Why the Buy-to-Let Dream is Dead: How the Government Killed the UK’s Best Investment

There was a time when buy-to-let was seen as one of the safest and most profitable investments in the UK. Landlords could buy a property, rent it out, cover their mortgage, and watch their investment grow. For many, it was a sure-fire way to build wealth.

But today, that dream is dead.

Thanks to crippling tax changes, relentless regulation, and rising costs, what was once the UK’s best investment has become a financial nightmare for many landlords. So, how did we get here? And what does the future hold for buy-to-let investors?

Section 24: The Buy-to-Let Killer

The most significant blow to the buy-to-let dream came in the form of Section 24, a tax change that completely altered how landlords are taxed on their rental income. Before Section 24, landlords could deduct their mortgage interest from their rental income, paying tax only on their actual profits. But Section 24 changed that, taxing landlords on their full rental income, even if they’re losing money after mortgage payments.

Take Chris, a landlord with three properties in Leeds. Before Section 24, Chris’s rental income covered his mortgage payments and left him with a small profit each month. But after the new tax rules came into effect, Chris found himself paying tax on income he never saw. His tax bill doubled, even though his real profits remained the same. Now, Chris is seriously considering selling up—he’s no longer earning enough to make it worthwhile.

Chris’s story isn’t unique. Thousands of landlords across the UK are facing similar situations, where the numbers simply don’t add up. And it’s pushing them out of the market.

Stamp Duty Land Tax: Another Nail in the Coffin

But it’s not just Section 24 that’s killing the buy-to-let dream. The government has also introduced an additional 3% Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) surcharge on second homes and buy-to-let properties. This makes it significantly more expensive for landlords to purchase new properties.

For Claire, a would-be buy-to-let investor, this surcharge made her think twice about expanding her portfolio. After crunching the numbers, she realised that the cost of the additional SDLT would wipe out much of the income she’d hoped to generate from a new rental property. In the end, she decided not to invest.

With SDLT surcharges adding thousands to the cost of buying a second property, many landlords are finding it impossible to expand their portfolios—and some are deciding that buy-to-let just isn’t worth the hassle anymore.

Regulatory Burdens: Drowning in Paperwork

Beyond tax changes, landlords are also facing an ever-growing list of regulations. From energy efficiency requirements to eviction laws, the pressure to comply with new rules is making it harder for small landlords to keep up.

For example, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) require landlords to ensure their properties meet strict energy efficiency ratings or face fines. While the aim is to reduce energy consumption, many landlords, particularly those with older properties, are finding that upgrading to meet these standards is cost-prohibitive.

Tom, a landlord with a Victorian terrace house in Bristol, was shocked at the cost of making his property compliant with new energy efficiency rules. After getting quotes for insulation, window replacements, and heating system upgrades, he realised that the cost would be well beyond his means. Now, Tom is considering selling the property instead of investing in costly upgrades.

And then there’s the growing burden of eviction regulations. The proposed abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions has many landlords feeling that they’re losing control over their properties. While tenant protections are important, landlords are left feeling vulnerable, knowing that it could take months to remove problem tenants—all while facing mounting legal and repair costs.

The Impact on Tenants: Fewer Homes, Higher Rents

The decline of buy-to-let investors isn’t just affecting landlords—it’s having a knock-on effect on tenants as well. With fewer landlords staying in the market, the supply of rental properties is shrinking, and rents are rising.

Take Sophie, a tenant in Liverpool who’s been renting for five years. When her landlord decided to sell due to the increased tax burdens, Sophie was forced to move. But with fewer properties on the market, she found herself competing with dozens of other renters. The result? Her rent is now £200 more per month than it was before.

As more landlords leave the market, this trend is only going to worsen. Tenants like Sophie are finding it harder to secure affordable homes, and rising rents are eating into their disposable income, making it even harder to save for a deposit to buy their own homes.

Is There a Future for Buy-to-Let?

With all these challenges, it’s no wonder that many landlords are giving up on buy-to-let. But does that mean the buy-to-let dream is dead for good? Not necessarily—but without major reforms, the outlook isn’t promising.

The government needs to rethink its approach to taxing and regulating landlords. Policies like Section 24 may have been introduced with good intentions, but the reality is that they’re driving landlords out of the market, reducing the supply of rental homes, and pushing rents higher for tenants.

Here’s what needs to change if buy-to-let is to survive:

1. Scrap or Reform Section 24: The most damaging policy for landlords is Section 24. Repealing or reforming this tax change would provide immediate relief to landlords and help stabilise the rental market.
2. Reduce SDLT for Buy-to-Let Investors: The 3% SDLT surcharge on second homes is discouraging landlords from investing in new properties. Reducing this surcharge would encourage more landlords to stay in the market and increase the supply of rental homes.
3. Simplify Regulations: While protecting tenants is important, the sheer volume of regulations is making it harder for landlords to operate. Simplifying compliance processes and providing financial support for necessary upgrades—like energy efficiency improvements—would make it easier for landlords to meet their obligations without being financially overwhelmed.
4. Encourage Long-Term Investment: The government should incentivise landlords to stay in the market for the long term. Offering tax breaks for long-term tenancies and providing grants for property improvements could help landlords continue to provide homes without being driven out by short-term financial pressures.

Support Property118 in the Fight for Buy-to-Let Reform

At Property118, we’re fighting to keep the buy-to-let dream alive. We believe that buy-to-let can still be a profitable, sustainable investment—if the right reforms are made. That’s why we’re campaigning for the repeal of Section 24, the reduction of Stamp Duty surcharges, and the creation of a fairer regulatory environment for landlords.

But we can’t do it without your help. If you believe in protecting the future of buy-to-let, please consider supporting Property118. Your donations will help us continue the fight for fairer policies that support both landlords and tenants.

Every donation counts. Use the form below to help us fight for a fairer, more sustainable future for buy-to-let investors and the UK rental market.

The buy-to-let dream isn’t dead yet—but without action, it soon could be. Together, we can save it and protect the future of the UK’s rental market.

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