# Landlords Quitting Buy-to-Let Market

> Landlords are leaving buy-to-let as costs and rules rise, but opportunities remain for hands-on landlords.
- Title: Landlords Quitting Buy-to-Let Market · MoneyWeek | Shortify
- Summary: Landlords are leaving buy-to-let as costs and rules rise, but opportunities remain for hands-on landlords. Landlords are exiting the buy-to-let market due to…
- Keywords: buy-to-let, landlords, renters-rights-act, tax-credit, property, tenants, european-union, nrla, quilter, making-tax-digital, Quitting, Market
- Source: MoneyWeek — https://moneyweek.com/investments/buy-to-let/landlord-exodus-buy-to-let
- Published: 2026-10-07T14:10:19+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: buy-to-let, landlords, renters-rights-act, tax-credit, property, tenants, european-union, nrla, quilter, making-tax-digital
## Landlords leaving buy-to-let market
Landlords are leaving the market in their droves as factors squeeze the buy-to-let sector.
## 44,000 homes sold in three months
Around 44,000 buy-to-let homes were sold by landlords across the UK between July and mid-September.
## 60% unsure by 2027
60% of single property landlords are no longer sure they will be in the market by the end of 2027.
## Rising costs and policy
Rising costs, government policy, and administrative burden are dampening the buy-to-let market.
## Tax relief cuts
Landlords gradually lost tax relief on mortgage interest from 100% to 20% between 2017 and 2020.
## Renters' Rights Act
The Renters' Rights Act makes eviction harder and requires landlords to allow pets.
## Tax changes from 2027
Higher tax rates for property income will apply from April 2027: 22% basic, 42% higher, 47% additional.
## Suzanne Smith's advice
Suzanne Smith says long-term lets build trust and avoid income gaps.
## 55% focus on tenant experience
55% of landlords spend more time thinking about tenant experience.
## Holiday let opportunities
88% of mortgage brokers saw increased holiday let mortgage enquiries over the past year.
## Investment comparison
A buy-to-let property bought for £154,927 in 2006 would be worth £191,619 after 20 years, versus £592,130 in equities.
## Landlords as business
Landlords must treat property as a business to succeed with tenant service and repairs.
## New EPC ratings by 2030
Landlords must ensure rental properties have an EPC rating of C or above by 2030.
## Making Tax Digital
Landlords earning over £50,000 annually from rentals must use Making Tax Digital by 2027.
## Key takeaway

Landlords are exiting the buy-to-let market due to rising costs and regulatory changes, but professional landlords with strong tenant relationships can still profit.