Across Kent and the UK, more landlords than ever are considering selling their rental properties. And it’s easy to understand why. With rising costs, increasing regulation, and the looming Renters Rights Bill, many landlords are feeling the pressure and wondering whether it’s all still worth it.
But before you decide to sell up, it’s worth asking: is the problem the property… or the pressure of managing it alone?
At Lifeboat Lettings, we’re here to help you navigate the storm – and keep your investment working for you.
What the Stats Are Saying
The English Private Landlord Survey 2024 revealed a striking trend:
- 31% of landlords plan to decrease the size of their portfolio in the next two years
- 16% plan to sell all their properties – that’s nearly 1 in 5 considering a full exit from the sector
- Only 7% plan to grow their portfolio, down from 12% in 2018
- Legislative and tax changes are the number one reason landlords are planning to sell
This marks a clear shift from just a few years ago. Back in 2018, 75% of landlords said they would relet a vacant property. By 2024, that’s dropped to 59%.
We’re seeing the same trend here in Kent: more landlords than ever are calling us to ask, “Should I just sell and get out?”
Why So Many Are Feeling the Strain
The private rented sector has always come with its fair share of responsibility, but in recent years, that burden has increased significantly. The introduction of the Renters Rights Bill, changes to eviction rules, more stringent energy efficiency requirements, and tighter rules around deposit handling and safety certificates have left many landlords unsure of their next move.
Add to that rising mortgage rates, changing tax laws, and an ever-growing list of compliance checks, and it’s easy to see why some landlords are choosing to exit altogether. For many, it’s not the property that’s the problem, it’s the constant pressure to stay compliant and the fear of getting something wrong.
And while most landlords care deeply about providing safe, decent homes for their tenants, they’re finding the sheer volume of regulation overwhelming, especially those trying to manage everything themselves.
“I Was Going to Sell… Until I Spoke to Lifeboat”
Not long ago, we met a landlord at a local networking event who was seriously considering selling up. They’d owned the same rental property for years, had reliable long-standing tenants, but were feeling completely overwhelmed by the upcoming changes in the Renters Rights Bill.
After a friendly conversation with one of our directors, they decided to give the office a call for a bit of advice. That one call turned into a game-changer.
During our chat, it came to light that their property had an out-of-date EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) and the tenant’s deposit hadn’t been properly registered. Understandably, they were worried, not just about staying compliant, but about the risk of facing penalties. They didn’t know what their next step should be and genuinely thought selling might be the only way out.
This is where our team stepped in.
We helped them bring the property fully up to compliance — quickly, efficiently, and without disrupting their tenants. Once that was sorted, they chose to move onto our Fully Managed Service, which gave them the peace of mind they’d been missing for years.
And the best part?
Once we carried out a rent review (something that hadn’t been done in a very long time), the slight increase in rental income covered our management fee entirely.
They’re now enjoying passive income with zero stress — and they kept a great tenant in their home.
Because sometimes, there’s more than one solution to a problem.
Thinking About Selling? Speak to Us First.
Before you put that “For Sale” board up, have a chat with our friendly team. We’ll talk you through your options and help you decide what’s truly right for you – without the pressure.
