Letting & Estate Agent Podcast Why are Landlords selling off their buy-to-let properties? - Ep. 2402
Nov 29, 2025
Richard Donnell, Research Director at Zoopla and expert in UK housing trends, dives into the evolving landscape of the private rental sector. He reveals that while rental stock has stagnated since 2016, corporate landlords are increasingly moving in as smaller, accidental landlords exit due to complexities. The Renters' Rights Bill is set to complicate management, presenting an opportunity for agents to step up as trusted advisers. Richard emphasizes the need for landlords to prepare for new energy standards, highlighting the shifting dynamics in the rental market.
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Rental Stock Has Largely Flatlined
- The private rented sector grew rapidly until 2016 and has since been essentially flat in total stock.
- Landlords are selling but purchases and corporate buy-to-let have offset exits, keeping totals steady.
Many Landlords Rented 'By Accident'
- Many small landlords bought to live in the property first and rented it 'by accident', then later chose to exit.
- Richard Donnell notes 40% of landlords started that way and some sell to help family or avoid complexity.
Market Professionalisation Concentrates Ownership
- The sector is professionalising: 20% of landlords with five-plus properties now own 50% of rented homes.
- Larger portfolios are stabilising supply and driving growth while using agents more often.