Older buy-to-let (BTL) landlords are selling up in large numbers, new analysis suggests [1], leaving a void when they ‘retire’ from the business.
Increasing in age
The median age of individual residential landlords was 58 in 2021, according to the latest English Private Landlord Survey, significantly older than the general population. In contrast, only 15% were under the age of 45.
Around 140,000 landlords left the BTL market last year, close to three quarters of all such property sales. The figure is likely to keep rising over the coming years, with around 96,000 landlords across the UK due to turn 65 every year. The new Renters Reform Bill, updated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements, changes to landlord licensing, Making Tax Digital, and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) are likely to encourage BTL landlords to move on.
Shifting landscape
The recent surge in selling comes partly from a shifting landscape, with a raft of unfavourable changes making life harder and profits lower for landlords. In the coming months and years, the New Renters Reform Bill, updated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements, as well as changes to landlord licensing, Making Tax Digital, and Capital Gains Tax (CGT), look likely to encourage BTL landlords to move on.
Higher mortgage rates are also dragging down profit margins, which is especially acute for newer investors who are more likely to need to borrow to fund their purchases.
We’re here to help
This is undoubtedly a time of change for BTL landlords, but good opportunities remain for patient investors. We can help you make sense of it all and ensure your property portfolio is well prepared for years to come.
[1] Hamptons, 2023
🚨 Data accurate as of the date of publication – 22.08.2023
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Source: Quilter Financial Planning – Essentially Mortgages Q3 2023
