selling a property portfolio isn’t as simple as selling a single house. Challenges include:

  • Securing buyer finance for multi-property deals
  • Managing diverse property types and tenancies
  • Navigating legal and regulatory complexities

Landlord Sales Agency eliminates these hurdles with cash buyers and expert support, making it faster and safer to sell a property portfolio.

Ready to Sell a Property Portfolio?

No matter your circumstances, Landlord Sales Agency offers a bespoke solution. We’re specialists in helping landlords sell a property portfolio fast, securely, and profitably.

✔ Fast, free valuations
✔ No obligation cash offers
✔ Complete discretion
✔ No fees or commission

Get started today. Fill out our simple online form and discover how easy it can be to sell a property portfolio with Landlord Sales Agency.

Sell My Portfolio – Fast, Simple Solutions for Landlords Across the UK

Are you searching for a way to sell my portfolio quickly and easily? At Landlord Sales Agency, we’re specialise in selling buy-to-let portfolios fast. We work directly with landlords across the UK who want to sell their property portfolio, whether it’s 2 or 200 properties.

Selling a portfolio is rarely straightforward. Traditional estate agents often struggle to handle complex or large property portfolios. That’s where we come in – our team are experts at selling tenanted and vacant properties in any condition, both as individual lots and sold together as a portfolio. We offer landlords a fast, direct route to exit the market without having to sell multiple properties in dribs and drabs.

Looking to Sell a Property Portfolio Fast?

Landlords often face multiple challenges when they want to sell their portfolio:

  • Navigating tenant evictions
  • Avoiding long void periods
  • Minimising legal and transactional costs
  • Managing repairs and compliance paperwork

When you sell your portfolio to Landlord Sales Agency, we handle everything. There are no estate agency fees, no hidden costs, and no delays. We’ll even cover your legal fees and EPCs.

We agree a price you are happy to accept to sell your entire portfolio in one sale then we pay costs and take our pay from anything we raise over that offer.

Sell My Portfolio – With or Without Tenants

If your portfolio includes occupied properties, you might be worried about evictions. When we sell your portfolio to another professional landlord or investor, it’s often possible for tenants to remain in place under their current agreements. This avoids disruption and keeps the rental income flowing right up to completion.

Selling on the open market? You may be required to serve notice and create vacant possession, which leads to additional costs, stress and delays. If you want to sell a property portfolio fast, we’re the hassle-free alternative.

We Buy Entire Portfolios or Just Part

Whether you want to sell your whole portfolio or just a section of it, we’ll work with your goals. We sell:

  • Individual buy-to-let properties
  • Groups of properties
  • Entire portfolios

Many of our buyers are not reliant on mortgages, many are happy to buy with good tenants in place because of the tenant information we collect in addition to property details and they don’t always need viewings to make an offer – which means you can get a quick, cash sale with minimum disruption for your tenants.

Sell My Portfolio FAQ

Can you sell every type of property?
Unfortunately, due to current market conditions, we are unable to sell flats or leasehold properties.

What areas of the UK do you cover?
We mainly sell properties in England and Wales and occasionally sell properties in Scotland.

How much does it cost to sell my portfolio?
If you use a traditional agent, you may pay thousands in commission, legal fees, EPCs and VAT. At Landlord Sales Agency, there are no agent fees – and we cover your legal and EPC costs too.

Do the properties need to be in good condition?
No. If you’re thinking, “I want to sell my portfolio but some properties need work”, we still want to hear from you. Our investors buy properties in any condition – including those needing full renovation.

What happens after I accept an offer from a portfolios buyer?
Glad you asked because that’s where the real work begins and why so many other estate agencies fail. Long story short, you leave everything to us. We liaise with the buyer, tenants, solicitors, conveyors and anyone else we need to, to get the deal over the line in the shortest time possible. We keep you updated all the way and all you have to do is let us know what you’d like us to do.

Can I sell my portfolio without viewings?
Possibly. We do have buyers willing to buy without viewings but to get the best possible price for your properties, we normally encourage viewings from chain free private buyers to ensure investors have to bid a fair price.  

If your tenants don’t want viewings – or you want a discrete sale without your tenants knowing until the sale is agreed – just talk to us and let us discuss the best way for you to get the best price for your properties without viewings.

Sell My Portfolio for Cash – Get a No-Obligation Offer Today

If you’re ready to sell your property portfolio, we’re ready to buy. Whether you’re retiring, restructuring, or simply want to cash out quickly, Landlord Sales Agency offers a fast, professional and stress-free service.

Cash offers
No estate agency fees
Legal and EPC costs covered
No evictions required
Fast completions – often in days

Contact us now to find out how we can help landlords sell your portfolios – no obligation, no pressure. Sell my portfolio the easy way – with Landlord Sales Agency.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves crying a warning for landlords: “she knows exactly what’s coming”

When Chancellor Rachel Reeves was filmed crying during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday as Keir Starmer declined to guarantee she would remain in place until the election, the property world took notice. Whilst she raced afterwards to brush it off as “unrelated personal matters,” it indicated a visible crack in a government under immense financial pressure. The tears told us exactly what we feared: Rachel Reeves is breaking, and she’s going to give it everything she’s got to fight for her job.

So why would this cause landlords to stop in their tracks? The answer is simple. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is facing mounting calls from Labour MPs to impose new taxes on landlords to address a looming budget deficit. The options being considered are devastating: National Insurance on rental income, potentially adding 12% to your tax bill overnight, separate tax bands for rental property earnings meaning higher rates specifically targeting landlords, VAT on residential lettings adding a 20% charge that would cripple rental yields, and further Capital Gains Tax increases already being heavily rumoured.

Landlords aren’t just a small piece of her strategy to rinse the country for all the money its got, we’re public enemy number one. We’re the primary target.

What’s worse, the government is only just getting started. Mission “claw back” has already seen us experience tax hikes, and increase of mortgage rates, refurb and EPC costs thanks to the “Decent Homes Standard” and the consequences of the looming Renters’ Rights Bill amongst others. The result is tens of thousands in costs per property. The numbers just don’t make sense any more. Newer landlords might be soldiering on with fresh slates, but older landlords like you or I are finding it increasingly impossible to stay in the game.

So what on Earth are we meant to do? The clue lies in the stats. A Savills study indicated that a record 26% of landlords sold at least one property in 2024 and this trend is carrying on into 2025. Landlord Action reported that “in the last 18 months we have dealt with more Section 21 than Section 8 cases because landlords are selling.”

The professionals can see what’s coming. While amateur landlords hold on hoping for better times, experienced investors are taking profits and moving their money elsewhere. And right now they still can. In the current market you can still get out for a decent price. At Landlord Sales Agency, the UK’s top portfolio exit strategy company, we’re able to get you out at 85% market value in less than 28 days. In some cases we’re able to find you a buyer within an hour of listing thanks to our huge network of private buyers and funds. Before you think: I can’t accept 85%, think again, because the numbers are staggering when you look at them properly. That £120,000 freehold house in Manchester yielding £700 monthly? You’re looking at roughly £4,000 annual profit after all expenses. But sell it for £102,000 in cash, and you’ve just banked 25 years of rental profit in a single transaction. That’s what we’re able to do for you. No drama, no issues, just a service run by landlords for landlords to get us out while we still can.

It’s a smart choice. A government under this level of pressure doesn’t make for measured, business-friendly decisions, it makes desperate ones. And desperate governments tax landlords. As the saying goes: it’s time to “quit while you’re ahead.” And we won’t be ahead for long.

So if you’re a landlord reading this thinking: okay but surely I can wait a little longer? Are landlords really selling no matter what situation they’re in?

The answer is yes. They know it’s only going to get tougher, the question is whether you’ll act before or after everyone else reaches the same conclusion.

Why are so many UK landlords selling up?

Private UK landlords are selling up due to a combination of factors, including increased taxes, rising interest rates, and new regulations like the Renters (Reform) Bill. These factors are making it less attractive and financially viable for landlords to remain in the sector, leading many to sell their properties. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Financial Disincentives:

  • Increased taxes: Landlords are facing higher taxes on buy-to-let properties, including changes to Stamp Duty and potential increases in Capital Gains Tax. 
  • Rising interest rates: Higher mortgage rates mean increased costs for landlords, potentially turning profits into losses, particularly for those with high mortgage costs relative to their rental income. 
  • Reduced rental yields: While rents have been rising, they may not always keep pace with increased costs, leading to lower or even negative yields for some landlords. 

Regulatory Changes:

  • Renters (Reform) Bill: This bill, which aims to abolish Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, is causing concern among landlords about potential legal and financial risks. 
  • Energy Efficiency Requirements: Upgrading properties to meet new EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) standards can be costly, particularly for older properties, and may not be financially viable for some landlords. 

Impact on the PRS:

  • Reduced Supply: As landlords sell their properties, the overall supply of rental homes decreases, which can drive up rents and make it harder for tenants to find suitable accommodation. 
  • Shift in Ownership: Some smaller landlords are being bought out by larger institutional investors, potentially leading to a concentration of ownership and a different approach to property management. 
  • Strain on Social Housing: The reduction in private rental options may lead to increased demand for social housing, putting further strain on already limited resources. 

Despite increased demand, many private landlords in the UK are struggling to make a worthwhile profit and many fear the implications of the Renters’ Rights bill which could create huge delays in removing nuisance or non paying tenants.

Why is the PRS is Shrinking At Record Breaking Rates?

Industry experts warn that small landlords are vanishing, while big corporate and institutional landlords are buying up private rented homes—especially in London—often to lease them back to councils as expensive temporary accommodation.

At the Housing 2025 conference, Southwark Council’s Hakeem Osinaike said around 40% of London’s private rental stock has disappeared.

Experts blame pressures from the Renters’ Rights Bill and its predecessor the Renters Reform bill for driving small landlords out, shrinking the private rented sector and pushing more families into costly temporary accommodation, worsening the housing crisis.

George Osborne’s policy stopping landlords from offsetting mortgage interest was disastrous. Small landlords got hammered while big corporate landlords carried on, protected by loopholes and clever accountants. Labour hasn’t been any better. The SNP imposed punishing rent controls in Scotland, and Labour’s Renters Reform Bill looks set to push small landlords out altogether.

If you earn over £50,000 gross as a landlord — which is easy if you’re topping up a pension or benefits — you could get hit with 40% tax.

The government wants properties upgraded to EPC band C or above, forcing landlords to pour in cash which private landlords may not be able to deduct from profits as a capital investment. If they increase rent to recover costs and/or stay profitable they risk being pushed into the 40% tax band, making it even more difficult to be profitable/worth their while.

Two of the options they have once they reach the threshhold is to raise rent even more or quit the sector. And who benefits? Certainly not tenants.

Some landlords are fleeing to Airbnb, where they face less risk of being stuck with long term non paying tenants they cannot evict, and where they make more money. Others are eyeing guaranteed contracts with Serco to house asylum seekers — anything to avoid having to evict problem tenants using Section 8 through court systems that are hopelessly slow.

Stopping small landlords from offsetting finance costs, while letting big corporations do it, has wrecked competition and driven rents sky-high. And nobody has introduced proper incentives for landlords to invest in energy efficiency.

All the main parties have failed both landlords and the tenants who suffer as a result of the ever shrinking PRS.

Here’s what urgently needs investigating by the Competition and Markets Authority:

  1. Osborne’s tax policy, which unfairly favours big landlords over small ones.
  2. Serco contracts that swallow up housing that used to be for families or the homeless.
  3. The broken courts system that makes letting to families too risky.
  4. How killing mortgage relief for small landlords jacks up rents and kills housing supply.
  5. The lack of tax breaks for energy-efficient upgrades.
  6. Punishing landlords for trying to raise capital for improvements.
  7. The looming ban on letting anything below EPC band C — a potential disaster for housing supply.

If governments don’t stop attacking small landlords while giving big corporations a free pass, the housing crisis will only get worse — for everyone.

Landlords in their 50’s cash in: “Selling now is the equivalent of 20 years of rent”

Let’s cut to the chase. You’ve been in property for the last decade, perhaps even longer. You’ve seen the news, we all have, and things just don’t look great for landlords. Last year, I took a good, hard look at my portfolio after finally making the decision it was time to downsize.

Like many of you my first thought was: okay, let’s just cut the chaff, get rid of the low performing properties, get rid of the ones where rent isn’t worth the mortgages, get rid of the ones that’ll help me pay that tax bill off, and I’ll keep the rest. Perhaps I’ll cut it down to 5 properties were I keep the rent flowing in and sit back to retire knowing that whilst being a landlord isn’t nearly as profitable as it once was, at least it allows me to enjoy the holidays I want to go on, and ultimately wind down in without the stress.

Then came the impending tax changes. Then came the Renters’ Rights Bill. Then came the Decent Homes Standard. If you think these are fair, then I’m with you, I think that tenants in this country absolutely deserve the right to a decent standard of living. I’ve seen shocking buy-to-lets in my time and thought “we need to get our acts together here.” But this is something else.

In fact tenants’ rights are about to swing so far the other way that they’ll be able to claim back years of rent from just a single, fixable issue with your properties. Mould or damp in the bathroom? Under the new bill, tenants will be able to claim back up to 2 years worth of rent.

For some of our properties, that can be as much as £24K, and there’s nothing you can do about it. I had a landlord come to me saying he was terrified because of this very same issue; mould in his tenant’s bathroom, but the tenant was refusing access. He was told to get it fixed plus other repairs in 4 weeks. Well guess what? Even if you can’t get access to your property to fix the issue, they’ll still charge you. If it’s an issue that the tenant’s responsible for, they’ll still charge you. Want to get lawyers involved? Well brace yourself for another £20K in legal costs.

That’s when I realised: what on Earth am I doing holding on to these last few houses?

Now, selling these days might get you 85% market value, but let’s run the numbers. Got a £120,000 freehold house in Manchester yielding £700 monthly? You’re looking at roughly £4,000 annual profit after all expenses. But sell it for £102,000 in cash, and you’ve just banked 25 years of rental profit in a single transaction. 85% market value’s sounding like a pretty great deal to me.

Got a few houses left? You could be selling them all. Convert that to rent: that’s 40 years worth of rent in one go. We’re in our 50’s. And long may our lives continue, but busting a gut in a stress-mentality until I’m 70? No thank you. Getting 40 years worth of rent in just 28 days? Where do I sign?

Because that’s what we’re able to achieve at Landlord Sales Agency. Most of our properties sell in less than 28 days, and at the moment with first-time buyers and funds snapping up properties to counteract a growing population, some of our houses are getting offers within the hour.

So if you think: those landlords selling must be desperate, think again. They know exactly what they’re doing. They’re getting out of spending the next 20 years until they’re 70 getting pennies in bottleneck amounts in a market that’s becoming increasingly unstable. They’re laughing.

So with the changes coming into effect, I know exactly what I’ll be doing.

You’ve got less and less time to decide. And if I were you, I’d be deciding today.

It’s time to sell.

Free Online Webinar, Tuesday 8th July, 11:00 -12:00 with David Coughlin & Paul Shamplina – Being a Landlord in 2025

Join David Coughlin, Founder of Landlord Sales Agency and Paul Shamplina,

founder of Landlord Action, as they discuss and debate being a landlord in 2025.

Being a Landlord in 2025

Essential updates and crucial top tips

Tuesday 8th July 2025, 11:00 – 12:00

Paul interviews portfolio landlord David, a landlord of over 20 years, on his secrets to making his portfolio pay, in uncertain times, with impending tax changes, mortgage rates, dealing with the incoming Renters Rights Bill, dealing with his tenants and having difficult conversations on rent increases. Plus, how he was able to carry out over 20 refurbs of his properties in less than a year.

David weighs in on what trends he’s seeing at Landlord Sales Agency with landlords selling properties with tenants in situ, where the best opportunities are to buy in the UK, and many more tips. David and Paul share essential data to help landlords get in shape before summer ends.

Not to be missed, this webinar will include top tips for landlords who in 2025 see being a landlord as a professional business. 

register now