Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask His Majesty's Government what analysis they have conducted, if any, of the reasons behind rising numbers of landlords selling their properties.

The most recent English Private Landlord Survey from 2021 found that almost half of landlords (48%) planned to keep the number of rental properties the same. The English Private Landlord Survey does not include prospective landlords who may be considering entering the market.

The most frequently reported reasons for planning to decrease or sell their properties are set out in detailed analysis (attached) in the English Private Landlord Survey report. The next publication is expected later in 2024.

The most recent English Housing Survey from 2022-23 found that the proportion of households in the private rented sector has doubled since the early 2000s and remained a similar proportion (19%) since 2013-14. For more detailed analysis, please see (attached) the full English Housing Survey report.