The changing face of the private landlord

As we’ve highlighted in previous blogs, rented properties have been in high demand over the last 12 months. With existing tenants wanting to switch properties to accommodate working from home and new tenants looking to temporarily rent to take advantage of lower stamp duty, there’s never been a better time to be a landlord.

There were concerns that significant increases in the property market and the threat of increased capital gains tax would tempt many landlords to sell up. However, according to a recent report featured on Moneyage.co.uk, the number of rental properties has fallen by less than 1% since 2016.

England currently boasts £1.3trn worth of housing stock within it’s the private rental sector across an estimated 4,799,000 properties. Most of this is concentrated in London and the South East with a 36% share and over half (£741bn) of the capital value, though even the lowest of all regions, the North East, has £29bn over it’s 4% of rental market stock.

Despite the steady growth in house prices, landlords have not been cashing in on their investments in large numbers, highlighting the strength in the sector and the importance of the private rental market.

As the proposed capital gains tax increase has failed to materialise in recent budgets more landlords are choosing to enter the market to enjoy not only the yields available but the capital appreciation that a rental portfolio can bring, and they’re getting younger too.

The average age of British landlords has fallen in recent years with 47% believed to be under 40, a change from just three years ago when only 29% were aged under 44. Younger landlords are more optimistic about the future and are choosing to invest in the market and grow their portfolios quickly.

The gender gap is closing too with women making up half of private landlords in the UK, an increase from 40% in 2018 according to another recent survey, from Landlord Today.

Average rental income throughout the sector continues to vary with women earning an average of £18,825 a year compared to £21,885 by their male counterparts with the very youngest landlords (18-30 years) generating an average of £25,481 a year.

It seems the ‘traditional landlord’ has transformed from a stereotypical middle aged man into a more diverse and younger demographic.

If you’re looking to rent out your first property, our lettings experts at Poole Townsend can guide you through our 5 steps of becoming a landlord, or help you grow your portfolio through our estate agency colleagues.

You’re in safe hands

Trust our team of local experts to provide the best advice on a wide range of legal and financial issues whenever you’re facing a life change and need the best support.

0800 389 2939

Our team are available Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm

Find Your BranchMEET THE TEAM

Sign up for our newsletter

Your details

Signing up to our newsletter will place you on our weekly property guide, providing you with the latest properties for sale and industry news.
You can unsubscribe at any time. We value your privacy and will not share your details.

© Poole Townsend 2017 - 2025. All rights reserved.
Poole Townsend Estates Ltd. (Company number 10960705) is a company registered in England and Wales with its registered office at 69-75 Duke Street, Barrow in Furness LA14 1RP. A list of directors is available at the registered office address. Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority number 8004592. VAT Registration number 288092466. Our Estate Agency is a member of The Property Ombudsman Scheme.

Poole Townsend Estates Ltd Property Client account has client money protection, to view our Client Money Protection Certificate please click here. To view our Equality and Diversity Data please click here. The Propertymark Conduct and Membership Rules can be found here.

Poole Townsend Financial Services Ltd (Company no:10964550) is a company registered in England and Wales with its registered office at 69-75 Duke Street, Barrow in Furness, LA14 1RP. A list of directors is available at the registered office address. We are independent financial advisers authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. VAT registration number :154365563. Poole Townsend Financial Services Ltd is entered on the Financial Services Register. https://register.fca.org.uk under reference 807084..

Professional Indemnity Insurance – please contact Martin Oates at the address above if you require details of cover held.

Registered with the Information Commissioners Office for data protection purposes (ICO No: ZA494153 & ZA331395)

Top