Renters' Rights Act forces landlords to hold onto properties longer
The rental market is shifting in ways that could affect both landlords and tenants. A new analysis by property firm Hamptons reveals that fewer landlords are putting their homes up for sale — and the reason is the Government’s new Renters’ Rights Act.
Here’s what’s happening. Under the new rules, if a landlord wants to sell a property with sitting tenants, they must give notice and follow strict procedures. If they fail to sell the property within a certain timeframe — roughly a year — they could be forced to keep renting it out rather than leaving it empty. For many landlords, this creates a real dilemma: sell quickly (often at a lower price) or risk being stuck with a tenanted property they no longer want.
The result? Many are choosing to hold onto their homes rather than list them for sale. This has real implications for the housing market. Fewer properties coming to market could mean less choice for buyers, potentially keeping property prices higher in some areas.
But what does this mean for you? If you’re looking to buy, the reduced supply of properties could work against you — there may be less choice and more competition when you do find something. If you’re renting, this could actually be good news. Landlords holding onto properties means more rental stock available, which could help stabilise rents in some areas.
The Renters’ Rights Act was designed to give tenants stronger protections — including scrapping no-fault evictions and giving renters more security. These changes are broadly positive for renters, but they’ve created unintended consequences in the property market.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling in the coming months, it’s worth being aware of these market shifts. Sellers may face tougher conditions, while buyers might need to act quickly when properties do come on the market. Renters should feel more secure in their homes, but may find the market slightly tighter.
Want to understand how these changes affect your personal situation? Speak to a local estate agent about current market conditions in your area, or contact Shelter if you need advice on your tenancy rights.