The UK’s property management sector has grown for the fifth consecutive year as landlords increasingly turn to professional support to navigate a more complex and heavily regulated rental market.
New analysis from property management specialist Rushbrook & Rathbone shows the number of property management businesses operating across the UK rose by 2.8% in 2025, reaching a record 20,105 firms.
The research, based on VAT and PAYE enterprise data, found the sector has expanded at an average annual rate of 3.1% over the last five years, reflecting growing demand for specialist expertise across the private rented sector.
England accounts for more than nine in 10 property management businesses nationwide, with London remaining the sector’s largest hub. The capital is home to around 6,200 firms, representing 30.8% of the UK total.
STRONGEST GROWTH
However, the strongest growth is being seen outside London. The East Midlands recorded the largest annual increase in 2025 at 7.9%, while Wales has delivered the highest average annual growth rate over the last five years at 5.4%.
Rushbrook & Rathbone said the expansion reflects the increasingly important role property managers play as landlords face growing responsibilities around compliance, maintenance, tenant communication, documentation and legislative change, including the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act.
LANDLORD SUPPORT
Roma Sharma (main picture, inset), Managing Director of Rushbrook & Rathbone, said: “The role of a property manager today is very different to what it was even five years ago.
“Historically, many landlords viewed property management primarily as a service focused on rent collection and maintenance coordination. Whilst those responsibilities remain important, the role has expanded significantly as regulation has increased and operational requirements have become more complex.
“Landlords are increasingly looking for support with compliance, documentation, tenant communication, contractor management and the day-to-day responsibilities that come with operating a successful rental property.”
INVESTMENT PROTECTION
She adds: “The continued growth of the sector reflects this shift. More landlords are recognising that professional management is not simply about convenience, but about protecting both their income and their investment.
“The introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act is only likely to accelerate this trend. As standards continue to evolve, experienced property managers will play an increasingly important role in helping landlords remain compliant whilst delivering a better experience for tenants.
“At the same time, growth within the sector is encouraging because it demonstrates that property management is continuing to professionalise, with landlords increasingly recognising the value of specialist expertise in an ever-changing market.”
