Letting agents not used by half of landlords

Admin

November 4, 2025
3 min read

Letting agents not used by half of landlords

Many landlords are opting for self-management, with half not using letting agents to manage their property. This is especially true of landlords who own just one or very few homes, with government data showing that those with five or more homes are “far more likely” to use an agent to manage their portfolio. But Zoopla warns that smaller landlords may be “exposing themselves to increased risks,” especially with the new Renters Rights Bill coming into law.

Landlords who choose to self-manage rather than rely on letting agents do so for a number of reasons but the number one factor is cost. Agent fees can take as much as 10-17% of rental income. Many also prefer having direct control over tenant relationships and property decisions. “DIY platforms are making advertising, vetting and contracts easier without professional help,” Zoopla says. “For landlords with just one or two properties, managing the workload themselves is often seen as more manageable.”

Double Glazing Can Be Added Without Planning Permission

Find out how homeowners in London can improve insulation and energy efficiency without the need for planning approval.

Private Rent Accounting for 44% of Average Wage

A new report reveals that London renters are spending nearly half their income on rent, raising concerns about affordability and housing policy.

Premium for Londoners to Live Near Rail Station, Research Finds

Living close to a train or Tube station comes with a price premium, according to new research on London property trends.

But it warns that while it “may seem like saving money,” it is often “just delaying the costs.” In some cases, “the reality of getting it wrong can far outweigh the perceived savings.”

“Self-managing requires time, effort and knowledge of the 169 Acts and 402 Regulations that govern the private rented sector. Choosing the right letting agent can offer security and peace of mind, protecting landlords from making the most common, and often very expensive, mistakes.”

Letting agents can be “invaluable” for inexperienced landlords or those with large portfolios, HMO properties, or “simply busy schedules,” it said.

The Renters’ Rights Bill will become law in the coming months ad bring “significant changes to the rental market, making compliance more crucial than ever.”

It introduces stricter obligations for landlords, including tenancy agreements and safety standards, with the margin for error “shrinking,” and “even minor, accidental mistakes” resulting in hefty fines.

Landlords will have to ensure they are fully aligned with the regulations. “This shift makes using a letting agent more valuable than ever before,” according to Zoopla.

Stay tuned to EyeOnLondon for the latest news and expert opinions.