The UK private rented sector (PRS) is currently navigating its most significant legislative shift in a generation. Between the findings of the recent ‘Is Renting Broken’’ report and the looming implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act, many portfolio landlords are asking a fundamental question: Is the current model still viable?

At Conway Chartered Surveyors, we are increasingly being called upon by long-term clients to provide not just valuations, but strategic clarity in a market that feels increasingly “broken” for the traditional landlord.

The Data: A Sector Under Pressure

The latest Goodlord ‘Is Renting Broken’’ report paints a stark picture. It highlights a sector struggling with supply-demand imbalances, but it is the legislative sentiment that is most telling. Combined with recent industry data from Landlord Today, the “preparedness gap” is becoming a major risk factor:

• The Preparedness Gap: A staggering four in five landlords admit they are unprepared for the full impact of the Renters’ Rights Act.
• The Legislative Weight: The abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions and the move toward periodic tenancies are not just administrative changes; they fundamentally alter the risk profile of a property investment.
• The Valuation Shift: For portfolio landlords, these changes impact the “Investment Value” of a property. When security of tenure increases, the flexibility of the asset decreases, which can have a direct knock-on effect on market valuations and exit strategies.

Why Portfolio Landlords are Reviewing Now

I am currently working with several clients who are using this period of transition to perform a “Stress Test” on their portfolios. The Renters’ Rights Act is forcing a pivot in two distinct directions:

1. The “Optimise and Hold” Strategy

For many, the goal is to increase the yield to offset the rising costs of compliance and the loss of flexibility. This requires an expert understanding of current market value versus potential value. Through professional valuation and building consultancy, we help landlords identify where capital expenditure (such as energy efficiency improvements or internal reconfigurations) will actually drive a meaningful increase in asset value.

2. The “Strategic Exit”

With four out of five landlords feeling unprepared, we are seeing an uptick in landlords looking to consolidate. Whether you are looking to sell a single underperforming unit or an entire portfolio, an accurate, RICS-regulated valuation is your most powerful tool. In a nervous market, “guessing” your exit price is a high-stakes gamble.

The Importance of RICS-Regulated Insight

The Goodlord report suggests that while the “system” may be under strain, the demand for high-quality rental housing has never been higher. The landlords who will thrive in the 2026/27 landscape are those who treat their portfolio as a living business, rather than a passive investment.

As Chartered Surveyors, our role is to provide the data you need to make these “Stay or Go” decisions. We provide:

• Accurate Market Valuations: Understanding the “Real World” price of your assets under the new legislative framework.
• Portfolio Optimisation: Advising on where to invest to maintain value as regulations tighten.
• Disposal Support: Ensuring that if you do choose to exit, you do so with a valuation that reflects the true potential of your holdings.

Don’t Be Part of the 80%

If you fall into the 80% of landlords feeling unprepared for the Renters’ Rights Act, the time to act is now. Legislation is changing the rules of the game, but it doesn’t have to end the game for professional portfolio holders.

Are you looking to understand the true value of your portfolio in today’s climate? Whether you are optimising for the future or preparing for a sale, let’s discuss how a professional valuation can safeguard your position.