There is no ‘landlord exodus’ – for now

THEY HAVE GOT TO BE JOKING. I have just advertised one of my very nice 2 bed properties in Bristol. We had 59 applicants wanting to view, after a week we closed the advert as we were so overwhelmed with the response. I have been in the business for 13 years and have never seen anything like it, years ago we would have 6 or 7 perspective tenants, I never imagined that a 2 bed house could command such a response. The new tenants are in their 30’s and both have good jobs and could afford the rent by themselves. All applicants had to fulfil the following criteria. Suitable guarantors, permanent employment, rental history, no smokers, no children, no pets, no singles, no sharers. Normally I would’t be quite so strict but because of the RRB I have to limit my risk. So well done Labour, Gen Rent etc.,

I saw all of the perspective tenants and most were desperate to find a decent property. There are a lot of people out there who won’t now have a chance to secure any of my properties, and I bet I’m not alone.

In my area, there are just three properties available on RightMove. The two houses are priced between 18% and 21% above the LHA Rate. I’d consider these garden-less properties to be in the lower band of desirability.

The flat (sorry, apartment) is double the LHA Rate (it is furnished but doesn’t include bills).

This is an improvement over recent months but far short of the availability tenants enjoyed just a few years ago.

hahahah- someone ignoring the bloody obvious…

There are other signs..

Very few/no private LL’s are coming into the market (SDLT, RRB concerns etc).

Increase in number of houses for sale with tenants in situ.

Increase in applicants many saying they have to move as LL is selling (reasons probably a plenty but clearly the LL wants them out ultimately)

Exodus more obvious perhaps as RRB approaches…. Another damming budget is coming where LL’s inevitably are going to be hit again. I see at least the number of S21’s being issued rising (as a possible precautionary measure even if they are not acted upon) before they are culled.

Lies, damned lies and statistics. “Bristol leads with a 79.1% rise in available properties” Over what period? I could understand if a percentage increase was in single figures over a year but nearly doubling in a year. Come off it! Unless there has been a mass influx of people, Bristol would have a surfeit of homes to rent and rents would tumble.

Even if the number of properties available to rent increases, the population is also increasing and probably faster. I am dubious about the 23.5% figure for the increase in rents over 11 months.

Reply to the comment left by Ian Narbeth at 26/08/2025 – 11:44
Bristol leads with a 79.1% rise in available properties

It only needs one BTR block of 400 units for example to be deemed completed (but not occupied) to blow a statistic that high.

‘available properties’ does not always equate to purely private rent either. Student PBSA for example. Without clarity the stats mean nothing.

Reply to the comment left by Reluctant Landlord at 26/08/2025 – 13:30
Yes…you are quite right…I have just done a little bit of digging around and Grainger have three schemes already built in Bristol 833 units! they start around 1550 for a 1 bed and up to 2500 for a2 bed. No wonder my lovely house with brand new carpets throughout, brand new washing machine, and all rooms re-painted, private garden, two private parking spaces, commanded such attention! That accounts for the increase, but a lot of people cannot afford 1550 for a 1 bed flat, or want to live in a flat.

Many of us started the selling up process when the Renters Reform Bill rose its head, and continued during the Renters Rights Bill process.

Recently, well about 6 months ago, it was reported on Property118.com that approximately 47% of PRS landlords were remaining in the sector. So that means 53% have got out! Me included. Best decision I made.

How many of the alleged increased mumber of available propertied are BTL? Corporates stepping in with much higher rent is a doomloop for renters. Serves them right for moaning about the private landlord.
As for me? Well I am selling if my tenants take me to a rent tribunal.
Let them find a cheaper flat once they leave! I rent to the council at a massive discount, helping the homeless. All I ask is RPI …if they complain, then I am out. In my late 60’s with no mortgages I fill feed the money into blue chip investments.

And I see only a ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine.

Yea, a tenants is leaving , so I am selling !! things are a bit slow at the moment but as the property has had solar panels and hew heaters fitted (3 months ago) thanks to the EC04 scheme (free to me) then I think that might be a small advantage