Recent government figures have revealed a concerning trend within the private rented sector, showing that landlords selling their properties has become the leading cause of homelessness among tenants across England. The data highlights a growing issue in the housing market, one that continues to leave many renters facing uncertainty and limited housing options.
Between April and June 2025, around 6,700 households in the private rented sector were forced to seek help from their local councils after being told they must leave their homes because their landlord had decided to sell. This number is significantly higher than any other reason for tenancy termination and marks a worrying pattern in the ongoing housing crisis.
The report shows that this figure is three times greater than the next most common reason for homelessness prevention cases. It paints a clear picture of how sales by landlords are having a direct and widespread impact on tenants who rely heavily on the private rental market for accommodation.
These findings arrive at a critical moment, as speculation grows around potential tax increases in the upcoming November Budget. There are increasing fears that such changes could discourage landlords from remaining in the market, further tightening the already limited supply of rental homes available.
Experts warn that the private rented sector has already been under strain for several years, with many landlords exiting the market due to rising costs, stricter regulations, and limited financial incentives to stay. The potential for new tax burdens could, therefore, worsen the imbalance between housing supply and demand.
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has expressed serious concern about the data, describing it as evidence of how fragile the rental market has become. The organisation argues that government policy should focus on supporting landlords to remain in the market rather than driving them out through additional financial pressures.
Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the NRLA, emphasised that every time a landlord decides to sell, it creates significant disruption for tenants. He explained that such sales often leave renters in a vulnerable position, uncertain about where they will live next and forced to compete for a shrinking pool of available properties.
Beadle stressed that renters depend on landlords who are committed to the long term. These landlords, he said, provide stable and decent homes that millions rely on, and their continued participation in the market is vital for maintaining a balanced housing ecosystem.
He warned that punitive tax measures could have the opposite effect of what the government intends. Rather than improving affordability or supply, such measures could lead to further sell-offs, pushing more tenants towards homelessness or forcing them into overcrowded, short-term housing.
According to Beadle, the upcoming Budget presents a critical opportunity for the government to demonstrate that it understands the connection between landlord stability and renter security. He urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to avoid introducing policies that could undermine confidence among property owners.
The NRLA argues that if the government is serious about addressing the housing crisis, it must create an environment that encourages investment in the rental sector. This means providing fair tax treatment, clearer regulation, and incentives for landlords to offer long-term, high-quality housing.
Housing market analysts have also pointed out that selling pressures are more pronounced in certain areas, particularly where mortgage costs, maintenance expenses, and new compliance rules have cut into landlords’ profits. Many smaller landlords, who form the backbone of the sector, have been disproportionately affected.
As more landlords exit, renters are left with fewer choices and higher competition for available homes. This has led to rising rents in many parts of England, deepening affordability challenges for households already stretched by the cost of living crisis.
The NRLA continues to call for a balanced approach that protects both landlords and tenants. The association believes that ensuring landlords can operate sustainably will ultimately lead to more secure and affordable housing for renters.
Beadle concluded by stating that renters across the country deserve stability and reassurance, not more disruption. By supporting responsible landlords and discouraging harmful tax changes, the government can help prevent the growing homelessness problem from worsening further in the coming months.
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