The Open Property Group’s analysis indicates that buy-to-let investors across England and Wales have been reducing the size of their portfolios, with the average investor now owning 8.5 properties, down by 1.6% over the past year. This trend is particularly pronounced in certain regions, with Yorkshire and the Humber experiencing a significant 27% drop, followed by the West Midlands with a 19% decrease and the South West with a 13% reduction. While some regions have seen portfolio reductions, others have experienced growth, such as outer London, the North West, South East, and Wales.

Despite rising rents, the data also reveals declining profit margins, with average rental yields dropping by up to 1% in regions like the North West and central London. A spokesperson from Open Property Group suggests that while there may not be a mass exodus of landlords, many are indeed downsizing their portfolios.