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14/7/25 8:13 pm
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New government figures from April to June 2025 show that landlord sell-offs remain the leading cause of tenants facing homelessness, with 6,700 households affected because their landlords chose to sell their properties. This figure is more than twice the number of cases caused by landlords seeking to re-let their properties, which accounted for 2,320, according to Ministry of Housing data.
In university cities, this trend is intensifying an already stretched student housing market. Many students depend on privately rented homes and purpose-built student accommodation owned by private landlords. When these landlords sell up, students face sudden displacement, often with little time to find alternative accommodation during term time.
This instability doesn’t just disrupt students’ education, it increases the risk of homelessness among a vulnerable group. Councils, already under pressure with temporary accommodation numbers hitting record highs, struggle to cope with the surge in demand. London, for example, has over 20 households per 1,000 in temporary accommodation, seven times the national average, highlighting the scale of the crisis in key urban areas.
The upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill (RRB) aims to address some of these challenges by ending ‘no-fault’ evictions under Section 21, providing tenants (including students) with greater security and longer tenancies. This change, as outlined in the government’s consultation documents, is designed to reduce turnover and help tenants plan for the long term.
For landlords in student housing, this represents an opportunity to build more stable, reliable tenancies. Longer leases aligned with academic years can reduce void periods and foster better landlord-tenant relationships.
What landlords can do now:
• Offer longer tenancies that match the academic calendar to provide stability and reduce tenant turnover
• Communicate early and clearly with student tenants about any plans to sell or end tenancies to give them time to find new accommodation
• Keep properties well-maintained to meet the higher standards expected under forthcoming legislation like the RRB and Awaab’s Law, which targets health and safety issues in rental properties
• Stay informed about local housing markets and student demand trends to make smarter investment decisions
• Work with local councils and universities to support students and minimise disruption
With the Autumn Budget nearing, landlords face uncertainty over tax changes. While the government has ruled out raising tax rates, proposals to apply National Insurance to rental income remain on the table. This could significantly raise costs for some landlords, making financial planning and portfolio reviews more important than ever.
Landlords play a key role in supporting a healthier rental market that works for students and wider communities alike. If you manage student properties or have insights on adapting to these changes, share your experiences in the comments below.
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