A significant volume of previously rented homes is being brought to the sales market across Great Britain, according to analysis from Savills.

The firm estimates that 254,000 former buy-to-let properties were listed for sale in the 12 months to the end of March, equivalent to around 697 homes per day.

This represents a 28% increase on March 2024 levels and is 9% higher than in the year to March 2025, indicating a continued shift in landlord activity under changing market conditions.

The trend is most pronounced in London, where former rental properties accounted for 30% of new sales instructions, compared with 13% across the rest of Great Britain.

Number of previously let properties brought to the sales market

Source: Savills using listings data

A Savills spokesperson said: “For many landlords, the Renters’ Rights Act has become a clear point at which to reassess their investment. This has been compounded by fixed‑rate mortgages coming to an end and wider regulatory pressures, including higher minimum energy efficiency standards. Together, these factors are driving a more fundamental review of whether rental property still stacks up, particularly for smaller, mortgaged landlords.

“We’ve seen a notable increase in Section 21 notices being served, often as a way for landlords to test achievable rents in the open market. However, we would also expect this to translate into more sales over the coming months.”

Savills research also examined whether buy‑to‑let properties listed for sale ultimately changed tenure, finding that 14% of those which sold were purchased by other landlords, effectively returning to the private rented sector.

The spokesperson added: “Looking ahead, refinancing and tenants choosing to move on are likely to become the main sale triggers. But with a significant number of homes returning to the rental market under new ownership, it is not just about shrinking supply, but a broader restructuring of the market towards a smaller more committed pool of professional landlords.”