Landlords are exiting the private rented sector at a record rate of 562 properties a day – but the number of homes available to tenants is still increasing.
New TwentyEA data shows around 44,000 properties have left the lettings market during the third quarter so far, the highest rate recorded since its data began in 2016.
The equivalent rate stood at 495 properties a day last year and just 167 at the beginning of the decade.
Despite the acceleration in exits, available rental stock has increased by 1.3% over the past year as the number of properties coming to market outpaces lets agreed.
SUPPLY INCREASES
New rental supply has risen by 118,100 properties, or 13.6%, year to date compared with 2025, reaching its highest level for seven years.
TwentyEA says build-to-rent is contributing disproportionately to the increase.
Available stock has risen in 10 of 13 regions, led by Wales at 15.2%, while Yorkshire and Inner London have both recorded falls of 5.3%.
Lets agreed are also 3.3% higher than in 2025 and at their highest level for seven years.
Average agreed rents remain broadly unchanged at £1,475 a month, just £4 higher than a year ago.
LANDLORD EXITS
Colin Bradshaw (main picture, inset), Chief Executive Officer of TwentyCi, says: “The fallout from the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act shows no sign of abating. Landlords continue to abandon the buy-to-let market in droves because regulatory and economic pressures mean business is no longer viable.
“What is really interesting is that despite this huge shift, stock availability for renters is actually rising. The build-to-rent sector is delivering new homes to rent at volume, and other factors are likely playing a part too.
“For example, larger, professional landlords who can weather the storm better will be looking for investment opportunities and restructuring their portfolios, and with fixed term tenancies abolished under the Act, existing properties are re-entering the market more frequently as tenants move on more quickly.”
