What Serious Property Buyers Are Most Interested In Right Now

The property market is shifting, and it’s becoming clearer every day what serious buyers are really looking for: property companies and blocks of six or more properties. These investment opportunities aren’t just a trend — they’re the most efficient way for buyers to expand their portfolios while keeping costs down. For landlords considering selling, this demand creates a fantastic opportunity to exit the market with a smooth, profitable deal.

Let me explain why these types of purchases are in such high demand and how working with my team at Landlord Sales Agency can help you take full advantage — whether you’re buying or selling.

Why Blocks of Six or More Properties Are So Popular

The tax landscape for property buyers has changed dramatically in recent years, with Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) costs climbing to unprecedented levels. For individual property purchases, the SDLT surcharge now stands at a hefty 5%. But there’s a crucial rule that makes buying in blocks of six or more properties highly attractive: when six or more properties are purchased in a single transaction, non-residential SDLT rates apply.

Here’s what that means for serious buyers:

• Non-residential SDLT rates are much lower, with a top rate of 5%, compared to the 15% maximum for residential purchases with the surcharge.
• By buying in bulk, buyers save tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds in SDLT, leaving more capital for investment or refurbishment.

For landlords with six or more properties, packaging them as a block sale makes your portfolio far more appealing to buyers. It’s a win-win: buyers secure the SDLT savings, and you benefit from higher demand and a faster, smoother sale.

The Rising Demand for Property Companies

Another trend I’ve seen growing rapidly is the demand for property companies. Instead of purchasing individual properties, serious investors are snapping up Limited Companies that hold property portfolios. Here’s why:

• When buyers acquire a property company, they only pay 0.5% Stamp Duty on the transaction. Compare that to the 5% SDLT surcharge on additional properties, and the savings can be staggering.
• Investors appreciate the cashflow advantages of acquiring portfolios already generating rental income, with tenants in place.

It’s worth noting that while purchasing a property company involves certain complexities—such as renegotiating financing agreements—there has been a seismic shift in how lenders view Limited Company borrowing.

Why Mortgage Lenders Are Boosting Demand

In recent years, mortgage lenders have significantly improved their affordability criteria for Limited Company purchases, making it easier for buyers to finance these acquisitions.

Historically, Limited Company loans came with higher interest rates compared to personal borrowing, which often deterred smaller buyers. However, the landscape has changed:

• Competitive Interest Rates: Today, rates offered to Limited Companies are often comparable to personal borrowing rates for portfolio landlords. This removes what was once a major hurdle for buyers looking to acquire property companies.
• Section 24 Savings: With Limited Companies exempt from the punitive effects of Section 24, buyers are not only drawn to the SDLT savings but also the long-term tax benefits of operating within a corporate structure.

This combination of affordable financing and tax efficiency has made Limited Companies a favourite among serious investors. For landlords, this demand represents an exciting opportunity to sell your company as a going concern rather than enduring long void periods or the cashflow issues of vacant properties awaiting sale.

How We Connect Buyers and Sellers

At Landlord Sales Agency, we specialise in connecting serious buyers with landlords looking to sell. My network includes over 30,000 motivated investors and a growing list of those specifically searching for blocks of six or more properties or property companies. These are buyers who understand the tax benefits, see the value in these deals, and are ready to act quickly when the right opportunity comes along.

If you’re a landlord considering selling, I can connect you with buyers who are actively looking for investments like yours. And if you’re an investor looking to expand your portfolio, my team can introduce you to exclusive opportunities that align with your goals.

Why Now Is the Time to Act

The demand for blocks of properties and property companies has never been higher, and it’s only continuing to grow. For landlords, this is the perfect time to capitalise on a strong market and exit the rental sector with a smooth, profitable deal. For buyers, these opportunities offer significant tax advantages, affordable financing options, and an efficient way to grow your portfolio.

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, we’d love to hear from you. Just complete the form below, and we’ll be in touch to discuss how we can help.

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