The survey by Simply Business revealed that up to half a million homes could be put up for sale in 2020, while 82% of landlords claimed that they were not planning on buying properties this year.

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The main reasons given for disposing of properties were uncertain market conditions, government reforms and tax increases. 

More than a third of landlords (35%) reported a decrease in rental yield in 2019.

Bea Montoya, chief operating officer at Simply Business, commented: “Any landlord looking to sell up should make sure they understand the complexities surrounding buy-to-let sales, particularly if the property is occupied.”