A new survey offers a much-needed dose of realism in the face of dramatic headlines claiming a widespread landlord exodus from the private rental sector.
Late last year, national newspapers warned of an impending crisis in the rental market. One even declared a “devastating landlord exodus about to hit Britain,” with others quickly following suit. The narrative was clear: landlords were set to flee the sector en masse due to mounting regulation and rising costs.
But nine months on, how accurate were those predictions?
According to Letting in the Private Sector 2025, a detailed study by the TDS Charitable Foundation, the panic may have been overstated.
What the data really says
The foundation surveyed 2,022 landlords in April 2025, covering topics such as landlord affordability, tenant preferences, and business activity.
Here’s what they found:
- 63% of landlords neither bought nor sold property in the past year, maintaining their portfolios and continuing operations as usual.
- 23% of landlords expanded their property portfolios, up from 19% the previous year.
- That means 86% of landlords either held or increased their investments – a far cry from the mass landlord exodus the media predicted.
These findings suggest a resilient private rental sector, with many landlords choosing to stay the course despite external pressures.
Why landlords are still investing
For those who did choose to invest further in buy-to-let property, motivations varied. Some aimed to supplement their income or build long-term wealth. Others cited favourable local property market conditions or saw property as a more stable alternative to other forms of investment.
On average, landlords who expanded their portfolios purchased 2.5 properties each. These figures show a continuing belief in the viability and strength of the UK rental market.
Yes, some are leaving – but it’s no exodus
To be clear, some landlords are leaving the sector. Around 14% sold properties in the past 12 months – roughly the same proportion as the previous year. Their reasons? Increased regulatory demands, taxation, and difficult tenant behaviour were the most commonly cited factors.
Those who sold disposed of an average of 2.3 properties each. While not insignificant, these figures reflect a steady trend rather than a dramatic landlord exodus.
The bigger picture
This latest survey reveals the importance of looking past clickbait headlines. The UK private rental sector remains stable, with many landlords continuing to see long-term value in their investments.
Yes, challenges exist, including rising operational costs and evolving legislation. But with property prices remaining steady, interest rates gradually improving, and demand for rentals still strong, most landlords appear committed to staying in the game.
The reality behind the landlord exodus narrative is far more balanced than some headlines suggest. While a small number are exiting, the majority are holding or growing their portfolios. The data paints a picture of an industry that, while under pressure, continues to prove its resilience.
If you’re a landlord seeking advice on managing change, navigating compliance, or making smart investment decisions, our team is here to help. Contact us today for tailored support.
And if you know someone who might benefit from this insight, feel free to share the article.
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