Up to 93,000 buy-to-let landlords are expected to leave the rental market in 2025, according to Black & White Bridging’s latest broker insights report. The research suggests as many as 150,000 landlords have exited over the past two years.

The forecast equates to a 6% fall in landlord numbers by the end of 2025, accelerating from a 4% decline between 2023 and 2024.

The Numbers

• 2.84m unincorporated landlords in the UK (HMRC, 2023).

• 57% (1.62m) estimated to have a buy-to-let mortgage.

• 65,000 landlords exited between 2023–24.

• 93,000 more expected to leave in 2025.

Why Landlords Are Leaving

Damien Druce, COO at Black & White Bridging, said:  “It’s likely these are landlords with small portfolios of one or two properties, who don’t want to face ongoing regulatory changes and rising costs. Brokers who write a lot of vanilla BTL business may be nervous, but the industry will be left with a more professional cohort that is more open to opportunities requiring specialist finance.”

Outlook

While less than a quarter of brokers (23%) expect landlord numbers to rise, more than half (56%) predict further decline.

The trend suggests a smaller, more professional landlord base ahead – but also the risk of reduced rental supply at a time when demand remains high.

What This Means for Landlords

• Smaller market, higher demand: Fewer landlords could mean stronger tenant competition for available homes.

• More regulation ahead: Those who stay will need to adapt to rising compliance and tax pressures.

• Opportunities for professionals: A leaner market may benefit landlords with scale or those open to specialist finance.