Reports in September 2026 described an accelerating landlord exodus in parts of England, even as rental income looks high on paper. Costs have risen sharply over five years, and further tax changes on property income are scheduled from April 2027. At the same time, annual rental inflation has outpaced house-price growth, which is uncomfortable for tenants and a mixed blessing for landlords.

Hamptons data cited in the trade press showed more buy-to-let purchases involving homes that were already rented — established landlords taking stock from those who want out. In the South East the picture is less extreme than London, but the same pressure exists: compliance, refinancing and time.

For Greenaway’s landlord clients the practical question is simple. Is this still a business you want to run, or is it the moment to sell with a tenant in situ to another investor, or with vacant possession to a buyer?

Demo article for the Greenaway website. Figures drawn from publicly reported ONS, UK HPI and industry coverage during 2026. This is not personal financial or legal advice.