The number of landlords making plans to sell their properties, is now the highest ever since records were first started according to latest data.

Research consultancy BVA-BDRC carried out a survey of private landlords on behalf of an industry organisation that found between Jan to March this year, 33 per cent of landlords in England and Wales said they have made plans on selling a number of  rented properties this year.

This is the highest percentage ever recorded by the consultancy firm and is 20 per cent higher than the corresponding period in 2022, the survey also found that just 10 per cent of landlords have plans to purchase more properties for renting out.

Around 67 per cent of landlords said number of tenants looking for properties was continually increasing.

Throughout every region in England and Wales over 70 per cent of landlords reported demand had risen with the East of England recording the highest levels across the two countries.

The organisation sends out a stark waring that if the government fails to take any action then the PRS housing supply crisis will cause homelessness and ever rising rents because of supply and demand. It is calling for Ministers to carry out a study of the ‘true’ impact of the tax rises on the private landlords, and to encourage growth within the sector through a raft of new pro-policies.

This should also be taken into consideration with the scrapping of Section 21 evictions as landlords need some form of security and confidence that if they do go to court to repossess a property because of tenant rental arrears or anti-social behaviour, then the courts will act swiftly in proceeding with cases. Currently on average it can take around six months before landlords can reclaim their property.

A spokesperson for the organisation says: “Renters are bearing the brunt of the supply crisis. Without change, matters will only worsen over the coming year. The government needs to reverse its damaging tax hikes on the sector, which have discouraged the provision of the homes tenants desperately need.