Fewer landlords are actively selling up than last autumn, but a big chunk is still exiting or weighing up leaving the sector, research reveals.

According to lettings platform Goodlord, 72% of landlords are neither buying nor selling.

Instead, activity has stalled as many wait for the Renters’ Rights Act to take effect on 1 May

The survey, covering more than 1,200 landlords, also found that 24% are currently selling or trying to sell part or all of their portfolio.

That is down on September 2025, when 35% said they had sold or attempted to sell within the previous 12 months.

Landlord exodus eases

The firm’s director of landlord experience, Emily Popple, said: “These numbers provide initial indications that the pace of the so-called ‘landlord exodus’ has started to ease, with the majority of landlords appearing to be in a holding pattern.

“Many will be waiting to see what the real world implications of the Renters’ Rights Act are, once it comes into force on May 1.”

She added: “Whilst fewer landlords leaving the sector is definitely good news, the wider signals are still concerning.

“Far too many don’t see a future for themselves in the PRS and there’s only a very small cohort investing in portfolio expansion.

“We only have a short window to try and turn the tide.”

Rent growth slows

The shift in landlords selling coincides with a slowdown in rent rises, with Goodlord’s Rental Index recording annual growth of 2% in February.

That compares with 4% at the same point last year.

Data from TwentyCi also shows fewer former rental homes being listed for sale so far this year, pointing to a reduced flow of stock out of the sector.

Fewer landlords invest

Buying activity is also low with 4% of landlords saying they are currently investing in new properties.

Around 35% of landlords do not expect to remain in the sector within five years, while 21% say they have yet to decide.

Only 44% believe they will still be landlords by 2031 with some predicting their portfolios will be smaller by then.