With the right tools, advice and support from professionals, the experience of being a landlord can be transformed and is likely to remain a sound investment.
Propertymark Protected
Anyone thinking of selling their buy-to-let properties should make sure that they have considered all the alternatives before taking that big step. A Propertymark agent can help explore the options and find ways to overcome the barriers a landlord is facing that are driving them to this radical choice, which in turn impacts those looking for quality property to rent.
Almost everything can be overwhelming when trying to tackle it alone. Just as nobody would think twice about consulting a solicitor for legal advice, the first port of call for advice on landlord issues should be a highly trained Propertymark expert. Whatever the problem faced, there will be options to explore, and solutions to be found.
Economic difficulties
As the world emerges from an unprecedented global pandemic into an economic readjustment, many landlords are re-evaluating their position. Coupled with ever-changing regulatory requirements, increasing numbers of landlords are deciding that enough is enough. A survey by the District Councils Network in late 2021 found that 76 per cent of councils responding had seen an increase in landlords selling up and a corresponding rise in demand for rented property.
However, a decision to exit the buy-to-let market is likely to be premature and ill-advised. Propertymark’s monthly PRS Reports show rents increasing over the last three months, void periods at their shortest for many years and high numbers of tenants seeking properties. By taking advantage of the help and support available, it can still make good sense to be a landlord.
Navigating the requirements of being a landlord is not easy, particularly for someone new to the experience or who lacks the time or expertise to keep on top of evolving demands. Propertymark agents are professionals who are required to be trained to a higher standard than the law demands and can offer advice and support to make the experience of being a landlord simpler. They understand the pressures that landlords are under and can cut through the jargon and confusion to provide the answers and solutions needed, whatever the situation.
Landlord guides
There are a number of important factors to consider for anyone thinking about letting their property. From practical advice to legal responsibilities, our guides are here to help.
We have a range of free guides to help with the most common issues, and other resources are available to simplify the process of keeping on top of all the requirements. When dealing with a Propertymark agent, landlords can be assured that they are up to date on current and forthcoming regulation and undergo regular professional training and checks.
Are you Propertymark Protected?
Letting agents can value the potential rental yield for your property, undertake referencing, tenancy agreements, deposit protection, maintenance, inventories and ensure you're compliant with the law. By using one of our members you are guaranteed to be consulting with a professional agent who will give you up-to-date advice and guidance.
Propertymark network helps agents prepare for Renters’ Rights transition
Experts Brian Moran, Advisory Panel Member (Scotland) and Angela Davey, Advisory Panel Member and Regional Executive (Wales), who have first hand experience of similar reforms to the Renters’ Rights Act, shared practical lessons in our webinar with a core message of reassurance. Practical lessons on how Scotland and Wales have managed, on what does and doesn’t work, and where agents should focus their efforts now were imparted, as well as emphasising how essential early preparation, good communication, and robust processes are, so that letting agents can continue to support landlords and tenants while adapting to the new regulatory landscape.
Issue 62: Spring 2026
This issue, spring clean your marketing strategy with 10 top tips for smaller agencies from Louise Hudson, Marketing Director at LSL Estate Agency Franchising, explore the trends set to redefine the commercial property market with Jansons Property MD, Andy Jansons, and hear from Micheal Cook, CEO of LRG on his view of the market in 2026.
Introduction of Regulatory Board marks a significant step for Propertymark
The new Board formalises the separation between Propertymark’s regulatory and representative functions, ensuring that regulation is independent, impartial and firmly focused on the public interest. This approach aligns us with best practice across other regulated professional sectors, reinforcing our long-standing commitment to high standards and accountability and strengthening professionalism, transparency and public trust across the property sector.
Prepare now for mandatory short-term let registration in Autumn 2026
All visitor accommodation in Wales will need to be registered under new Welsh Government legislation, and agents should act now to support their landlords and avoid disruption when the new system goes live. Propertymark has engaged closely with the Welsh Government throughout the development of these proposals, focussing on ensuring that any new framework is proportionate, workable for agents and landlords, and recognises the wider housing pressures facing Wales.
English Housing Survey shows professional agents vital to raising housing standards
Housing quality and energy efficiency underline the progress made, and the scale of the challenges still facing the sector is the headline finding in the EHS (English Housing Survey). Policy ambitions must have clear guidance, realistic timescales, workable exemptions, and sustained funding to reflect the diversity of the housing stock. Active involvement by qualified property professionals is also a must if raising standards is to be achieved.
AML registration failures still the top cause of painful agent fines
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued hundreds of thousands of pounds in new fines to property agents for failures to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, reinforcing the consequences of getting compliance wrong. The latest enforcement action covers the 2025–26 reporting period and includes 170 penalties issued to estate agency businesses, totalling more than £835,000. Letting agents are also within HMRC’s supervisory scope where transactions meet the required thresholds.
