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.
Registration and licensing failures drive 96% of penalties
Landlords who failed to register or obtain the correct licence accounted for almost all of the 3,198 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) issued by Rent Smart Wales in the 12 months to May 2026, highlighting the valuable role agents can play in supporting client compliance. All private landlords renting out domestic property in Wales must register with Rent Smart Wales and either employ a licensed agent or become licensed to manage the property themselves.
Built environment strategy must align standards across the property sector
Propertymark has urged the UK Government to ensure that reforms to the building lifecycle support property agents, improve the home-moving process, and give consumers confidence that building work has been completed properly. Our members work closely with other professionals throughout the life of a building, and we have highlighted how consistent standards, clear responsibilities, and reliable records would help agents provide a better service to sellers, buyers, landlords, tenants, and leaseholders.
Energy-efficiency fund must work for homes in all tenures
A proposed £150 million Warm Healthy Homes Fund would support energy-efficiency improvements for low-income households across Northern Ireland. We welcome the investment but have urged the Department for Communities to widen access so that inefficient rented homes and their tenants are not left behind.
Housing Insight Report: June 2026
The housing market remained active during June, but buyers and renters continued to show caution. Buyer registrations dipped, while sales agreed remained broadly stable. Demand for rental properties continues to outstrip supply, with nine applicants per available property.
Welsh rental market shrinks as ownership becomes more concentrated
The number of registered rental properties and landlords is declining, while a small group of larger landlords controls a growing share of the market, according to data from Rent Smart Wales. The national figures also mask sharp differences between Cardiff, Swansea, and the rest of Wales.
More than planning reform is needed to reopen the door to homeownership
The proportion of owner-occupiers has changed little over the past decade and remains below its 2003 peak, while high prices, large deposits, and a weak development pipeline continue to restrict access for first-time buyers and suppress mobility for those already on the property ladder. New planning rules may help, but government and industry evidence supports Propertymark’s position that wider reform is needed across housebuilding and the buying and selling process to restore adequate supply and revitalise the market.
