Why the Renters’ Rights Act means ready-made investment opportunities

Topic:

Landlords

Author:

Landlord Property Exchange

Issue 38 January February 2026

Why the Renters’ Rights Act means ready-made investment opportunities

James Donohue, founder of Landlord Property Exchange, says smart buyers need to be on the lookout for deals

According to the most recent national survey, 31% of landlords in England are thinking of selling at least some of their portfolio within two years. With an estimated 2.8 million landlords in the UK as a whole, that’s close to a million people planning to sell.

It’s no secret that landlords have faced challenging times recently, with increased regulation and taxation, and now the new demands of the Renters’ Rights Act, which comes into force on May 1.

But challenges also bring opportunities. In the words of Warren Buffett – who knows a thing or two about making money – it often pays to “be greedy when others are fearful”. And the new law could have an unexpected benefit for property investors who are seeking to expand: more properties and portfolios coming onto the market with tenants already in situ.

Why Selling With Tenants in Situ Makes Sense

The Renters’ Rights Act means that in 2026 it makes more sense than ever for landlords to buy and sell property with tenants. As I pointed out in a previous Blue Bricks article, the new rules could leave sellers who go down the vacant possession route stuck with an empty property for a year – potentially costing them more than £16,000 in lost rent.

That’s because the law prevents anyone who serves notice using “Ground 1A” – the ground for landlords who wish to sell a property – from re-letting for 12 months, even if they can’t sell or change their mind.

So ,when it comes to selling with tenants in situ, the advantages for sellers are clear. As well as receiving rental income right up to the day of exchange, there’s no wasted time and hassle gaining possession, handling paperwork, sorting out inventories, deposits, cleaning and so on. But for buyers, too, tenanted property is a win-win.

It makes the sums simple and removes the guesswork: you know exactly what you’re getting, with a known yield and known tenants. There’s no need to find or vet tenants – the rental agreement can pass seamlessly from the previous owner. And you get rental income right from day one.

A Better Way to Find Tenanted Property Deals

All of which is great – but in the past, it hasn’t necessarily been easy to find tenanted property deals. Traditional sale methods often don’t meet the unique needs of the rental sector – especially where sitting tenants are involved.

As a landlord myself, I knew there had to be a better way. I founded Landlord Property Exchange to change how rental property is sold. Since last year we have been the official off-market sales partner of the NRLA – which means we have direct access to more than 100,000 landlords across the country.

Landlord Property Exchange is based on a simple idea – we match sellers with buyers who are looking for ready-made investments. We don’t advertise on property portals: our unique platform gives members exclusive access to deals they won’t find anywhere else. In fact one client recently described it as “the sector’s best kept secret”!

We handle properties across the UK, from single flats and houses to large portfolios. And although we don’t deal solely with tenanted property, that is what we specialise in – and what smart investors should be looking for.

Helping Landlords and Investors Move Forward

Our expert team handles the entire sale process efficiently and discreetly. To arrange a free demonstration of our property sales platform, call 0333 404 0658 or visit .

If you are thinking of selling instead, or want to restructure your portfolio, our team would also be glad to help. We can give you a free “property health check” and, if you decide to sell, market your property direct to our growing network of investors.

Whatever your property goals for 2026, you can also find news and advice on our website, along with details of our online and in-person events.

Contact Details:

james@lpexchange.co.uk

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