Insights from David Coughlin, Private Landlord, CEO of Landlord Sales Agency, and Host of the LandlordTalk Podcast

2024 sent a loud and clear message: the private rental sector (PRS) is in flux. Some argue the changes empower problem tenants while stripping landlords of vital tools to reclaim their properties efficiently.

The exodus of landlords in record numbers speaks volumes. Rising mortgage costs, dwindling tax relief, and ever-tightening legislation are making it harder for landlords to stay afloat. Many landlords have passed increased costs onto tenants, but with rents now consuming over 35% of tenant incomes, resentment toward landlords has hit an all-time high. This resentment fuels calls for rent caps — an intervention that could worsen the spiral.

If rent hikes are capped, landlords who’ve kept rents low will be hit hardest. Many may raise rents pre-emptively, triggering yet another call for government intervention. It’s a vicious cycle gaining dangerous momentum.

So, what’s next?
Will tenant groups and policymakers realise the damage of blanket reforms that punish responsible landlords alongside rogue ones? One can hope, but the odds don’t look promising. Governments must distinguish between good landlords and bad ones, good tenants and bad ones — but if you’re waiting for that epiphany, don’t hold your breath.

Why act now?
April’s stamp duty hike looms. The more taxes buyers pay, the less they’ll offer sellers. If you’re considering selling, sooner is smarter.

What happens if rates rise again or reforms tighten further?
More landlords will face the hard choice: sell or endure.

Why Sell Through Landlord Sales Agency?
Selling tenanted properties is tough. It’s slow, complicated, and prone to fall-throughs. That’s where we come in — delivering results no high-street agency can match.

Here’s how we make selling stress-free:

• No Need to Vacate Tenants: Keep rental income flowing. We aim to sell to investors, but if that’s not possible, we help tenants relocate smoothly.
• Solutions for Disrepair: Properties in poor condition? No problem. We connect buyers with vision and contractors for repairs.
• Streamlined Process: With 17+ years of expertise, we handle the sale end-to-end, so you don’t have to.
• Multi-Property Sales: Sell your portfolio as a collection or individually to maximize returns.

Our sellers walk away with 85–90% of market value, no fees, and a swift sale. Better yet, 95% of our sales complete, compared to less than 70% on the high street.

Our advice?
We won’t tell you if you should sell — but if you’re considering it, don’t wait until the last minute. With rising stamp duty, looming renter reforms, EPC standards, and potential rent caps, exploring your options now could save you a lot of stress later.

Let’s Talk.
Contact Landlord Sales Agency for a no-obligation chat and see what 2025 holds for you.

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