"Most landlords aren't making knee-jerk decisions, but the direction of travel is becoming clearer as the RRA approaches, and that's prompting many to reassess both risk and return within their portfolios"
- Chris Hodgkinson - House Buyer Bureau
Landlords are turning to quick sale platforms in growing numbers to exit the rental market ahead of the Renters' Rights Act coming into force on 1 May, according to internal data from House Buyer Bureau.
The figures show that landlord quick sales have grown at an average annual rate of 4.5% over the past five years. In 2024 and 2025, landlords accounted for more than one in five of all quick sale transactions on the platform, up from 19% in 2023 and 18% in 2022.
Between January and March 2026, that share held steady at 21%, suggesting the trend shows no sign of easing as the legislation approaches.
Why landlords are selling
A combination of regulation, reduced flexibility and rising costs is driving landlords exiting the rental market to seek a swift way out. The abolition of Section 21 'no-fault' evictions, the end of Assured Shorthold Tenancies, tighter rent increase rules and stronger tenant protections have left many feeling they have less control over their properties and greater exposure to risk.
Higher mortgage rates, taxation changes and ongoing compliance requirements are also squeezing profitability, prompting some to question whether staying in the sector remains financially viable.
The appeal of quick sales
Quick sale platforms offer landlords a faster, more predictable route out than the open market. With streamlined processes, less reliance on property chains and reduced exposure to shifting market conditions, transaction times can be cut considerably.
For those dealing with regulatory change, rising costs or tenant-related complications, the speed and certainty of a quick sale make it easier to release capital without prolonged uncertainty.
Chris Hodgkinson, managing director of House Buyer Bureau, cautions against overstating the scale of the shift.
"Talk of the Renters' Rights Act leading to a widespread landlord exodus risks oversimplifying what is actually a more gradual and strategic shift," he said. "Most landlords aren't making knee-jerk decisions, but the direction of travel is becoming clearer as the RRA approaches, and that's prompting many to reassess both risk and return within their portfolios."
He pointed to smaller landlords as those feeling the pressure most acutely. "What we're seeing is a growing number opting for certainty and control, particularly those with smaller portfolios or tighter margins, where the cumulative impact of regulatory change and higher costs is being felt most. As the new legislation beds in, more landlords are likely to reach that same conclusion, and for many, a quick, guaranteed sale will become an increasingly attractive way to exit on their own terms rather than reacting under pressure further down the line."
With the RRA now just hours away, House Buyer Bureau expects the number of landlords exiting the rental market through quick sale platforms to rise further once the legislation takes effect.
