Why Waiting to Sell Your Buy‑to‑Let Could Cost You in 2026
If you’re a landlord in Reading or the surrounding areas, now is the time to review your position. The Renters’ Rights Act coming into force on 1 May 2026 could make it significantly more difficult - and less profitable - to sell a buy-to-let property if you wait too long.
📉 Why Landlords Are Rethinking Their Portfolios
Many Reading landlords have already felt the squeeze:
📊 The 2% property tax increase announced in the November 2025 Budget
📉 The ongoing impact of Section 24, which removed mortgage interest relief
⚖️ New rules under the Renters’ Rights Act that reduce flexibility, raise costs, and limit possession options
🗓 The Clock Is Ticking: Key Deadline – 1 May 2026
The Renters’ Rights Act will:
Abolish Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions
Convert all ASTs to rolling periodic tenancies (PATs)
Limit rent increases and restrict blanket policies (e.g. pet bans)
Introduce stronger tenant rights, and tougher possession rules
📌 If you want to use a Section 21 notice, it must be served before 1 May 2026 - and court action initiated by 31 July 2026, if needed.
Delaying could lock you into a new system where gaining possession may take months longer, and require strict legal grounds.
🧾 After May 2026: New Tenancy Rules
Once the Act comes in:
All fixed terms and break clauses are void
You can’t include rent review formulas - only use statutory rent increases (Form 4A)
Tenants can leave with just 2 months’ notice - landlords can’t
📣 Even if your tenant stays, the tenancy automatically becomes periodic, with no need to sign a new agreement.
⚠️ What This Means for Landlords in Reading
If your rental property is no longer generating a strong return - or you’re simply ready to exit - acting now could save you legal costs, delays, and months of uncertainty.
You may want to:
✅ Review your entire property portfolio
✅ Speak with an independent advisor about tax planning
✅ Serve notice (if appropriate and compliant)
✅ Or explore a sale with the tenant in situ
🏡 We Can Help - Confidentially and Locally
At WhiteKnights, we’re already working with Reading landlords making these difficult decisions - and we can help you:
Understand your current property value
Decide if now is the right time to sell
Navigate legal requirements for notice and possession
Market tenanted or vacant properties discreetly and professionally
📩 Book a confidential portfolio review or free valuation today.
We’re here to help you stay ahead of the changes.